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What you need to know about transportation, security at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

ATLANTA — Detailed security and traffic plans are in place for the grand opening Saturday of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United soccer team.

The Falcons will take on the Arizona Cardinals for their first preseason home game in the new stadium.

Fans say the sports facility, with state-of-the-art design and technology, is a marvel.

“I’ve seen pictures. It looks gorgeous. It’s going to give the stadium down in Dallas a run for its money. It’s the best stadium in the NFL right now," fan Bobby Carve said.

The new stadium seats over 73,000 people. There are about 23,000 parking spaces within a 20-minute walk.

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Stadium officials recommend purchasing parking spaces in advance online. In doing so, you can obtain customized directions using the WAZE traffic app that will include game-day traffic detours.

“All of that will be programmed in for this game, so when you click on WAZE, we will give you the best directions from your home to the front entrance of the parking garage or lot,” said Mike Gomes, senior vice president of fan experience.

AMB Sports and Entertainment, owner of the Falcons, has also made arrangements with the Lyft ride-hailing service to have plenty of vehicles available after the game.

“We actually have two designated locations, one in the Blue Lot on Northside Drive, that will have over 150 vehicles set and ready to roll. And there’s more vehicles set to roll behind them,” Gomes said.

Fans can arrive three hours prior to the 7 p.m. game. Only clear, transparent bags will be allowed in the stadium.

One fan who is going to the game said he’s expecting another spectacular season for the Falcons.

“We’re going back to the Super Bowl, yeah, we’re going back,”  Quinton Scott said.

Channel 2 Action News will have complete coverage on Saturday for the first game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Stay with WSBTV.com for everything you need to know about the stadium as a brand new era kicks off. For more stories on the new stadium, visit our special Mercedes-Benz Stadium section.