Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, is celebrating its fifth anniversary of establishment this year.
The stadium has worked hard to reconnect the community and liven up the city once again following the unforeseen devastation that COVID-19 plagued globally.
The Falcons are kicking things into high gear as they prepare for the start of the 2022-2023 NFL Regular Season. The team has drastically changed from last season as the Falcons welcomed quarterback Marcus Mariota, quarterback Desmond Ridder, wide receiver Drake London and running back Cordarrelle Patterson.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is proud to be back in action hosting fans and attendees for games and events. As the world moves forward rebuilding what we lost at the height of the pandemic in 2020, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is making strides to give back to the heart of the community in a plethora of ways.
The stadium hosts Salute to Service in November each year with their Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors program honoring fallen heroes of the armed forces. During the 2021 season, the Falcons chose to highlight six families from TAPS and the fallen heroes of the nation. The families were gifted with an international trip to London for the New York Jets vs. Atlanta Falcons game.
New programs such as the girls’ flag football teams have started to grow the love for football in many counties across Georgia. They push forward equality and solidarity in sports, thanks to the Atlanta Falcons and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
The Falcons partnered with RCX Sports hosting the first ever National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Women’s Flag Football Tournament. With this partnership, the popularity of girls’ flag football has gained such prominence that the Atlanta Falcons and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation were able to provide 31 Georgia high schools with a grant to start a girls’ flag football team.
Falcons players have been known to give back to the community. Players, such as A.J. Terrell, work throughout local areas to be a light in the community, working with causes that appeal to them such as cleaning and revamping local parks.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium also took the occasion to highlight its commitment to sustainability. The organization has made successful efforts at becoming Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified. Since opening in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has grown to be recognized as one of the most sustainable entertainment and sports venues in the world.
The Falcons’ 2021 Community Relations Recap gives fans a look into how they give back and honor the community.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been dedicated to prioritizing zero waste since 2017 and has set the standard for other stadiums. Each day, associates make sure that the stadium is functioning as efficiently and eco-friendly as possible. Waste from the stadium is thrown in compostable trash bins to be turned into new soil, which is then distributed with a portion returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to be used in their urban garden. The garden grows produce, which is harvested and used to prepare meals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
