There are going to be two venues in the NFL with the Mercedes-Benz name on them and, to make things even more confusing, they will both be in the same division. That’s because the Atlanta Falcons announced this morning that Mercedes-Benz has won the naming rights for their new stadium.
The agreement means that the new stadium, which will be ready to open in 2017, will be called the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The venue will also host the MLS Atlanta United and the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2020.
“Mercedes-Benz fits all of the criteria we set out in finding a naming rights partner,” Falcons and United owner Arthur Blank said during a press conference. “Their name and reputation fit the iconic image of the building; they are committed to excellence in customer service and experience; their values mesh with those of the Falcons, Atlanta United and the rest of our businesses; and they are a company that embraces the communities in which they do business.”
This is a great deal for the automaker, which agreed to have its name on the stadium through 2042. Mercedes-Benz is moving its U.S. headquarters from New Jersey to Atlanta. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the company already has a temporary home in Dunwoody and is planning on building a new headquarters.
Coincidentally, the Falcons’ NFC South rivals, the New Orleans Saints, play in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The new $1.4 billion stadium is being built next to the Georgia Dome, which is where the Falcons currently play.