When the Atlanta Falcons' new $1.5 billion home opens with an exhibition game Saturday night, the most expensive and most discussed feature of Mercedes-Benz Stadium will remain closed.

The retractable roof isn’t ready to retract, forcing games to be played with it in the closed position until mechanization is completed. Falcons and stadium officials don’t know exactly when they’ll be able to open the roof for a game, but they say it’ll be sometime this fall.

"I don't get upset, to be honest with you, over two or three months delay," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. "The roof works. It just doesn't open and close in 12 minutes yet, but it does open and close.

About the Author

Keep Reading

In his first season as USF men's basketball coach, Amir Abdur-Rahim led the Bulls to a 25-8 record and the American Athletic Conference regular-season title. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times 2024)

Credit: TNS

Featured

Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images