Ways to have fun near Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the FIFA World Cup
Atlanta is approaching a busy summer full of FIFA World Cup fanfare. From June 15-July 15, soccer lovers from around the world will arrive to watch eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For those visiting to catch all the action, or locals who want to experience some excitement, the fun doesn’t have to stop at the games.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is part of a much larger entertainment scene that you can take full advantage of during your time in Atlanta. Here’s everything visitors should know to make the most of their trip:
When are the World Cup matches set for Atlanta?
Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches from June 15 through July 15. Check out the schedule:
- June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde
- June 18: Czech Republic vs. South Africa
- June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
- June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti
- June 27: Congo vs. Uzbekistan
- July 1, 7 and 15: Matchups have not been announced
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also nestled in Atlanta’s Centennial Park District, home to downtown’s vibrant entertainment scene. From family-friendly fun to classy eateries to fancy hotels, here’s how to make the most of your time during your visit.
Things to do in the Centennial Park District
Feel like your weekends in Atlanta could use a little magic? The Atlanta Magic Theater has you covered. It’s comfortably within walking distance of the stadium, and the theater hosts performances on Fridays and Saturdays. The 75-minute magic performance’s kid-friendly atmosphere makes it a great way for families to level up their next outing.
No visit to Atlanta is complete without a trip to the iconic Georgia Aquarium. With over 11 million gallons of water, it’s the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. From whale sharks to actual sharks, one of the most brilliant aquarium experiences in the country is only a walk away.
Another iconic Atlanta experience is just down the road from the arena as well — the World of Coca-Cola. Georgia’s famous soft drink is on full display at the unique Coca-Cola experience. Visitors can sip over 100 flavors from the Coca-Cola lineup, learn the legend of its secret formula and enjoy a bevy of other exhibits.
Sports fans looking to indulge in a little football history can head to the College Football Hall of Fame. Only half mile from the arena, this museum experience features AI tech, a three-story helmet wall and a miniature field where visitors can test their skills. The museum is closed Tuesdays, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Want to get the lay of the land when you arrive in the Centennial Park District? Visit SkyView Atlanta. It’s a nearly 20-story-tall Ferris wheel with 42 climate-controlled gondolas that’s just over a quarter mile from State Farm Arena.
Scared of heights? A half mile from the arena, visitors can hop on the Peachtree Trolley. Featuring 90-minute tours, the trolley offers passengers narrated guides to the city.
Enjoy a taste of Atlanta history with the Prohibition Progressive Dinner hosted by Unexpected Atlanta. During the three-hour experience, attendees will immerse themselves in an interactive show set in the 1920s that takes the group to restaurants around downtown Atlanta, including a prohibition-themed speakeasy. Participants will enjoy nine tastings and three cocktails across four restaurants. Expect to walk about 0.7 miles during the tour.
Places to eat in the Centennial Park District
No weekend outing is complete without an awesome meal, and Atlanta’s downtown area is full of great options. From fancy to casual, here are several eateries within walking distance of the stadium that can level up your experience.
Nest on Four is a sports bar inside the Signia by Hilton Atlanta. It’s about a five-minute walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with floor-to-ceiling views of downtown Atlanta and plenty of TVs.
Anyone in the mood for something a little heartier and perhaps a little more Southern will want to visit Twin Smokers BBQ. The eatery is a great way for travelers to level up their experience with some proper Southern cuisine. One of the biggest advantages of trying out this barbecue spot, however, comes down to what’s just around the corner.
Around 0.7 miles away from the stadium, patrons can finish the night with a sweet treat at the Yard Milkshake Bar. It’s an Instagram-worthy ice cream shop with dozens of fun flavors.
Those interested in something more refined and romantic should consider visiting the Sun Dial Restaurant. Resting atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza, this classy eatery features a 360-degree panorama view of the Atlanta skyline from 723 feet in the air. It’s an upscale dining experience perfect for anyone looking to punctuate their visit with something unforgettable.
Keep the fun going into the evening and pay a visit to Jagger Suite, a rooftop lounge atop the Moxy Atlanta Downtown hotel, less than a mile from the stadium. Visitors can sip on eye-catching cocktails in the company of a glittering disco unicorn while enjoying skyline views of Atlanta.
Places to stay in the Centennial Park District
With nearly 3,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the stadium, Atlanta visitors will have a lot of hotel options to choose from during the FIFA World Cup. Four hotels within walking distance of the arena, for instance, are the Glenn Hotel, Hotel Phoenix, Margaritaville Vacation Club and Home2 Suites.
For more nearby hotel listings, visit centennialparkdistrict.com/places-to-go/hotels.
About the Authors
Hunter Boyce is a writer, digital producer and journalist home grown from a Burke County farm. Throughout his career, Hunter has gone on to write sports, entertainment, political and local breaking news for a variety of outlets.
Olivia Wakim is a reporter on the lifestyle team. She joined the AJC as an intern in 2023 after graduating from the University of Georgia with a journalism degree. While in school, she reported for The Red & Black, Grady Newsource and the Marietta Daily Journal.
