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2019 Super Bowl could see open roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Depending on the weather, the big game could be open air - and a bit chilly.

ATLANTA — If you're heading to the 2019 Super Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, be prepared to feel that cool February air.

NFL officials said on Tuesday that they hope to have the roof of the massive venue open - if weather permits - when the Rams and Patriots meet for the big game.

"It's clearly a very unique feature of this facility that, you know, that is just an amazing part," said Eric Finkelstein, who is the senior director of event operations for the NFL. "We would love the opportunity to use that as part of what we're doing. But, again, we're still monitoring and seeing the realities of what that means specific to game weekend."

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He said there aren't set criteria for whether they make the Super Bowl an open-air or closed game, since every stadium is different. He said they're working with facility operators to make the official decision.

But as Mercedes-Benz Stadium General Manager Scott Jenkins made clear, they really want to have the unique iris-like roof open as well. The complex setup actually took an extra year to complete after the stadium opened and is designed to open in 12 minutes.

"We would love to see the roof open. It's a beautiful building and the roof is one of the crowning jewels," he said. "We would love to show it off if the weather cooperates."

Either way, Finkelstein said it's great to even have the option.

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"It's something that's unique that you definitely don't have in most buildings," he said. "So to have that flexibility and be able to do that, one way or the other, is really a luxury that we're excited about."

Whatever the decision, expect a massive crowd in the stadium of about 70,000 people. Those people may want to keep their jackets handy.

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