A World-Class Experience In Atlanta
Since its opening in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has gained recognition as the busiest stadium in the United States and has hosted some of the largest sporting events worldwide. Hosting games for this year’s FIFA Club World Cup it will also serve as a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. fcbusiness speaks with Tim Zulawski, President of AMB Sports & Entertainment, to learn more.
How will hosting the FIFA Club World Cup help prepare you for the World Cup in 2026?
Atlanta is no stranger to hosting big events. Mercedes-Benz Stadium prides itself in operational excellence and has hosted several major events, including Super Bowls, College Football Playoff National Championships and international soccer friendlies. Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are well underway, and we have already begun planning for operation logistics, fan engagement strategies and stadium readiness. We’re excited to have the Club World Cup in Atlanta as it will serve as a precursor to the 2026 World Cup and hopefully increase the already present excitement for international soccer in our city, as well as further refine Atlanta’s ability to deliver a seamless World Cup experience.
What do you hope to learn from hosting these tournaments?
We embrace key learnings after every event and are constantly evolving and adapting to provide the best experience for athletes, coaches and fans. Club World Cup will be another opportunity to evaluate how we can best optimise stadium operations, enhance the fan experience, improve transportation logistics and refine emergency response protocols. It will also provide insights into international audience expectations and cultural considerations so Atlanta and the state of Georgia can be a welcoming host to visitors from around the world.
What preparations are taking place ahead of the tournaments?
Downtown Atlanta is currently undergoing significant investments, with $1.1bn in projects already underway and a total of $8.4bn planned to set the stage for worldclass events. These investments are not just about physical changes, but also about preparing the city for both the Club World Cup and the World Cup in 2026. Infrastructure improvements, additional housing, security upgrades and sustainability initiatives are being implemented to ensure readiness and long-term benefits for residents. The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and all stakeholders are focused on ensuring that the events are beneficial not only for the city but also for its citizens. This includes efforts to support and empower local businesses and involve them in the planning process.
How will these differ from other events you’ve held at the stadium?
While Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted events with large crowds, the FIFA tournaments will bring a unique global focus with diverse fan bases and media coverage. The scalability of the stadium, including retractable seating and a FIFA-certified pitch, allows for a seamless transition to FIFA’s requirements. Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup will mark the fifth time we’ve installed grass at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and each installation has provided valuable insights that inform our process. We are intentionally focused on selecting the best grass variety suited for durability and, most importantly, player safety. Our team is collaborating with industry-leading turf experts to ensure the highest quality installation and maintenance plan. We’re implementing advanced strategies to preserve the grass for an extended period, including state-of-the-art grow lighting, precision irrigation, and optimised field management practices. This proactive approach will ensure that players have the best possible playing surface, meet FIFA’s standards and enhance the overall competition experience. This level of preparation demonstrates our commitment to providing top-notch experiences for the world’s most prestigious tournaments. Additionally, these tournaments will be the largest and longest events, in terms of duration, Atlanta has seen in many years. Club World Cup will be nearly 30 days long. For comparison, the 1996 Olympic Games was 17 days long. We embrace the challenge and look forward to the impact and reach the event will have on the entire Atlanta metro area across hotels, restaurants, team base camps and the Atlanta United Training Facility.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a truly spectacular stadium. What will the fan experience be like?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium redefines the fan experience and is setting a global standard for sports and entertainment. At every event, hosted fans can enjoy an exceptional blend of affordability and quality, with fan-friendly food and beverage pricing alongside some of the highest-quality culinary options in the industry. The stadium’s cutting edge technology enhances every aspect of the experience, from seamless biometric entry and ultra fast wi-fi to state-of-the-art concessions that minimise wait times and maximise convenience. The stadium’s iconic 360-degree halo video board – the first of its kind – delivers stunning visuals that immerse fans in the action like never before. Premium spaces, including exclusive clubs and lounges, provide elevated experiences with unmatched comfort, all-inclusive offerings and breathtaking views. With its innovative design, high-tech amenities and unwavering focus on fan satisfaction and commitment to sustainability, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will deliver an unforgettable atmosphere for every guest that walks through the doors during the Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.
Security will be a big concern. How will you implement a security plan for the tournaments?
The safety and security of fans and players is the top priority, which is why we have already begun preparations to establish safety and security protocols that align with FIFA’s global security standards. Atlanta’s approach includes collaboration with local, state and federal agencies, advanced surveillance systems, drone detection technology and a well-trained security workforce. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is renowned worldwide as one of the most technologically advanced stadiums.
With the eyes of the world watching, how will you showcase its unique capabilities for hosting matches?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will showcase its unique capabilities for hosting matches through cutting-edge technology, including a fully digital inner bowl with the iconic 360-degree halo board, an advanced retractable roof and seamless connectivity with an impressive 5,000 miles of fibre optics. As the first stadium globally to achieve LEED Platinum and TRUE Zero certifications, Mercedes-Benz Stadium emphasises sustainability with zero-waste and water-saving initiatives. Fans enjoy innovations like biometric ticketing, touchless concessions and self-service beverage stations, while robust data systems ensure operational efficiency. These features position Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a global leader in stadium design, technology and environmental stewardship, reassuring visitors.
Tell us about the city of Atlanta. What is it like and what can visiting fans and teams expect to see when there?
Atlanta is truly a city unlike any other, with a vibrant and diverse energy, a rich cultural history and a proven track record of hosting major sports events. It is also globally connected via the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, making it easily accessible for travellers from all over the world. The southern hospitality is palpable here, as fans will detect in our fan festival in 2026, and the deep-rooted passion for soccer create a welcoming hub for players and fans from across the globe. Something else that makes Atlanta unique is its position as the epicentre of hip hop music, that not only gives it a distinct identity, but also the ability to bring together people of all backgrounds through both music and sport. It is an incredible city to visit, and visitors can explore landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, experience world-class dining, appreciate the city’s art galleries and museums and enjoy entertainment options in the “Hollywood of the South” a title Atlanta has earned due to its thriving film and television industry.
How will you work with the city to host the huge number of fans coming from all around the world?
The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are working hand-in-hand with the City of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and key stakeholders to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for the vast number of fans travelling from across the globe. Our collaborative efforts encompass several strategic initiatives, including infrastructure improvements, transportation planning, hospitality and accommodations, public safety and community engagement. For example, significant investments are being made in downtown Atlanta to enhance accessibility and accommodate the increased demand. This includes $120m in city bonds allocated for infrastructure upgrades and $8.4bn in public and private investments for new developments, streetscapes and public amenities. The Host Committee and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are working on coordinated efforts with MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system, to improve service capacity and connectivity, ensuring fans can easily access the stadium and other key locations in the city. Enhancements include additional bus and train schedules, upgraded stations and optimised routes to handle the influx of visitors. Additionally, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport is also preparing for increased capacity and special operations for delegations.
Atlanta is continuing to expand its capacity to welcome guests by increasing hotel inventory and offering a range of accommodation options to suit diverse needs for major sporting events and convention business. By summer 2026, we will have more than 14,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Additionally, Centennial Yards, a new 50-acre entertainment district adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium is currently under construction to add 300 additional hotel rooms as well as hub for entertainment activities by summer of 2026. Public safety is the top priority, and the city is deploying a comprehensive security plan in collaboration with local, state and federal agencies. This includes increased patrols, advanced surveillance systems and coordinated emergency response protocols to create a safe and welcoming environment for fans. Local businesses, volunteers and community groups will be mobilised to deliver warm hospitality and ensure a positive impression of Atlanta as a host city. The goal is to showcase Atlanta as a global gateway and a premier destination for international events. These comprehensive efforts, combined with the expertise of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and its proven track record of hosting large-scale events, will ensure that Atlanta is ready to welcome and accommodate fans from all corners of the world.
What is the commercial potential for the city and the stadium during, pre- and post tournaments?
The tournaments are expected to generate significant economic impact, attracting international visitors, boosting local businesses and creating jobs. The city has already invested heavily in infrastructure and development to maximise commercial opportunities. We hope to show the world that Atlanta, the state of Georgia and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are built for big events. Atlanta will be showcased on the world stage for the next two summers, and we hope that this will encourage event organisers, including sports, businesses, conventions and people from other states, cities and countries that Atlanta is the place to be. Therefore, the tournaments can influence the future of our region greatly.
Sustainability and environmental impact are major concerns during tournaments such as the World Cup. What are the stadium’s credentials and what work is being done to limit the impact?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a global leader in sustainability, earning prestigious credentials that set it apart as an environmentally responsible venue. It was North America’s first professional sports stadium to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest standard for green building design and construction. Additionally, it is the only stadium worldwide to achieve both TRUE Platinum certification for zero waste and LEED Zero certification, a testament to its innovative and comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Ongoing sustainability initiatives focus on several key areas, including energy efficiency. The stadium utilises renewable energy sources and features over 4,000 solar panels, which generate enough energy annually to power ten Atlanta Falcons games. Advanced energy management systems also ensure efficient use of power during events and off-peak times.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium prioritises water conservation and employs an on-site stormwater management system that captures and reuses rainwater, reducing water consumption and mitigating flooding risks in the surrounding area. The system also contributes to preserving Atlanta’s water resources by diverting millions of gallons from the city’s stormwater infrastructure. The stadium’s zero-waste programme diverts over 90% of event-day waste from landfills through composting, recycling and reusable packaging initiatives. Guests are encouraged to participate through clearly marked bins and sustainability-focused messaging. Construction and operational practices prioritise sustainable and locally sourced materials, further reducing the venue’s environmental footprint. As Mercedes-Benz Stadium prepares for FIFA tournaments, these efforts will be amplified to minimise environmental impact while setting a global example for sustainable event hosting. The stadium’s green credentials align perfectly with FIFA’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that Atlanta delivers a world-class event with the least environmental impact possible.
