Mercedes-Benz lights up the new stadium

Mercedes-Benz USA held a ceremonial illumination of its logo and name on the new Falcons stadium Thursday.

The company, which landed the stadium naming rights in August 2015, lit its iconic three-pointed star and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium script on the exterior of the $1.5 billion building for the first time at 6 a.m.

The star and script appear in four areas on the stadium exterior. The stars are 66 feet in diameter and the “M” on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium signage more than 12 feet in height.

“We wanted to make a bold statement that we intended to be a visible and valuable member of the Atlanta community,” Drew Slaven, Mercedes-Benz USA vice president of marketing, said in a news release. “As for the visible part, I think we checked that box today. As to valuable, I hope our commitment to the Westside community is evident in the work we’ve been doing to educate and empower the next generation.”

Mercedes-Benz USA moved its headquarters from New Jersey to metro Atlanta in 2015. The company’s naming-rights deal on the stadium runs through 2042.

About the Author

NFL fines Falcons $250,000 for breach that led to prank call on Sanders

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich gets $100,000 fine for failing to keep information confidential.

Falcons exercise $16.8 million fifth-year option for receiver Drake London

The Falcons have exercised the fifth-year option on the contract for receiver Drake London.

Jalon Walker, Malaki Starks leaders among NFL prospects drafted into good situations

The 2025 NFL draft is in the books. Here are several players we’ve noted who landed in ideal situations.

The Latest

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons exercise $16.8 million fifth-year option for receiver Drake London

NFL fines Falcons $250,000 for breach that led to prank call on Sanders

Jalon Walker, Malaki Starks leaders among NFL prospects drafted into good situations

Featured

Credit: Philip Robibero/AJC

Interactive: What Georgia voters think about Donald Trump’s first 100 days, the issues and 2026 election

Explore the AJC's interactive poll results to see how Georgians' opinions differ about politics based on their gender, age, race, education, income and political leaning.

Dickens administration aims to wipe out $33M deficit before budget cycle begins

According to the mayor’s office, the original $33 million deficit — about 3% of last year’s general fund budget — has already been reduced by half.

Gwinnett judge won’t apply Kemp’s new lawsuit limits to landmark trial

The judge overseeing a landmark trial in Gwinnett County refused to apply Gov. Brian Kemp’s new lawsuit-limiting legislation to the case.