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ATLANTA — The college football season officially begins in Atlanta Saturday when Auburn and Baylor meet in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The matchup completes a home-and-home series that started last season, when Auburn defeated Baylor 38-24 in Waco. The all-time series is tied 2-2-1, dating to 1954. Auburn won the only previous neutral-site meeting, a 33-13 victory in the 1954 Gator Bowl.
Auburn and Baylor: How To Watch
- Game: Auburn Tigers vs. Baylor Bears
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Network: ABC
This year’s contest was originally scheduled for Jordan-Hare Stadium but was moved to Atlanta last October. The change created a first-of-its-kind NIL opportunity for Auburn players tied to ticket sales, promotions and surrounding events. Reports indicate the Tigers’ players will share roughly $6 million. Auburn received a 20,645-ticket allotment as the designated home team; Baylor received the standard visiting allotment of 3,000.
The game marks the debut of Auburn head coach Alex Golesh, who arrived from South Florida after Hugh Freeze’s firing. Golesh brought quarterback Byrum Brown with him. Brown passed for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 1,008 yards and 14 scores last season. Auburn also added former Baylor running back Bryson Washington via the transfer portal to complement returning back Jeremiah Cobb.
Baylor, in its seventh season under Dave Aranda, will start Florida transfer DJ Lagway at quarterback. Lagway is a Baylor legacy—his father played running back for the Bears from 1997 to 2001. New defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman is overseeing a rebuilt unit. Both teams finished 5-7 in 2025.
Heisman Trophy winners Cam Newton (Auburn, 2010) and Robert Griffin III (Baylor, 2011) will serve as honorary captains and participate in the coin toss. Auburn is making its fourth appearance in the Kickoff Game (2-1 record). Baylor is appearing for the first time and playing in Atlanta for the first time since 1993.
Auburn enters seeking its 10th consecutive season-opening victory. The Tigers will play a nine-game SEC schedule in 2026, their first under the expanded conference format. Baylor opens its 125th season looking to avenge last year’s loss and start Aranda’s campaign on a strong note.
Gates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium open at 1:30 p.m. ET. The stadium is cashless and enforces a clear-bag policy. Tickets must be accessed via mobile device. The Aflac Kickoff Game, organized by Peach Bowl Inc., remains the nation’s longest-running neutral-site season opener.
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Angel Reese reset the WNBA’s single-season rebounding standard on August 24, 2026, when she hauled in 26 boards in the Atlanta Dream’s 78-71 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. The performance also smashed the single-game record that had stood for 23 years.
Reese finished the night with 11 points, three assists and three steals. She grabbed 18 defensive rebounds and eight offensive rebounds—more than the entire Sparks team collected on the defensive glass in some stretches. The 26-rebound outburst pushed her season total to 458 through 37 games, seven more than A’ja Wilson’s 451 from the 2024 Las Vegas Aces campaign.
Angel Reese rebounding record: What To Know
The previous single-game mark belonged to Hall of Famer Chamique Holdsclaw, who pulled down 24 rebounds for the Washington Mystics on May 23, 2003. Tina Charles had twice reached 23. Reese already owned five 20-rebound games this season and now sits tied for second all-time in such performances.
Dream coach Karl Smesko noted the consistency of her recent surge: “She’s obviously been exceptional as of late. She’s had steady improvement throughout the season. You could see her every month get a little more comfortable, and I think right now she’s really hitting her stride.” Teammate Allisha Gray, who scored 20 points, added simply, “That’s a talent. I’m just in awe watching her rebound.”
This is not a one-year phenomenon. Reese led the WNBA in rebounding as a Chicago Sky rookie in 2024 with a league-record 13.12 rebounds per game (446 total) and again in 2025 at 12.57. Her 2026 average of roughly 12.4–12.5 sits third all-time—behind only her own first two seasons. No other player in WNBA history has averaged 12 rebounds per game in a season.
The 2026 campaign came after a mid-offseason trade from Chicago to Atlanta. Reese has flourished in a more competitive environment, helping the Dream stay in the playoff hunt while posting career-best scoring (16.1 points per game) alongside her usual dominance on the glass. She has already recorded a league-high number of double-doubles this year and later broke the single-season double-double record as well.35
Reese’s motor, timing, and willingness to crash the offensive glass have made her the clearest successor to the league’s historic rebounders—Sylvia Fowles, Tina Charles, Yolanda Griffith, and Wilson. At 24 and in her third season, she already owns the three highest single-season rebounding averages ever recorded and now the total-rebounds mark as well.
The record is likely to grow. With games remaining after the Sparks win, Reese continued adding to the total. Basketball-Reference lists her 2026 total at 474 through 38 games. The “Mebounds” era is no longer a nickname. It is the statistical standard of the WNBA.
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The National Association of Black Journalists delivered a sharp public rebuke to ESPN personality and political commentator Stephen A. Smith at its 2026 convention in Atlanta, awarding him one of its “Thumbs Down” honors for what the organization called a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women.
The award was announced during the NABJ’s annual Salute to Excellence ceremony on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
NABJ Scolds Stephen A. Smith Publicly in Atlanta, Sets Off Firestorm
The “Thumbs Down” recognition is given to individuals or institutions the group believes have engaged in “especially insensitive, racist or stereotypical reporting, commentary, photography or cartooning about the Black community” or practices at odds with NABJ’s goals. Smith was one of five recipients this year—the most in the organization’s history. The others were FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, CBS News, The Washington Post, and media executive DuJuan McCoy of Circle City Broadcasting/WISH-TV.
In its citation, NABJ stated: “Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media. Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ’s longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities.”
The organization pointed to a series of high-profile moments rather than a single comment. These included Smith’s criticisms of former Vice President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). In late 2025, Smith drew particular backlash for remarks about Crockett’s speaking style on Capitol Hill, describing the congresswoman—whom he called “an educated, brilliant Black woman”—as engaging in “verbiage and rhetoric for the streets.” He later apologized for those comments. NABJ President Errin Haines later referenced Smith’s public comments involving Harris, Crockett, and a spat with journalist Joy-Ann Reid as illustrative of the pattern the group found concerning.
The decision stood out because of Smith’s prior relationship with the organization. The ESPN First Take host had appeared at recent NABJ conventions, including live broadcasts of his show in 2024 and 2025. Disney, ESPN’s parent company, maintains a partnership with NABJ, and Smith has previously credited the group with helping launch his career decades earlier after he attended an NABJ job fair.
Smith did not stay silent. Shortly after the announcement, he posted on X: “This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early. The @NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake…..,I’m coming. Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community, after I say my peace! Remember @NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”
In a subsequent lengthy response on his YouTube show Straight Shooter, Smith called the award a “personal hit job” and “the lowest” insult he had received. He criticized NABJ for failing to contact him beforehand or present specific evidence, questioning why President Haines would make the accusation publicly without a private conversation.
“This is a journalism organization that didn’t engage in journalism when it came to critiquing me,” he said. Smith, a registered independent, suggested the move was politically motivated, arguing that his willingness to criticize Democrats rather than offer unqualified praise played a role. He also appeared on Fox News’ Hannity, where he rejected the characterization as a “flat-out lie” and noted that he was raised by Black women, including his late mother and four older sisters, and has Black daughters and nieces.
The episode marks a notable rupture. What had been a cooperative relationship—highlighted by First Take appearances at prior conventions—turned into a public feud almost overnight.
NABJ framed the awards as a call for accountability and better practices, with Haines emphasizing that partnerships do not require the organization to surrender its voice. Smith, for his part, vowed to continue speaking freely on his platforms while promising a fuller accounting of what he sees as NABJ’s shortcomings regarding the Black community.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions within Black media and public discourse about criticism, representation, gender, and political independence. As one of the most prominent and highly compensated Black voices in sports and increasingly in politics, Smith’s clashes with figures and institutions that share aspects of his identity continue to generate intense debate.
Whether the “Thumbs Down” prompts reflection, escalation, or both remains to be seen—but the Atlanta convention made clear that NABJ was willing to call out even a longtime associate when it believed its core principles were at stake.
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As a die-hard Georgia Bulldog fan, here’s my take on that USA Today coaches rankings list — with some serious Dawg pride injected.
Look, I’ll admit it: seeing Curt Cignetti slotted at No. 1 stings a little. The guy just won a national title with Indiana after turning around James Madison. Fair play — that’s an incredible run, 27-2 in two years at IU with a dominant playoff run. He’s playing Nick Saban realness right now.
NCAA Top 25 Head Coaches
But let’s be real: Kirby Smart built what he has over years at a blue-blood program, not jumping ship for flashier gigs. Cignetti earned the top spot this offseason, but we’ll see how long that lasts when the real games start.
Our guy Kirby Smart comes in at No. 2 (down from 1), and honestly, that’s still elite company. The article nails it: he doesn’t “rule with the same authority” as a few years ago, but he’s still head and shoulders above almost everyone. Three of the last four SEC titles? Check. Elite recruiting, player development, and retention even in the wild west of the transfer portal? Check. Georgia remains a perennial contender built to last. That’s not luck — that’s Smart’s program. We’ve got the talent, the scheme, and the culture to compete for it all again this year. No. 2? We’ll take it as motivation. Kirby’s got that Dawg in him.0
The rest of the list has some head-scratchers, but from Athens, a few stand out:
- Ryan Day at No. 3 (Ohio State): Solid, but we know how that rivalry goes. He finally got over some humps, but we’ll see him in the SEC/Big Ten crossover soon enough.
- Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Dan Lanning (Oregon), etc.: Young guns on the rise. Respect, but none have Kirby’s sustained excellence at this level.
- Lane Kiffin at No. 6 (now at LSU): Always entertaining, master recruiter and QB whisperer. Good luck in Baton Rouge — we’ll enjoy facing that chaos in the SEC.
- Lower down: Sark, DeBoer, Dabo — all talented, but Georgia’s been stacking SEC hardware while some of them chase consistency.
Overall, the list reflects a sport in flux with portal madness, coaching carousel drama, and new conference alignments. But for us Georgia fans? This just fires us up more. Kirby Smart is the gold standard — two-time national champ, SEC powerhouse architect, and the guy who keeps delivering. Cignetti had his moment, but the Dawgs are loaded and hungry for more rings.
Go Dawgs — 2026 is going to be fun. Sic ’em!
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ATLANTA — Atlanta is no stranger to Deion Sanders, and this September, “Coach Prime” is bringing his Colorado Buffaloes back to the city where he built part of his legendary career.
The Colorado Buffaloes will open the 2026 college football season on the road against Georgia Tech on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The nationally televised ESPN matchup marks Colorado’s first trip to Atlanta and gives local fans a prime opportunity to see one of the sport’s most charismatic coaches and his high-profile program up close.
Colorado Buffaloes: Atlanta Game Opener Vs. Georgia Tech
Sanders, who played five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (1989-1993) and also suited up for the Braves from 1991-94, has deep roots in the city. During Big 12 Media Days this week, he reflected on the special connection while keeping the focus on his current team.
“Let’s think about going to Atlanta and handling our business on Thursday night and in front of the whole world, and then that being our stage,” Sanders said. He later joked on ESPN about putting coaches — not players — on curfew for the trip.
For Georgia Tech, the game represents a chance to spoil the hype surrounding Colorado and start the season strong under new expectations. The Yellow Jackets will host a Buffaloes squad looking to bounce back from a 3-8 campaign in 2025 that featured several narrow losses.
Several Colorado players have local ties, including quarterback JuJu Lewis, a standout from Carrollton High School roughly an hour outside Atlanta. Lewis called the opportunity “a blessing” and emphasized the importance of starting the year on a high note.
“I think every game’s important for us, and Georgia Tech’s just the first team on the block, so I think just go out there and get ready to dominate,” Lewis said.
Sanders, now in his fourth year leading Colorado, spoke about his growth as a coach, stressing patience and adapting to the evolving landscape of college athletics.
“As a coach, patience,” he said. “It’s taught me tremendous patience… You got to go forward and welcome and invite some of the new school ways and adapt to them.”
Senior safety Ben Finneseth highlighted the team’s mindset heading into the season, saying the Buffaloes are determined to close out close games after falling short in several last year.
The Thursday night spotlight in Atlanta adds extra intrigue. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (subject to confirmation), with the game expected to draw significant national attention.
For Atlanta sports fans, it’s a rare early-season visit from a program that has dominated headlines in recent years. Whether you’re pulling for the hometown Yellow Jackets or curious to see Coach Prime in action on familiar turf, Bobby Dodd Stadium should be buzzing on Sept. 3.
Stay tuned to Atlanta Local Sports for more updates, ticket information, and coverage as the 2026 college football season approaches.
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Atlanta Falcons fans have double the reason to celebrate this summer. Star wide receiver Drake London secured his future with the team through a blockbuster contract extension in early June — and just days ago, he made things official with longtime girlfriend Sofia Gabay by getting engaged in a breathtaking proposal.
The Business Move: A Record-Setting Extension, Then Drake London Gets Engaged
On June 2, 2026, the Falcons and London agreed to terms on a four-year, $141 million contract extension (worth up to $150 million) that includes $100 million guaranteed.
The deal runs through the 2030 season and makes London the third-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL by annual average value. It also sets a new franchise record for the highest average annual salary for a Falcons player at his position.
This extension came after London’s continued growth as one of the league’s most dynamic young receivers. The former USC standout has become a cornerstone of the Falcons’ offense alongside quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and running back Bijan Robinson.
Sofia Gabay publicly beamed with pride when the deal was announced, sharing moments of excitement as her boyfriend signed his second contract with Atlanta.
The Personal Milestone: A Romantic Proposal on July 2
Just one month later, London took things to the next level off the field. On July 2, 2026 — which also marked a special date for the couple — London got down on one knee and proposed to Sofia Gabay in a stunning, intimate setting in Los Angeles.28
The couple shared beautiful photos on Instagram showing the romantic moment: London in a sharp black jacket kneeling before Gabay under an elegant floral arch with a sparkling chandelier at sunset, overlooking scenic hills. The setup was pure elegance — white roses, candlelight, and a picture-perfect backdrop for what looks like a fairytale proposal.
Sofia, a USC cinema graduate, model, and influencer with a strong following, has been a constant supportive presence in London’s life since they began dating in 2023. She’s frequently spotted at games in custom Falcons gear, cheering loudly and sharing behind-the-scenes moments with fans.
A Perfect Summer for #RiseUp
Falcons fans and the broader NFL community have flooded social media with congratulations. The timing couldn’t be better — London is entering what many expect to be a true breakout chapter, now locked in long-term with the team he’s called home since being drafted in 2022.
From locking down a franchise-record extension to proposing to the woman who’s been by his side through it all, Drake London is having the summer of his life.
Congratulations to Drake and Sofia! Here’s to many more wins — both on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and off it.
Rise Up, Atlanta!
Stay tuned to our site for more updates on the Falcons as training camp approaches.
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ATLANTA — Soccer excitement is building across the city as Egypt’s national team, the Pharaohs, has officially secured a spot in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and they’re coming to Atlanta.
In a post shared today by the official FIFA World Cup 26 Atlanta account, organizers announced that Egypt will play its Round of 16 match on Tuesday, July 7, inside Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium).
Egypt’s Pharaohs Advance to FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, Heading to Atlanta Stadium on July 7
The Pharaohs will face either Argentina or Cape Verde, depending on the outcome of that matchup earlier in the day. Want to view the match on a big screen? Read our comprehensive Atlanta FIFA World Cup Watch Party Guide.
What This Means for Atlanta Fans
This marks a major moment for Atlanta as one of the tournament’s host cities. The July 7 clash is one of three Round of 16 matches scheduled at Atlanta Stadium, and it features high-profile talent, including Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.
Egypt advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Australia in the Round of 32 earlier today. Here’s how the USMNT can make it to the World Cup final.
The result sends the North African side into the knockout rounds for what many consider a historic run.
The Path Ahead
- July 7, 2026 — Round of 16: Egypt vs. Winner of Argentina vs. Cape Verde
Atlanta Stadium | 12:00 p.m. ET
The winner of that match will advance to the quarterfinals, with Atlanta already locked in to host additional high-stakes games later in the tournament, including a semifinal on July 15.
FIFA Fever Has Atlanta Buzzing
Atlanta soccer fans and the broader community are already buzzing about the prospect of hosting one of the world’s most passionate national teams. Egypt brings a large and vocal fanbase, and the match is expected to draw significant international attention and tourism to the city.
Organizers and local officials have been preparing for months for the influx of visitors during the World Cup. With Egypt now confirmed for Atlanta, that preparation just got a major boost.Stay tuned to Atlanta’s local coverage for ticket information, fan zones, watch parties, and all the latest updates as the world’s biggest sporting event continues right here in the A.
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- July 7, 2026 — Round of 16: Egypt vs. Winner of Argentina vs. Cape Verde
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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches its peak in June and July, Atlanta—hosting eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including a semifinal on July 15—has seen significant anticipation for a tourism boom. However, recent data shows that hotel and short-term rental demand has been softer than many initially forecasted, creating more availability than expected for late bookers.
Hotel Bookings: Atlanta Outperforms Most Host Cities, But Still Below Hype
According to a May 2026 report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), about 80% of hotel respondents across the 11 U.S. host cities reported bookings tracking below initial forecasts. Factors cited include lower-than-expected international travel (due to visas, geopolitics, and costs), FIFA’s cancellation of large room blocks (sometimes up to 70% in some markets), and fans booking later or opting for domestic trips.
Atlanta stands out positively among U.S. venues. Just under 50% of local hotel respondents reported bookings below expectations—better than most peers like Boston, Philadelphia, or Los Angeles (over 70% below expectations). Roughly half of Atlanta hotels surveyed said pacing was in line with or ahead of expectations, aided by strong air connectivity, diversified demand, and team base camps.
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau has noted around 213,000 hotel room nights booked in key areas (downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) across the roughly 30 days of matches. This is solid but reflects a more measured surge rather than a complete sell-out. Some properties have seen revenue projections fall short; for example, reports emerged of individual Midtown hotels with far lower bookings than hoped for June.
Prices have moderated from post-draw peaks. Atlanta has been one of the more stable markets, with relatively modest increases (around 1.7% on match days in some analyses) compared to sharper spikes elsewhere. This makes it more accessible than pricier host cities, though rates will still rise during key matches.
Opportunities for travelers: With softer demand, last-minute or flexible bookings may find decent availability and potentially better rates in the coming weeks, especially outside peak match windows. Hotels near MARTA lines (for easy stadium access) and in neighborhoods like Buckhead or downtown remain popular.
AirbnBs and Short-Term Rentals: Affordable Options Spreading the Impact
Short-term rentals, including AirbnBs, are playing a key supporting role and appear to have stronger relative uptake in some cases. Projections from Deloitte and Airbnb suggest hosts in and around Atlanta could welcome about 6,000 guests during the tournament window, generating roughly 45,000 guest nights and contributing tens of millions to the local economy (e.g., ~$70 million in total output in one estimate).
Pricing remains relatively affordable compared to other host cities:
- 81% of listings under $500/night.
- Many two-bedroom+ options also under that threshold, suiting groups.
AirDNA data has shown notable year-over-year occupancy gains in Atlanta for group-stage and knockout periods (e.g., significant jumps near Mercedes-Benz Stadium areas like Mechanicsville or Castleberry Hill). However, some hosts have reported slower-than-hoped bookings overall, mirroring broader trends. Airbnb has promoted incentives for new hosts, and platforms emphasize flexibility for larger groups versus traditional hotels.
Regulations note: Atlanta requires a Short-Term Rental License, limits on units, and occupancy caps (e.g., two adults per bedroom), plus applicable taxes. Hosts near the stadium or along transit are in highest demand.
Broader Context and Outlook
Atlanta benefits from its central location, existing soccer fanbase (thanks to Atlanta United), and infrastructure. While the overall economic impact may fall short of the most optimistic pre-tournament projections—partly due to FIFA room block adjustments and travel hurdles—the city is still poised for a notable influx.
For fans planning trips:
- Book soon for popular dates (group stages in mid-to-late June, knockout rounds, and the semifinal), but flexibility could yield deals.
- Consider suburbs or short-term rentals for value and space.
- Monitor MARTA and stadium-area options for convenience.
As of early June 2026, vacancies exist more than many predicted, offering a potential silver lining for spontaneous soccer travelers. Atlanta’s renowned Southern hospitality will be on full display—whether in high-end hotels or neighborhood AirbnBs—making it one of the more approachable World Cup destinations this summer.
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ATLANTA — Veteran guard CJ McCollum is staying put. The Atlanta Hawks have secured the 34-year-old sharpshooter with a one-year, $21 million contract extension that includes a trade kicker, according to his agent Sam Goldfeder.
The deal, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania and other outlets, allows McCollum to bypass unrestricted free agency this summer and remain in Atlanta through the 2026-27 season.
CJ McCollum Re-Signs With Atlanta Hawks: Quick Path to Stability
McCollum arrived in Atlanta via trade from the Washington Wizards in January 2026 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Trae Young to Washington. In just 41 regular-season games with the Hawks (25 starts), the Lehigh product averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game while shooting 45.6% from the field.
His presence helped spark a dramatic late-season surge. The Hawks went on a strong run to secure a playoff spot, and McCollum delivered in the postseason — most notably pushing the eventual champion New York Knicks to a competitive six-game first-round series. Standout moments included a 32-point performance in Game 2 and a clutch game-winning jumper in Game 3.
Why This Deal Makes Sense
For the Hawks, the short-term commitment is a low-risk, high-reward move. McCollum brings proven scoring, playmaking, and veteran leadership to a young backcourt without tying up long-term cap space. The inclusion of a trade kicker gives him added protection should Atlanta explore future roster adjustments.
For McCollum, it’s a chance to continue contributing at a high level in a familiar environment after a midseason change of scenery. At age 34, the two-time All-Star and 2016 Most Improved Player remains an efficient offensive weapon capable of stretching defenses and creating for others.
Fan Reaction and Visual Buzz
The announcement quickly lit up social media, especially among Hawks fans.
The move signals Atlanta’s intent to blend veteran experience with its emerging core — including players like Jalen Johnson — as the franchise looks to build momentum heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
McCollum’s extension keeps one of the league’s most reliable perimeter threats in red-and-black for at least one more season. For a team that has undergone significant roster upheaval, it’s a stabilizing “keep” that brings both on-court production and intangible leadership.
Hawks Nation is locked in. Another chapter begins.
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One of the largest structures in the South is Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a towering structure that combines modern materials like glass, steel, and concrete with dynamic shapes and open spaces.
From the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl to pro football and soccer, this shining jewel of downtown Atlanta is used all around the year. Mercedes-Benz Stadium continues to draw crowds just to witness the sheer spectacle of it all. Not only was the venue the home of Super Bowl LIII, but it has hosted world-class events since it opened.
In this article, we will tell you everything to know about state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Everything You Need To Know About Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium officially opened on August 26, 2017 with a Falcons preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. When it opened, the venue was crazy cool, but the retractable roof system was inoperable at the time.
Everything you need to know about Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The stadium is run by AMB Group,a consortium that is under the tutelage of Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, the pro soccer club.Speaking of the NFL team, the stadium was built to replace the Georgia Dome, the Falcons’ home stadium from 1992 until 2016.
Here’s what to know about the coolest features at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
1. During the FIFA World Cup, the Stadium Has a New Name
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is temporarily renamed Atlanta Stadium. This follows FIFA’s standard policy for the tournament.
FIFA enforces strict “clean venue” or “clean site” rules for the World Cup. These require removing or covering non-FIFA sponsor branding (logos, names, etc.) inside and around the stadium to prioritize official tournament sponsors and maintain a neutral commercial environment.
- Mercedes-Benz is the naming rights partner for the stadium (a long-term deal worth over $10 million annually), but it is not an official FIFA World Cup sponsor.
- As a result, the stadium’s name, interior branding, and many logos are covered or removed for the duration of the event (workers have used tarps for this). nbcsports.com
- The generic “Atlanta Stadium” name refers simply to its location in Atlanta, Georgia (similar to how other sponsor-named venues like SoFi Stadium or MetLife Stadium get neutral names during the tournament).
2. When Was Mercedes-Benz Stadium Built?
The stadium was conceptualized in 2014 when city officials and billionaire Arthur Blank agreed on plans for a new sports venue. The stadium began construction in 2017 and opened up a year later.
3. How Much Did Mercedes-Benz Stadium Cost?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium cost $1.6 billion to build. The price tag raised some brows not only around Atlanta, but across the country.
Even with its high cost, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is not the most expansive stadium in the United States. That distinction belongs to two Western structures. In California, Los Angeles Stadium costs $2.66 billion. No. 2 on the list is Las Vegas Raiders Stadium, which comes in at $2.4 billion.
4. Does Mercedes-Benz Stadium Have A Retractable Roof?
The retractable roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the venue’s most famous features. When the stadium opened to the public, the roof didn’t retract, but they have since fixed it.
The eight-panel retractable roof that resembled a pinwheel, but what few observers notice is that the eight triangular translucent panels create the illusion of a bird’s wings extended when it’s opened.
The stadium features a retractable roof with a unique “pinwheel” design. The roof is made of eight movable panels that open and close like the petals of a flower. This is a visually striking design and provides a cool, flexible experience for both outdoor and indoor events.
When it’s fully opened, the roof provides a wide-open view of the sky and the Atlanta skyline, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy features of the stadium.
5. Mercedes-Benz Stadium Has The Lowest Prices Of Any Major Sports Venue
When Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in fall 2017, one of the main selling points was the fact that its concessions prices were super low. Those low prices extend to all events at the stadium, from concerts to Atlanta United games, Falcons games and more.
In 2025, food prices at the stadium dropped even lower. Stadium brass also said that a low “domestically priced” craft beer would go on sale.
6. MercBenz Has The World’s Largest Video Board
The stadium has the claim to fame as having the largest video board in the world. This is the largest LED video display on Earth. It technological masterpiece was designed, manufactured and installed by Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota. There are also more than 82,500 square feet of video displays around the stadium.
Last Words
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become top gem in the sports world.
It’s a true architectural masterpiece and has been recognized for its innovation and beauty.Design flexibility allows the stadium to be easily adapted for different events, meaning that every game or concert feels unique in the way it’s experienced.
Since fall 2017, MercBenz has hosted several major sports events, including the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, the SEC Championship Game and the College Football National Championship Game. This is the first Super Bowl, but not the last. The stadium is booked for events through the next few years, including concerts like Beyonce, Jay Z and more.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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