watch atlanta's soon-to-be-open mercedes-benz stadium roof close in this time lapse

the city of atlanta, and its football team the atlanta falcons are soon to open one of the world’s most spectacular venues: the mercedes-benz stadium. designed by HOK in collaboration with tvsdesign, goode van slyke architecture and stanley beaman & sears, the stadium will position itself as an iconic architectural landmark for the city. created with functionality and flexibility in mind, the structure has a capacity of 75,000 seats that can be expanded to 83,000. but its signature element is a retractable roof that provides a radical departure from kinetic roofs.

mercedes-benz stadium, designed by HOK, tvsdesign, goode van slyke architecture and stanley beaman & sears

derived from the shape of a falcon’s wing, the roof at the mercedes-benz stadium features eight triangular panels that wrap it and move in unison along individual tracts. this allows the roof to open and close like a camera aperture, even if an optical illusion makes it appear as if it was rotating. each of the moving petals cantilever approximately 200 feet inwards towards the center of the stadium, providing a roof covering when the petals are in closed position. in a close position, the petals lock together to form a watertight seal.

the structure has a capacity of 75,000 seats that can be expanded to 83,000

clad with air-inflated ETFE pillows, each petal is extremely durable, and has a lightweight fabric that is translucent, allowing for a light filled stadium, even when movable petals are in closed position. a 360-degree HD halo video board built into the roof offers fans clear views from every seat while they enjoy the game. other amenities include a technology lounge, a 100-yard bar and a floor-to-ceiling window offering views of downtown atlanta. the project aims to be not only an anchor for the downtown tourist and entertainment district, but also a catalyzer in the neighborhood, bringing changes to the surroundings. its sustainable design, construction and operations extends into the community through the creation of urban farming and open recreation spaces.

its signature element is a retractable roof