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.

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.

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) works out during the final day of mandatory minicamp Wednesday in Flowery Branch. Walker’s infectious personality, as described by outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith, was apparent during the option portion of practice. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Credit: AP

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Protesters project an "Abolish ICE" image on the Atlanta Immigration Court building at a demonstration Sunday. (Zaire Breedlove/AJC)

Credit: Zaire Breedlove