Mercedes-Benz Stadium plays host to its first Falcons game Saturday

It certainly seems like Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been in the building stage for years, which is why it’s amazing that we’re so close to seeing our first Atlanta Falcons game on its new field. As you may or may not be aware, this Saturday’s tilt against the Arizona Cardinals will be the first time the full team will set foot in the stadium to play a game.

To put into perspective how cool this is going to be for the team, keep in mind that most of them are setting foot in the stadium for the very first time on Friday. One day later, they’ll be annihilating a lead-footed Carson Palmer underneath the baleful eye of the giant, retractable stadium roof. Anyone who scored preseason tickets will have some pretty nice bragging rights.

The Falcons play their official, regular season home opener against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. That’ll obviously be more exciting, but it’s still going to be great to see the Falcons in their new home. May they get their first, largely meaningless win there, as well.

Also, yes, Chick-fil-A will be open. I hope the national media takes advantage of this exceptionally rare opportunity.