Everything to know about getting to Atlanta Stadium on World Cup matchdays

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup is headed to Atlanta!

After being skipped over in 1994, Atlanta is hosting eight matches during soccer’s biggest tournament, including a semifinal. Here’s what you need to know before heading out the door to Atlanta Stadium.

Wait, where?

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be known as Atlanta Stadium during the tournament because FIFA requires stadiums to cover existing advertising in order to protect its own commercial partners.

It’s the same place, just under a different, temporary name.

When are the matches in Atlanta?

Here’s a list of all eight matches.

• Monday, June 15, noon: Spain v. Cabo Verde
• Thursday, June 18, noon: South Africa v. Czechia
• Sunday, June 21, noon: Spain v. Saudi Arabia
• Wednesday, June 24, 6 p.m.: Morocco v. Haiti
• Saturday, June 27, 7:30 p.m.: Uzbekistan v. the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Wednesday, July 1, noon: Round of 32
• Tuesday, July 7, noon: Round of 16
• Wednesday, July 15, 3 p.m.: Semifinal

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets can be found on FIFA’s website.

When do gates open?

Gates open three hours before each match.

What’s the best way to get to the matches?

Parking must be purchased through FIFA. There are more than 20 parking lots with spots within a mile of the stadium, although they’ll run you a pretty penny. Some parking spots for Monday’s opener between Spain and Cabo Verde are going for more than $100!

You can find parking here.

MARTA is also available. Atlanta Stadium has two stations nearby, one on either side of the stadium: both the Sports, Entertainment and Convention District and Vine City stations are served by the Blue and Green lines. The Vine City station is also served by several bus lines and has a pedestrian bridge going over Northside Drive to the stadium.

If you’re taking the Gold or Red lines to the matches, you’ll have to transfer at the Five Points station. According to FIFA, MARTA trains will run every five minutes between 4:45 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on matchdays to accommodate crowds.

What can I bring with me into Atlanta Stadium?

If you can, leave the bags at home. The bag policy at the stadium can be much more limiting than it appears.

Clear vinyl bags can be 12 inches wide, 12 inches tall and 6 inches deep. Bags that aren’t clear can only be 4.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches tall.

FIFA also banned reusable water bottles from World Cup venues, but you can bring in one sealed plastic water bottle.

Also banned: large signs, large umbrellas, bottles, chairs, pom poms and beach balls, among other items. You can check out the full list here.

What can I do if I can’t make it to the matches?

FIFA Fan Festival Atlanta will be at Centennial Olympic Park! Taking place on certain days from June 11 to July 19, it features screenings of the big games, musician performances, food and drinks, a market, a children’s area and more.