You’ve seen the "megachurch of sports" from the I-85 connector—that massive, angular steel bird that looks like it’s about to take flight over downtown Atlanta. People call it the Benz. Honestly, most folks think it’s just where the Falcons play and where you can get a hot dog for two bucks.
But if you’re asking who plays in the Mercedes Benz Stadium, the answer is way more chaotic and crowded than just a Sunday afternoon NFL schedule.
It is a revolving door of elite athletes, from local legends to global icons. Right now, in early 2026, the building is basically the center of the sporting universe. Between the regular tenants and the massive one-offs, that retractable roof—which, let’s be real, is rarely open—is covering a lot of ground.
The Full-Time Tenants: Falcons and Five Stripes
The two names you’ll see on the permanent signage are obvious. You’ve got the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS).
The Falcons are the reason the building exists. Arthur Blank wanted a state-of-the-art home to replace the aging Georgia Dome, and he got a $1.6 billion masterpiece. But here is the thing: the Falcons only play about eight or nine regular-season home games a year.
That leaves a lot of empty dates.
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Enter Atlanta United. If you haven’t been to a "Five Stripes" match, you’re missing out. They don't just "play" there; they own the atmosphere. While the Falcons often struggle to fill the upper 300-level seats, United fans regularly set attendance records that make European soccer clubs jealous. They play a full MLS season from February through October, usually drawing north of 45,000 fans per match.
The 2026 World Cup Takeover
If you think the stadium is busy now, just wait. Atlanta is a primary host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This isn't just a "fun fact." It’s a massive logistical nightmare and a dream come true for the city. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is slated to host eight matches, including a massive semi-final on July 15, 2026.
Essentially, the world’s best international teams will be calling this place home for a month. We’re talking about the biggest names in the sport—think France, Argentina, or England—stepping onto the pitch. FIFA takes over the keys weeks in advance, so for a chunk of 2026, the stadium technically "belongs" to the international governing body of soccer.
College Football: The "Southern Ivy League" of Brutality
Atlanta is the capital of college football. Period.
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The stadium hosts the SEC Championship every December. It’s basically a religious holiday in the South. But even before the championship, the stadium sees plenty of collegiate action.
- The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Just this past week, on January 9, 2026, we saw No. 5 Oregon face off against No. 1 Indiana in a College Football Playoff Semifinal. It was a sellout.
- Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have a deal to play one home game here annually through 2026. It’s a way for them to recruit and get that "big stage" feel away from Bobby Dodd Stadium.
- The A-T-L Gridiron Classic: We also see neutral-site openers and rivalry games, like the upcoming clash between Georgia and Florida.
The Random and the Rare
It’s not just "ball" sports.
The stadium recently added Atlanta Drive GC to its roster—the city's TGL (Tech-infused golf league) team. While they don't play on the main grass (obviously), the venue's infrastructure supports the tech-heavy requirements of the league.
Then there are the concerts.
Who plays here when the turf is rolled up? Legends. In 2026, the lineup is ridiculous. AC/DC is bringing their Power Up Tour on August 27. Chris Stapleton is taking over on August 21 with his "All-American Road Show." Even Ed Sheeran is coming back for his "LOOP Tour" in October.
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What You Actually Need to Know (The Actionable Part)
If you're planning to catch a game or a show, don't just show up.
First, it is a 100% cashless venue. If you bring a wad of twenties, you’ll be looking for a "Reverse ATM" kiosk to load that cash onto a prepaid card.
Second, the bag policy is strict. If it’s not clear plastic and tiny (12” x 6” x 12”), it’s not getting in.
Finally, use MARTA. The stadium is served by the GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City stations. Traffic in downtown Atlanta during a Falcons game or a World Cup match is a special kind of hell that no one deserves to experience.
Pro Tip: If you're there for a match, go to the "Fan First" concession stands. You can still get a refillable soda for $2 and a hot dog for $2. In 2026, that’s basically free.
Check the official stadium site for the specific 2026 calendar, as "pop-up" international friendlies (like the USMNT vs. Belgium match in March) are added to the schedule constantly.