Atlanta United unveil £1.2billion Mercedes Benz Stadium… and it has coolest retractable roof ever

RETRACTABLE roofs are pretty cool, but this one must be the coolest of them all.

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is host to MLS side Atlanta United and NFL outfit the Atlanta Falcons.

Costing around £1.2billion to construct, it’s little surprise the site is one of the most futuristic of sporting venues.

But the best of the lot has finally been passed fit for purpose, and will be shown off to fans this weekend.

Taking just EIGHT MINUTES to open and close, an aerial view of the magnificent event almost looks like an alien spaceship has landed on earth.

Compare that to the 20 minutes it takes the Millenium Stadium roof to close and the average time of around 50 minutes for Wembley Stadium’s, and the US have moved well ahead of the game.

The stadium was opened in August last year, but some teething problems and the need for further testing meant the feature of all features was delayed.

But on Sunday as Atlanta Falcons host an open training session at the stadium, 50,000 fans are expected to show up to watch the roof open and close.

Speaking to the Denver Post, Mike Egan, who headed up the construction, said: “It’s working just exactly the way it’s supposed to.

“We can’t wait until the fans are in here. They’re going to be blown away.

“We never had any doubt that this was going to work.

“But to see it open — now I don’t have to show up at cocktails and have people ask me about the roof anymore. That’s what I’m most excited about.”

Capacity at the most modern of stadiums can expand up to 83,000 or be reduced to 42,500 for smaller events.

This is due to an impressive system of retractable stands and a giant curtain that springs down from the roof to block off the upper tier.

MLS side Atlanta United broke a 21-year attendance record this season when they sold 70,425 seats for their match against Orlando City.