World's Largest Sculpted Bird Planned For New Falcons Stadium

ATLANTA, GA — The new home of the Atlanta Falcons will also be home to the world's largest sculpted bird.

On Thursday, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Savannah College of Art and Design revealed the first renderings of two sculptures to be installed at the stadium, which opens next year.

Two large-scale sculptures depicting a falcon in flight and a soccer ball are being created to honor the NFL's Falcons and Major League Soccer's Atlanta United. The sculptures will be located outside the stadium.

The falcon, 41.5 feet tall with a wingspan of over 64 feet, will be the largest bird sculpture in the world. Constructed by Gábor Miklós Szőke of Budapest, the stainless steel work, capturing the moment of a touchdown, will be built on the main plaza facing the city skyline.

The second piece, a mirror-faceted soccer ball standing almost 35 feet high, created by Studio Roso of London and will sit by the north entrance overlooking the green space being developed on the current site of the Georgia Dome.

The stadium has also commissioned more than 100 works of art throughout the two-million-square-foot building.

"This stadium is meant to reflect what our fans and supporters told us they want, and the art program is no exception," said Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. "We listened and responded by choosing artists who would bring those sensibilities to the pieces they create; the ideas of community, inspiration, play and excitement will resonate throughout the building."

To date, 53 artists, locally and internationally acclaimed, have been selected to create artwork for the stadium's interior public spaces and exterior plazas, including all concourses, club and suite spaces and corporate offices.

Images: Savannah College of Art & Design