Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is doubling down on cheap food prices.
The downtown stadium offers a diverse range of affordable food and beverage options designed to cater to various tastes while prioritizing fan accessibility.
The stadium’s concessions are notable for their low prices compared to other NFL venues, a strategy driven by owner Arthur Blank’s commitment to a fan-first experience.
Food Offerings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The stadium provides a mix of classic game-day staples, regional specialties, and vegan-friendly options across various concourses. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:
ATL Fan Fare (Sections 105, 116, 205, 308, 322, 342)
- Classic Hot Dog: $2.00
- Chili Cheese Dog: $5.00
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap (Vegan): $9.00 (with shredded kale, carrots, tomatoes, vegan ranch)
- Vegan Dog: $3.00 (with charred corn salsa)
- Cheese Nachos: $3.00
- Super Pretzel: $2.00
- Fresh Popped Popcorn: $2.00
- Candy (e.g., Sour Patch Kids, Peanut M&Ms): $3.50
- Chips (e.g., Doritos, Miss Vickie’s Sea Salt): $3.00
- Frozen Arctic Peach Shake: $3.00
- Beverages:
- Souvenir Soda: $4.00
- Regular Soda: $2.00
- Bottled Water: $3.00
- Bottled Sweet Tea: $3.00
- Fresh Brewed Coffee & Hot Chocolate: $3.00
- Draft Beers: Small Domestic ($5.00), Small Premium ($6.00), Large Domestic ($9.00), Large Premium ($11.00)
Other Notable Food Stands
- ATL Grill (Sections 133, 210, 234, 347): Cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, fries. Recommended: Cheeseburgers and Fries.
- Fresh Mex (Sections 105, 125, 305, 340): Chicken/beef tacos, nachos, queso, salsa, chips. Recommended: Chicken Tacos.
- Meatless Grill (Section 107): Vegan sausages, vegan burgers, cheese cups, fruit cups, salads. Recommended: Vegan Sausages.
- Chick-Fil-A (Section 123, closed Sundays): Fried chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, waffle fries, chocolate chip cookies.
- ATL BBQ (Sections 116, 218): Pulled pork nachos, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket sandwiches. Recommended: Pulled Pork Nachos.
- Capital Crust Pizza (Sections 115, 131, 214, 230, 338): Authentic Italian pizzas.
- Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand (Sections 121, 124, 221, 330): Chicken sausages with various toppings, including the “Hot Mess” (sausage with chili, cheddar, jalapeños, comeback sauce).
- H & F Burger and Hop’s Chicken (Mercedes-Benz Club, Delta Sky360 Club): Double-stack cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken in boxes or buckets.
- Kevin Gillespie’s Gamechanger (Section 223): “Closed on Sunday” chicken sandwich (fried chicken breast, pickled mayo, hot sauce, honey butter sweet roll).
- Molly B’s Kitchen (Sections 133, 138): New England lobster rolls, Molly B’s burgers (short rib patties, gruyere, French onion soup mayo), shrimp po’boy.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill (Section 113): Burritos, tacos, nachos, salads.
- West Nest by Westside Works (Sections 115, 324): Buffalo chicken wings with lemon pepper and maple buffalo sauce.
- King of Pops (Section 218): Popsicles, ice creams, slushies.
- Specialty Items: For events like the SEC Championship, unique offerings include a rack of ribs filled with mac & cheese, topped with Ritz cracker crumbs, scallions, and kettle chips ($30).
Additional vendors like Farm Burger, The Mac Shack, and Irie Mon Caribbean Café offer organic burgers, mac-and-cheese variations, and Jamaican dishes, respectively. Beverage options include $2 sodas with free refills, $5-$11 draft beers, craft beers, wines, and premium cocktails.
Why Are Prices So Affordable?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s affordability stems from owner Arthur Blank’s philosophy of prioritizing fan experience over maximizing concession profits. Key reasons include:
- Fan-First Pricing Strategy: Blank, a billionaire businessman and Atlanta Falcons owner, implemented a model inspired by venues like Augusta National Golf Club, focusing on value and accessibility. This approach aims to create an inclusive environment where fans can enjoy games without financial strain.
- Low-Cost Staples: The stadium offers core items like hot dogs ($2), sodas ($2), pretzels ($2), and popcorn ($2) at prices significantly lower than the NFL average ($4.84 for hot dogs, $7.28 for beers). This allows fans to purchase substantial meals for as little as $20, including items like chicken tenders, fries, nachos, and pizza slices.
- Price Reductions: The stadium has lowered prices multiple times, with a notable reduction in 2019, reflecting a commitment to keeping costs down even as quality improves. This contrasts with other NFL stadiums where a beer and hot dog can cost up to $19 (e.g., SoFi Stadium).
- Enhanced Fan Experience: Affordable pricing encourages fans to stay longer, spend more freely on food, and return for future events, fostering loyalty. Free soda refills and transparent pricing further enhance value.
- Community Focus: Blank’s vision emphasizes building a thriving fan community by making game-day experiences accessible to all, regardless of financial status. This is evident in the stadium’s recognition as the NFL’s most cost-effective venue, with an average game-day cost of $135.67, including tickets and parking.
Conclusion
Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers a wide array of food options, from affordable classics like $2 hot dogs and $2 popcorn to specialty items like gourmet burgers and vegan sausages, all at prices far below typical NFL stadium rates.
This affordability, driven by Arthur Blank’s fan-first philosophy, ensures a high-quality, inclusive experience, setting the stadium apart as a leader in value-driven concessions. For the latest menu details, check the official Mercedes-Benz Stadium website.
Final Word
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