Countdown to opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium: What you need to know

It’s five days and counting until the official opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the $1.5 billion state-of-the-art facility that’s been under construction for 3 ½ years and the focus of a decade-long project.

"It's really hard to imagine that you get to the finish line," said Falcons president and CEO Rich McKay, who has been immersed in the project since 2007.

Must read: Everything you need to know about Mercedes-Benz Stadium

As the Saturday opening date approaches, the AJC will provide daily stories on everything from stadium art and technology, parking, concessions and other news you can use. And there will be daily updates as the defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons christen the new building by hosting the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL exhibition game Saturday at 7 p.m.

Here are a few helpful tips to get you ready for the opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the impact the new facility is expected to have on the community. Check back daily for more on Atlanta’s newest stadium.

> 7 things to know about Mercedes-Benz Stadium

> How will getting to Mercedes-Benz differ from the Georgia Dome

> Your guide to eating and drinking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

> By the numbers: Mercedes-Benz vs. Georgia Dome

> Photo gallery: Inside completed Mercedes-Benz Stadium

> Will new stadium drive more development to downtown Atlanta?

> Developer bet on downtown Atlanta when others wouldn't

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On the hot seat for Falcons: Special teams haven’t been very special

After basically costing the team the game against the Jets, Atlanta's special teams units will be on the hot seat when they face the Seahawks Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

X-factor Sunday: Can the Falcons run the ball vs. Seattle’s stout defense?

Seattle has the No. 2-ranked run defense in the NFL. The Seahawks, who defeated Minnesota 26-0 on Sunday, are coming off their first shutout since 2015.