Dramatic drone footage of the ongoing construction of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been released.

The short film shows workers installing the structure's first 70ft (21m) high steel truss, which will support the unique retractable roof of the HOK-designed stadium.

According to an update posted on the stadium’s website, the interior stadium installations are progressing, including the structural precast concrete which shapes the seating bowl, and the first glass and glazing is now being put in place.



London firm Buro Happold is the structural engineer for the project. The US$1.4bn (€1.2bn, £922m) stadium is set to open in 2017.

With a capacity of 83,000 people, the venue – home to the Atlanta Falcons – will be the largest in the National Football League (NFL), surpassing the MetLife Stadium (82,500), which is shared by the New York Giants and New York Jets.

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been billed as “a new standard in stadium design and fan experience.” In addition to the eight-petal plastic polymer retractable roof – a first for any stadium – it will feature the world’s largest 360 degree HD video screen and will be surrounded by edible gardens created by Atlanta-based urban designers HGOR.

The Falcons want to obtain the highest level of LEED certification from the US Green Buildings Council for the new stadium, and recycled building materials are being used extensively in the construction.

For those wanting to track the project in real-time, a live camera feed of the construction
can be viewed here.