Guide to the Copa America stadiums and host cities: Everything you need to know (2024)

Copa America kicks off on June 20 with tournament holders and reigning World Cup champions Argentina facing Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The home of the Atlanta Falcons is one of 14 stadiums across the United States that will host North and South America’s best international teams this summer.

Many of you will be travelling across the States to follow teams. To ensure you are prepared for wherever you visit, The Athletic has created a comprehensive guide to every stadium and city involved.

From theme parks to co*cktails, here are our recommendations to make the most of your Copa America experience.

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The basics:The stadium opened three years ago and has a capacity of 20,738. The first game at the ground was between USWNT and Nigeria. Angel City attacker Christen Press scored the first goal there, in a 2-0 win.

Food and drink: There are concession stands located in almost every corner with local restaurants and cuisines. If Texas BBQ is your thing, CM Smokehouse, Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ, and Slovacek’s, a Texas-Czech fusion food stand, sound particularly appetising. Bulleit Bar, Crown Royal and Karbach Draft are the pick of the bars.

How about some trivia? Q2 Stadium was the first soccer stadium in the world to have “just walk out” technology. Operated by Amazon, the “just walk out” gates allow fans to scan their credit cards at the point of entry, pick up their desired beverages (local Austin craft beers are recommended) and… just walk out. No checkout or scanning process is required.

What you can do nearby:For lunch, we recommend Franklin or Interstellar for Texas BBQ. Then, get pre-game drinks at Hopsquad Brewery or Celis Brewery near the stadium. For dinner, try Tex-Mex, where Matt’s El Rancho is a local favorite. And if you’re planning on taking the celebrations into the night, go to a live music spot like White Horse or Broken Spoke.

How to get there using public transportation: CapMetro, the public transportation provider in Austin, increases service on matchdays and the stadium is generally accessible from most parts of the city. The Metro Red Line train is considered the best option from downtown Austin. Fans can take the train to McKalla Station, just outside Q2 Stadium.

Which games will be hosted there?

• June 30: Venezuela v Jamaica (Group B)
• July 2: Costa Rica v Paraguay (Group D)

The basics:Oh lord, won’t you buy me… a stadium worth $1.6billion. This glitzy multi-purpose arena opened in August 2017 and can hold up to 71,000 people. The biggest event it has hosted so far is Super Bowl LIII in 2018, when the New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady, beat LA Rams, 13-3.

Food and drink: For fans of Top Chef, Gamechanger is a must-visit. Kevin Gillespie, a finalist in the sixth season of the show, is a lifelong Falcons fan and opened Gamechanger on the 200 concourse western end zone of the stadium in 2017. He serves food he describes as “junk food of a higher quality”.

Trivia: On July 22, 2021, Kanye West held a listening event for his album Donda at the stadium. Afterwards, West lived in the stadium for two weeks until the album’s completion, converting locker-room facilities into temporary recording spaces and living areas.

What you can do nearby:The stadium is in the heart of downtown Atlanta. You can take a walk to Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre park built for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Georgia Aquarium, around a 15-minute walk, is the largest aquarium in the United States.

How to get there using public transportation: MARTA, a city-wide rail and bus system, provides two stops on the stadium’s doorstep. For $2.50 (plus a one-time Breeze card purchase of $2), fans can avoid the added costs of driving. The closest station to Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.

Which games will be hosted there?

• June 20: Argentina v Canada (Group A)
• June 27: Panama v United States (Group C)

The basics: The stadium opened in 1996 and can hold 74,867 people. Before Bank of America purchased its naming rights in 2004, it was called the Ericsson Stadium, named after the Swedish telecommunications company founded by Lars Magnus Ericsson, the inventor of Bluetooth.

Food and drink: Angeline’s is a highly-rated Italian restaurant half a mile away, known for its pasta and wood-fired pizzas. If that does not whet your appetite, Fin & Fino is a great spot to grab seafood within a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

Trivia: The stadium is built on top of Good Samaritan Hospital, which was built in 1891 and was the first private hospital in North Carolina to serve Black patients in the racially segregated American South.

What you can do nearby: If you’re a NASCAR fan or simply want to learn more about America’s favourite motorsport, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is under a mile from the stadium. Tours begin at 1pm and last approximately two hours.

How to get there using public transportation: To arrive closest to the stadium, catch the LYNX Blue Line light rail and disembark at Stonewall Station or Carson Station — both are around a 15-minute walk. Several bus routes also provide easy access.

Which games will be hosted there?

• July 10: Semi-final
• July 13: Third-place play-off

The basics: With a soccer capacity of 80,000, expandable to over 100,000 for major events, the AT&T Stadium is undoubtedly one of America’s flagship sports venues. It hosted the 2011 Super Bowl, where the Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers, defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in front of 103,219 spectators.

Food and drink: Concession stands throughout offer burgers and hot dogs, while the Sausage Supreme is the pick of the options for Texas BBQ lovers.

Trivia: AT&T Stadium is commonly referred to as Jerry World after Jerry Jones, the eccentric owner of the Dallas Cowboys. When the stadium opened, the big screen, otherwise known as the Jerrytron, was the largest HD television in the world.

What you can do nearby: Arlington is home to all 212 acres of the Six Flags Over Texas theme park. It opened in 1961 and is the first amusem*nt park in the Six Flags chain. The park has 45 attractions, including 13 rollercoasters.

How to get there using public transportation: Unfortunately, there is no direct train connection from downtown Dallas to the AT&T Stadium. There is a train line that runs from Victory Station in Dallas to Centrepoint Station in Irving, nearer to Arlington. From there, a taxi is estimated to cost around $20. If you plan on taking a rental car, note that parking prices have exceeded $75 for other events. Shuttles run frequently from nearby Arlington hotels, dropping passengers off next to the entrance.

Which games will be hosted there?

• June 21: Peru vs Chile (Group A)
• June 23: United States vs Bolivia (Group C)
• July 5: Quarter-final – Group B winner vs Group A runner-up

The basics: While the Houston Texans have not had much post-season success, the NRG Stadium has played a big role in the NFL playoffs. The stadium, which opened in 2002, has hosted two Super Bowls (2004 and 2017), with the New England Patriots winning both.

NRG also held the Copa America Centenario semi-final between Argentina and the United States in 2016. Argentina won 4-0, with Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi on the scoresheet.

Food and drink: The stadium has 38 permanent food stands, 32 bars, 11 grab-and-go shops and over 100 portable stalls, so a lack of choice will not be an issue.

For fans looking for some Texas BBQ goodness, Killen’s BBQ, available at sections 323 and 351, is a local favourite owned by Ronnie Killen, a native Houstonian. El Tiempo is a popular spot for Tex-Mex, dishing out fajitas, tacos and nachos, while Hugo’s brings the Mexican flavour at an upscale level.

Trivia: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is held annually in March for three weeks. About a week before the rodeo starts, around 100 trucks arrive at the stadium carrying around 5,500 cubic yards of dirt — each cubic yard measures close to 200 gallons — which workers spend two days preparing ahead of the event.

What you can do nearby: The Astros, Houston’s MLB franchise, are at home to the Baltimore Orioles on the same day that Mexico plays Jamaica. The start times are five hours apart, so if you’re looking for something to do ahead of the game, why not head to see some baseball?

How to get there using public transportation: Fans can catch the METRORail Red Line from any of the downtown stations and take it south towards the NRG Park station. If you have rented a car for the trip, drive to the Fannin South Station one stop before NRG Park for park-and-ride.

Which games are going to be played there:

• June 22: Mexico vs Jamaica (Group B)
• June 24: Colombia vs Paraguay (Group D)
• July 4: Quarter-final – Group A winner vs Group B runner-up

The basics: Arrowhead represents American sporting heritage. Opened in 1972, it is the long-time home of the reigning Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs and has a capacity of 76,416. Away from sport, it was the opening venue for the “Victory Tour” when Michael Jackson reunited with the Jackson 5 in 1984 after the success of his Thriller album.

Food and drink: Despite Arrowhead being one of the older stadiums hosting a Copa America match, its concession stands are modern and diverse. @ArrowheadEats is a useful resource on X that tracks all the newest and tastiest options at the Kansas City stadium.

Trivia: Arrowhead is officially the loudest stadium in the world. After initially setting the Guinness World Record during the Chiefs and Oakland Raiders in 2013 with a 137.5 decibel racket, the Seattle Seahawks fans at Century Link Field (137.6 dB) claimed the title two months later. However, the Chiefs reclaimed the title at Arrowhead in 2014, hitting 142 dB.

What you can do nearby: If you’re planning on staying around in Kansas City for a few days, why not take in some MLB baseball at Kauffman Stadium, yards away from Arrowhead?

Kauffman is the home of the two-time World Series winners KC Royals, who will host the Tampa Bay Rays on July 2 and 3. The Royals have started the season strongly and could be a dark horse to go deep in the playoffs.

How to get there using public transportation: According to The Athletic’s resident Kansas City expert and U.S. managing soccer editor Alex Abnos, there is a bus that stops nearby, but the Kansas City bus service (RideKC) is notoriously unreliable. If you’re looking for a hassle-free journey to the stadium, the best bet is to rent a car, make a friend who has a car, or use a rideshare service (Lyft/Uber).

Which games are going to be played there:

• July 1: United States v Uruguay (Group C)

The basics: Opened in 2011, Children’s Mercy Park was one of several soccer-specific stadiums built around the turn of the decade to help grow MLS. Since moving to its new home, Sporting Kansas City has won three U.S. Open Cup titles and an MLS Cup. The USMNT has played at this venue on 10 occasions, most recently drawing 0-0 with Uruguay in June 2022.

Food and drink: If you desire something more adventurous than the average stadium fare, why not head to World’s Kitchen in section 117 to try the chicken curry or curry tots? El Capitan offers Mexican options in section 122 if Indian food does not appeal.

Trivia: Based on the concept of stop-motion photography, the stadium was designed to capture the motion of the body and the ball. The building’s exterior of repeating angular metal fins represents athleticism and movement on the field. Or so they say, anyway.

What you can do nearby: To fully engross yourself in the soccer spirit, why not hit up a Footgolf venue near the stadium? If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s pretty much what you’d expect: golf played with your feet (and a soccer ball). The Heart of America golf course is a 30-minute drive from the stadium and offers 18 holes to challenge your friends (or pre-game ahead of the match).

How to get there using public transportation: As with Arrowhead, there is a bus that stops nearby, but the Kansas City bus service (RideKC) is notoriously unreliable, so best to use a car or rideshare service (Lyft/Uber).

Which games are going to be played there:

• June 25: Peru vs Canada (Group A)

The basics: Opened in 2020 for a whopping $5.5bn, SoFi Stadium is the most expensive stadium ever built and it might be the best. It is located in the Inglewood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, close to LAX airport and famous west LA beaches, including Santa Monica and Venice. It has a capacity of around 70,000 and hosted the Super Bowl in 2022.

Food and drink: To avoid long queues inside the stadium, we recommend sampling Inglewood’s rich selection of international cuisines before the game. Blessed Tropical Cuisine is one of several excellent Jamaican restaurants in the area and La Fonda of Inglewood is known as one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in west LA.

Trivia: If you are willing to sacrifice a seat to be closer to the action, arrive early for the best standing-room spots. Standing-room tickets are sold in the 300 and 400 levels, but you may be able to snag a space with a seat in the nosebleeds if you get in position well before kick-off.

What you can do nearby: If you’ve booked a few days in LA, we recommend visiting the Getty Center for the views and museum. If you’re travelling with a family, Disneyland and Universal Studios will deliver for all.

How to get there using public transportation: Take the Metro C Line and disembark at Hawthorne/Lennox Station, where Metro typically offers an Express shuttle service to SoFi Stadium on game day. If you have rented a car, you can park at this station for free and take the $4 round-trip ride to SoFi.

Which games are going to be played there:

• June 24: Brazil vs Costa Rica (Group D)
• June 26: Venezuela v Mexico (Group B)

The basics: Located in the middle of the world’s most famous resort city, Allegiant Stadium is one of America’s most unique sports venues. The 61,000-seater stadium, which opened in 2020, hosted this year’s Super Bowl.

Food and drink: Among masses of options at the stadium, Food Network icon Guy Fieri has translated some of his favourite dishes into stadium food at Tailgate Kitchen and Bar. The standouts on the menu include: the Motley Que pulled pork sandwich, the Prime Time Kobe burger and the Tailgater Trash Can nachos.

For drinks, try a co*cktail designed by mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. His specials include the Bloody Fist Mary, Silver & Black margarita with Casamigos, and the Chucky with Gentleman Jack.

Trivia: Allegiant Stadium has a roll-in field tray mechanism, which allows a grass field to be brought in ahead of matches and taken out afterwards to receive sunlight. The mechanism weighs 19 million pounds and is powered by 72 motors.

What you can do nearby: They say a trip to Vegas isn’t complete without a flutter at a casino, but if gambling isn’t your thing, why not head to the Sphere? It is hosting the Darren Aronofsky “Postcard from Earth” experience during Copa America and you can snag tickets for around $100.

How to get there using public transportation: The stadium is within walking distance of all the major hotels in Vegas, but it may not be pleasant in the height of summer.

Download rideRTC on your smartphone, where you can buy a two-hour bus pass for $6. A 24-hour pass is $8, and a three-day pass costs $20. The bus operates the Vegas strip 24 hours a day.

Which games are going to be played there:

• June 26: Ecuador v Jamaica (Group B)
• June 28: Paraguay v Brazil (Group D)
• July 6: Quarter-final – Group C winner v Group D runner-up

The basics: It’s been a heck of a long time since the Miami Dolphins reached the Super Bowl, but the NFL has used the Hard Rock Stadium six times to host its showpiece event. This year’s Copa America final will join a long list of major events across sports and entertainment to be held in Miami Gardens.

Food and drink: Miami is known for its Cuban population and influence, so why not try Cafe Versailles in Section 347 to get a taste of the local cuisine? Versailles has been feeding the city since 1971 and the classic Cuban sandwich with a side of plantain chips or an order of empanadas is recommended.

Chef Creole is another great option in Section 117. The concession stand run by Wilkinson Sejour is known for its comfort food, with jambalaya, stewed chicken, and oxtail among the extensive selection.

Trivia: According to reports, the stadium was built on land that was once the burial ground for the South Florida Tequesta, a Native American tribe.

Consequently, some fans have blamed the “Curse of the Tequesta” for the Miami Dolphins’ failure to win a Super Bowl since leaving the Orange Bowl for the Hard Rock Stadium.

What you can do nearby: Miami Carol City Park is delightful in the summer, with its playgrounds, picnic pavilions and large green areas. If you’re attending the game with family and young children, this is a perfect spot to relax before and after the action.

How to get there using public transportation: There is no public transportation system to the stadium, so you will need to drive or take a taxi.

Taxis are allowed to drop off and pick up at Gate 4, while rideshare services (Lyft, Uber etc.) are required to pick up and drop off at Lot 42 on NW 27th Ave. This lot is a 20-minute walk away from the stadium.

Which games are going to be played there:

• June 21: Uruguay v Panama (Group A)
• June 29: Argentina v Peru (Group A)
• July 14: Final

The basics… This 82,500-capacity stadium has seen pretty much everything from a sports and entertainment perspective. It has hosted the Super Bowl, Wrestlemania (twice) and even a Mass service held by Pope John Paul II. It was also the venue for the Copa America Centenario final in 2016, where Chile beat Argentina 4-2 on penalties.

Food and drink: You cannot go wrong with Stadium Gyro in section 134. Tacos Raqueros is another solid option. They have a variety of taco and burrito options, with the pork a local favourite. Make sure to ask for the salsa verde.

Trivia: MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup final. The venue beat out SoFi and AT&T for the privilege to host the world’s biggest sports event.

What you can do nearby: You’re only a short ride away from New York City, so you can spend most of your time there before the game. If you want to grab a pre-game bite, Chelsea Market food hall is a one-stop shop for international cuisine. The Los Tacos No 1 stall is always popular, but be prepared to queue.

Central Park remains among New York’s best summer attractions, which is also very close to several museums and galleries.

How to get there using public transportation: If you’re coming from New York City, take the NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction. Be sure that you’re taking the train to Secaucus, which are marked “SEC”.

Once you arrive at Secaucus, you’ll see departure boards that will direct you to the correct platform to catch the train to the stadium.

Which games are going to be played there:

• June 25: Chile v Argentina (Group A)
• June 27: Uruguay v Bolivia (Group C)
• July 9: Semi-final

The basics: The soccer-specific stadium opened in 2017 and has a capacity of 25,500. It has hosted six USMNT matches and held the 2019 MLS All-Star game against La Liga club Atletico Madrid.

Food and drink: If you love Mexican food, try the Black Rooster Taqueria in Section 24. Achiote Pork and Black Rooster Asada are great options, but our pick is the Chicken Tinga. If you’re after a burger, the “Drunken Monk” at Teak Neighborhood Grill (Section 18/19) is among the best this stadium has to offer.

Trivia: It was the first MLS venue to have an all-standing stand. The safe-standing structure was designed to resemble the Victoria Ground, Stoke City’s former stadium.

The 3,811-capacity section is occupied by the main supporters’ groups, the Iron Lion Firm and The Ruckus. They have dubbed this section “The Wall”, in homage to Borussia Dortmund’s famous Yellow Wall.

What you can do nearby: Are you serious? Go to Disney World and Universal Studios, of course! Universal Studios is around a 15-minute drive from the stadium and is home to attractions including the Hogwarts Express and the Revenge of the Mummy rollercoaster.

For Disney World, it’s around another 15 minutes in the same direction. As well as the traditional Disney classics, you can visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, where the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance attractions await.

How to get there using public transportation: The stadium is in downtown Orlando, so it will likely be within walking distance from your hotel. If you’re staying slightly further out, SunRail is your best bet. Church Street Station is only a short walk from the stadium, so ensure your train stops there.

What games are going to be played there:

• June 29: Chile v Canada (Group A)
• July 1: Bolivia v Panama (Group C)

The basics: Since opening in 2006, the 72,200-seater stadium has been a prominent destination for America’s most important sporting events. It has hosted three Super Bowls (XLII, XLIX and LVII) and College Football National Championship games.

Food and drink: There are plenty of delicious restaurants nearby, so we recommend going to the stadium with a full stomach.

NakedQ BBQ offers traditional BBQ sandwiches and platters with pulled meats, brisket, ribs and delicious sides. State 48 Funk House Brewery offers broadly similar options but with a wider beer selection.

Six speciality co*cktails are available inside the stadium and we recommend the Valley of the Sun Peach Breeze and the Desert Heat.

Trivia: State Farm Stadium kicked off Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour in 2023 and Glendale symbolically renamed itself “Swift City” to honour the occasion.

What you can do nearby: The stadium typically holds a “Preflight Party” before Cardinals matches on the stadium’s south lawn, suitable for the whole family.

This area has a DJ, food and drink, activities and, perhaps most importantly in the summer months, plenty of shade.

How to get there using public transportation: Unfortunately, there is little infrastructure to service fans planning to visit the stadium on public transportation. If you are unable to rent a car, your best bet is to get a taxi/rideshare from Phoenix to Glendale and make your way to the stadium from that area on foot.

Which games are going to be played there:

• June 28: Colombia v Costa Rica (Group D)
• June 30: Mexico v Ecuador (Group D)
• July 6: Quarter-final – Group D winner vs Group C runner-up

The basics: Located around one hour from San Francisco, Levi’s Stadium is the Bay Area’s sporting mecca. It hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016, where the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in front of a capacity crowd of 71,008, as well as other major sporting events, including Wrestlemania 31.

Food and drink: If you’re after traditional sports grub, look no further than Scratch Kitchen’s Nashville Hot Chicken Slider, crispy tenders and tortilla chip-style fries. For something more exotic, try the Ahi Tuna tapas or the Steakhouse “Tomahawk” boards.

Trivia: There’s an organically maintained farm on the stadium’s rooftop. It is the first rooftop farm on an NFL stadium and grows around 40 different crops, including tomatoes, peppers and edible flowers. The vegetables are used in dishes served in the stadium’s concession stands.

What you can do nearby: California’s Great America is a 112-acre theme park located an eight-minute walk away from Levi’s Stadium. It falls into the traditional category of amusem*nt parks, but there are enough modern rollercoasters to keep thrill-seekers entertained.

For tech heads, the Intel Museum is within a 30-minute walk (or 20-minute ACE ride) of the stadium. It has exhibits of Intel’s products and history and plenty of interactive facilities for children.

How to get there using public transportation: You can ride the VTA light rail to the stadium. The closest stations are the Great America station (located just west of Levi’s) and the Lick Mill station to the east.

For patrons attending from San Francisco, VTA offers a dedicated shuttle bus service to the stadium from the Warm Springs BART station. Warm Springs can be reached on the BART green line from the Embarcadero station in downtown San Francisco.

Which games are going to be played there:

• June 22: Ecuador v Venezuela (Group B)
• July 2: Brazil v Colombia (Group D)

(Top photos: Getty Images; design: John Bradford)