Atlanta United FC

Last updated

Atlanta United FC
Atlanta MLS.svg
Full nameAtlanta United FC
Nickname(s)The Five Stripes
Short nameATL UTD
FoundedApril 16, 2014;10 years ago (2014-04-16)
Stadium Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Capacity42,500 (expandable to 71,000, standing room to at least 73,019) [1]
Investor-operator [a] Arthur Blank
President Garth Lagerwey
Head coach Ronny Deila
League Major League Soccer
2024 Eastern Conference: 9th
Overall: 19th
Playoffs: Conference semifinals
Website atlutd.com
Soccerball current event.svg Current season

Atlanta United FC is an American professional soccer club based in Atlanta. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. Domestically, the club has won one MLS Cup, one U.S. Open Cup, and one Eastern Conference championship. They have also won one Campeones Cup.

Contents

Founded in 2014, Atlanta United began play as an MLS expansion team in 2017, as the twenty-second team in the league. It is the first MLS franchise to be based in Atlanta, and the club plays home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which they share with the city's National Football League (NFL) franchise, the Atlanta Falcons. The club is operated by Arthur Blank, owner of the Falcons and co-founder of the Home Depot. The club also owns Atlanta United 2, a reserve team that competes in MLS Next Pro.

Gerardo Martino was appointed as the club's first head coach and guided Atlanta to their first playoff appearance in the team's debut season, before securing the team's first trophy in just their second season by winning MLS Cup 2018.

Atlanta has set several league records for highest single-match and average attendance. In 2024, Forbes estimated the club was the second most valuable in the league, worth approximately $900 million. [3]

History

Initial expansion proposals

At the time the team was announced, Atlanta was the largest metropolitan area without an MLS franchise. [4] Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank's AMB Sports and Entertainment Group had submitted a bid for an expansion franchise in 2008, [5] but withdrew the bid in early 2009 due to state and local government budget shortfalls and Blank's inability to find partners to build an appropriate stadium for the proposed team. [6] On July 10, 2010, Dan Courtemanche, MLS's executive vice president of communications, said that despite the bid withdrawal, regular discussions with Blank regarding Atlanta's potential as an expansion market were occurring. [7]

MLS expansion bid

On May 31, 2011, the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers were sold to True North Sports & Entertainment, who announced that they would relocate the team to Winnipeg and rebrand as the Winnipeg Jets. [8] The Thrashers' relocation helped restart the efforts and talks of bringing an MLS expansion team to Atlanta. [9]

In May 2012, while the Falcons' proposed new stadium was going through the approval process, MLS commissioner Don Garber cited Atlanta as one of three "intriguing" markets for future league expansion. [10] Additionally, when Blank presented his case for a new stadium at the Falcons' annual meeting with season ticket holders, he stated that an additional benefit of the new stadium was that it could help attract a Major League Soccer franchise and potentially host World Cup matches. [11] Later that year, in November, Garber said if the Falcons could complete plans for a new stadium, MLS would "try to figure out how an MLS team could be part of their plans." [12]

Rich McKay, Falcons president and CEO, said in 2013 that the team was "open to various options, including [its] ownership of a team or someone else owning a team". [13] Dan Courtemanche said, "We are big believers in the Atlanta market," and cited the city's growing Hispanic population and corporations that could serve as its sponsors. [13] Then, in March 2013, the city and the Falcons agreed to financing terms, [14] and in May 2013, the Georgia Department of Economic Development board approved $30 million in bonds to finance the land purchase for the new stadium. [15] The stadium was set to open in 2017 and could be configured for professional soccer. [13] Atlanta remained at the top of the list for an MLS expansion team, as Garber, in the December 2013 MLS State of the League address, emphasized that it was a goal to continue to expand in the Southeast, and added, "if we can continue to advance our discussions positively with Arthur [Blank] and the [Atlanta] Falcons, we hope to be able to get a situation finalized so that could potentially be our second team. Orlando being the first, maybe Atlanta or Miami would be the second or the third." [16] [17] In December 2013, Garber said the league was making progress in discussions with the Falcons and that the stadium situation was finalized. [18] Negotiations continued, as Courtemanche said in January 2014 that Atlanta "remains a great prospect for MLS expansion," [19] and in February 2014, Rich McKay confirmed the parties were "far along in negotiations." [20]

On April 16, 2014, Blank announced that MLS had awarded an expansion franchise to his group, and the team would begin play in 2017. Atlanta became the second franchise awarded in the Southeastern United States in five months, following the Orlando City SC announcement in late 2013. The Southeast had been without an MLS team since the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny were dissolved in 2001. [21]

2017: Inaugural season

Atlanta's first regular season MLS game was played on March 5, 2017, at Bobby Dodd Stadium with 55,297 in attendance. Yamil Asad scored the first goal in team history in a 2–1 loss to New York Red Bulls. [22] A week later, the team registered its first win with a 6–1 away defeat of fellow expansion team Minnesota United FC. [23] On March 18, 2017, the team registered its first win at home, beating Chicago Fire, who went down to ten men in the eleventh minute, 4–0 in front of a sold-out Bobby Dodd Stadium. [24] Following its move to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the team continued leading the league in attendance and averaged more than 48,000 in its home league matches, breaking records for attendance for a non-doubleheader MLS game and average single-season attendance for a U.S. soccer team. Atlanta clinched a berth in the playoffs, becoming the third MLS expansion team to do so in their inaugural season, by finishing tied for third place in the Eastern Conference; due to tiebreaking rules Atlanta was seeded fourth. In its first playoff game, the team faced Columbus Crew and set a then-MLS attendance record for a playoff game with 67,221 spectators in attendance. After 120 minutes of scoreless action, the match was decided by a penalty shoot-out, which Columbus won 3–1 to eliminate Atlanta. [25]

2018: Champions in two seasons

Josef Martinez was MLS MVP as Atlanta won the championship in 2018 Josef Martinez Atlanta United 2017.jpg
Josef Martínez was MLS MVP as Atlanta won the championship in 2018

In their second season, Atlanta finished second in the Eastern Conference as well as the Supporters' Shield. The club qualified for the playoffs for the second year in a row, advancing to MLS Cup 2018 after beating New York City FC and New York Red Bulls. In the final on December 8, the team beat Portland Timbers, bringing the city of Atlanta its first major sports championship since MLB's Atlanta Braves won the 1995 World Series. [1] The win qualified Atlanta for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League, marking the first time Atlanta qualified for continental competition.

The win also allowed Martino, who had announced earlier in the season that he would not return for the 2019 campaign, to end his two-year tenure on a high note. [26] Josef Martínez was named league MVP, [27] while Martino was named Coach of the Year. [28]

2019: U.S. Open Cup Champions and Campeones Cup Winners

Martino left the club following their MLS Cup triumph in order to take over as manager of the Mexico national team. He was replaced by Frank de Boer. In the second edition of the Campeones Cup, Atlanta defeated Club América 3–2, winning the trophy and becoming the first club from United States to defeat a Mexican side in the cup match. [29] De Boer led the club to wins in both the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup, but after beating the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union in the MLS Playoffs, Atlanta United were eliminated in the conference finals by Toronto FC.

2020

The 2020 season started brightly for United, with two wins in two matches before the season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a nearly four-month layoff, United participated in the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, Florida, losing all three of their matches. Following their elimination from the MLS is Back Tournament, De Boer and Atlanta United mutually agreed to end his relationship with the club. [30] He was replaced on an interim basis by Stephen Glass, who led the club following the resumption of league play in August.

At the end of 2020, former Argentina international defender Gabriel Heinze signed a two-year contract to be the next head coach. [31]

2021

During the offseason prior to the 2021 MLS season, Atlanta United brought in 9 new players including Santiago Sosa and veteran striker Lisandro López. [32] On April 6, 2021, United played their first game of the 2021 season, beating Costa Rican side Alajuelense 1–0. [33] The match marked the return of striker Josef Martínez, who had missed the entirety of the 2020 season due to a torn ACL. [34]

On April 13, 2021, Atlanta United beat Costa Rican side Alajuelense 2–0 on aggregate to advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.[ citation needed ] In their largest home defeat to date, they lost the first leg of the quarterfinals to Philadelphia Union on April 27, 2021, by a score of 3–0.[ citation needed ]

On July 18, 2021, Atlanta United announced the firing of head coach Gabriel Heinze, after the team hit a club-record eight-game winless streak, with only two wins out of their first thirteen games of the 2021 MLS season. Heinze's interim replacement was Atlanta United assistant coach Rob Valentino. [35]

On August 12, 2021, former Mexican international and Seattle Sounders FC assistant coach Gonzalo Pineda was named the fourth permanent head coach in club history, [36] with his first match away to D.C. United on August 21. Valentino remained with the club as an assistant coach.

On November 7, 2021, Atlanta United clinched a spot in the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs after a 2–1 victory over FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. [37] They were then knocked out in the first round by New York City FC .

2022

Atlanta United finished 11th in the Eastern Conference in the 2022 season and did not qualify for the playoffs. Atlanta United participated in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup as defending champions, as the 2020 and 2021 editions of tournament were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were knocked out in the Round of 32 by Nashville SC. At the end of the season, after winning the award for the 2022 MLS Goal of the Year, Josef Martínez did not renew his contract with Atlanta United, subsequently leaving the club after six seasons.

2023

Atlanta United finished 6th in the Eastern Conference in the 2022 season and were knocked out in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs by the Columbus Crew. Atlanta United competed in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and also participated in the 2023 Leagues Cup for the first time in their history. They were knocked out of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup in the Third Round by Memphis 901 FC. They were also knocked out of the 2023 Leagues Cup in the group stage. Their top scorer in all competitions was Giorgos Giakoumakis with 19 goals.

2024 - Present

On June 3, 2024, Atlanta United announced the firing of head coach Gonzalo Pineda, after the team lost a club-record 5 consecutive home matches. Pineda's interim replacement is Atlanta United assistant coach Rob Valentino, who led the team as an interim head coach after Gabriel Heinze was fired in 2021. [38] In the summer transfer window, Atlanta sold Thiago Almada for a reported fee of $22 million, plus $3 million in add-ons; which broke the transfer record for the MLS. They also sold Giorgos Giakoumakis and Caleb Wiley, which resulted in Atlanta United having over $50 million to spend in the summer transfer window [39] On October 19th 2024, Atlanta United Surprisingly qualified to the Wild-Card Round by beating Orlando to face Montreal on October 22nd in which they won on penalties. On the 25th of October 2024, they played Inter Miami in the First Round who had a record breaking season in which they had the most points in a single MLS Season to win themselves the supporters shield, Atlanta lost in Miami 2-1. While on November 3rd 2024, After a shaky start Atlanta came back to win 2-1 at Home against Miami. On November 9th 2024, Atlanta United faced a decisive match against Miami to decide who plays Orlando in the Conference Semi-finals in which Atlanta won 3-2 in Miami and will play Orlando on November 24th 2024.

Colors and badge

An Atlanta United mural located in Decatur, Georgia Delta, Atlanta United paint the town (36339801080).jpg
An Atlanta United mural located in Decatur, Georgia

Arthur Blank stated that fans would be involved in choosing the name, logo and "a color scheme that'll work with the red and black with ... gold " [40] (the colors used by the Falcons when they launched in 1966). [41]

On June 25, 2015, Sports Illustrated reported that Atlanta's expansion team would be named Atlanta United FC. The official announcement of the team's name took place on July 7. [42] Atlanta United president Darren Eales explained that the name was chosen based on a survey of the team's supporters and used words the supporters most positively related to the potential team. [43] [44] Eales also stated that the Founders' Group meeting would still be held on July 7 and the logo for the new team would be unveiled. [43]

Symbols

The team's name, logo and colors were unveiled on July 7, 2015. The logo features a circle reminiscent of the city's seal and Olympic heritage with a bold "A" at the center of the circle. Behind the "A" are five black and red stripes representing the five pillars of the team: unity, determination, community, excellence, and innovation. [45] The team's official colors are black (for strength and power), red (or "Victory Red," as the team calls it, for pride and passion), and gold (for a commitment to excellence). [46] The team has become unofficially known as "The Five Stripes", which correlates to the five stripes on the team's inaugural home kits. [47]

Kits

In February 2019, on the heels of the club's first MLS championship, Atlanta unveiled a new primary kit for the upcoming 2019 season. The new design is nicknamed "Star and Stripes" and was created by Adidas. [48] Changes include a move from five thick stripes to nine thinner stripes on the front, red socks instead of black, and a gold star above the team crest. [49]

In February 2021, Atlanta United announced a new primary kit for the 2021 season. The design is named the "BLVCK" kit and is United's first all-black kit.

Home

Kit left arm atlantau17h.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlantau17h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlantau17h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts atlantau17h.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks atlantau17h.png
Kit socks long.svg
2017–2018
Kit left arm atlanta19h.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlanta19h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlanta19h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts atlanta19h.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks 3 stripes black.png
Kit socks long.svg
2019–2020
Kit left arm borderonblack.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlanta21H.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm borderonblack.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts atlanta19h.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks 3 stripes red.png
Kit socks long.svg
2021–22
Kit left arm atlanta23h.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlanta23h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlanta23h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts adidasshortonblack.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks 3 old gold stripes.png
Kit socks long.svg
2023–

Away

Kit left arm atlantaunited17a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlantaunited17a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlantaunited17a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts atlantaunited17a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks atlantaunited17a.png
Kit socks long.svg
2017
Kit left arm atlantaunited17a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlantaunited17a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlantaunited17a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts adidasonwhite.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks atlantau17A.png
Kit socks long.svg
2017 Away Alt
Kit left arm atlantaunited18a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlantaunited18a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlantaunited18a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts atlantaunited18a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks atlantaunited18a.png
Kit socks long.svg
2018–2019
Kit left arm atlanta20a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlanta20A.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlanta20a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks atlanta20a.png
Kit socks long.svg
2020–2021
Kit left arm atlanta22a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlanta22a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlanta22a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts atlanta22a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks atlanta22a.png
Kit socks long.svg
2022–2023
Kit left arm atlanta24a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlanta24a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlanta24a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts atlanta24a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
2024–

Third

Kit left arm atlanta21t.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlanta21t.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlanta21t.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts adidasshortonblack.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks atlanta21t.png
Kit socks long.svg
2021
Kit left arm atlanta23t.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body atlanta23t.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm atlanta23t.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts adidasshortwhite.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks 3 stripes on white top.png
Kit socks long.svg
2023

Sponsorship

SeasonKit sponsorShirt sponsorSleeve sponsor
2016 Adidas American Family Insurance —
2017–2020
2020 Piedmont Hospital
Truist Financial
2021 AT&T
2022–presentPiedmont Hospital

On July 12, 2016, the team announced American Family Insurance as its primary jersey sponsor for the first team. The terms and length of the contract were not disclosed. [50] Truist is the official kit sponsor at the youth academy level. [51] On February 4, 2020, the club announced that it had expanded its partnership with local healthcare provider Piedmont Healthcare. As part of the partnership expansion, Piedmont became the first team's sleeve sponsor and the main sponsor for the reserve team. [52] Later, the team announced Truist Financial and NAPA as short and sleeve sponsors. [53] On March 23, 2021, the team announced AT&T as its new sleeve sponsor. [54]

Development system

Reserve team

On November 14, 2017, Atlanta United announced that they would be launching a reserve team to compete in the United Soccer League, the second division of American soccer. [55] Club president Darren Eales said that the new team was launched to "bridge the gap between our best in class academy and our First Team." The team, Atlanta United 2, began play in the Eastern Conference of what is now called USL Championship in the 2018 season. In 2023, the team was moved to MLS NEXT Pro.

Youth academy

Atlanta United operate a youth academy that competes in MLS NEXT. [56] The academy began play in the 2016–2017 USSDA season and has seven youth teams: U-19, U-17, U-16, U-15, U-14, U-13 and U-12. Participation in the academy is free for all players and participants are eligible to be signed to the Atlanta United first team as a Homegrown Player. The club has signed six players to first-team contracts and three players to reserve team contracts since the academy launched. [57]

In addition to its MLS NEXT programs, the academy also operates a soccer development program to identify players playing for local youth clubs and promote them to the academy. [58] The club also operates the Atlanta United Regional Development School, a pre-academy feeder program for players aged 8–14 to provide training and development for advanced local players and identify potential academy players, as well as the United Juniors Program, a special development program to provide supplemental development for U-12 players playing for other Atlanta-area youth clubs. [59]

Stadium and team facilities

Home stadiums

NameLocationYears
Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, Georgia 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta, Georgia 2017–present
Fifth Third Bank Stadium Kennesaw, Georgia 2017–present; 4 matches in U.S. Open Cup, 3 matches in CONCACAF Champions League

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Capacity and atmosphere

The club shares Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. The club typically curtains off the upper level of the stadium [21] [4] to create a more intimate atmosphere for soccer. [60] For most games, Mercedes-Benz Stadium holds 42,500 people. The team used the curtains for six of nine home matches during the inaugural season. When expanded to full capacity, the stadium can hold 71,000 people, with standing room for at least 73,019 people (based on attendance at MLS Cup 2018—at the time, the largest single-match crowd in MLS history). To create a better match-day experience, stands are retractable to accommodate a larger field and allow better sight lines. When Atlanta was announced as an expansion team, Blank vowed, "There will never be an MLS game in Atlanta where NFL lines are shown on the field." [4]

Construction delays

In January 2016, the opening of the stadium was delayed three months to June 2017. [61] The team was originally scheduled to move into Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 30, 2017; however, the complexity of the eight-panel retractable roof caused another delay in the stadium's opening. As the team could not use Bobby Dodd Stadium in August due to Georgia Tech having priority, [62] the rivalry match against Orlando City SC was moved up one day from July 30 to 29, and two home fixtures originally scheduled to be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in August were moved to September. [63] The team's first match in the stadium took place on September 10, 2017, against FC Dallas.

Training facilities and team headquarters

In August 2015, the club announced plans for training facilities, academy facilities, and sporting headquarters in Decatur. [64] However, the results of an environmental and geotechnical feasibility study found that the site on Memorial Drive was unfeasible, and in November 2015 plans for the facility were canceled. [65] Instead, the facility was built on a 33-acre plot on Franklin Gateway in Marietta. On April 11, 2017, the $60 million facility was opened, named the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. The facility includes a 30,000 square foot building that acts as the club's sporting headquarters and houses locker rooms for the first team, reserve team, and academy teams, a full-service dining hall, and sports science facilities including a gymnasium and two hydrotherapy plunge pools. [66] The facility also includes six outdoor training fields, including a showcase field with a stand that can seat 2,500 spectators. On March 28, 2019, the Marietta City Council agreed to sell an additional 17 acres (6.9 ha) of land to the club to expand the training facilities as well as extend the lease on the existing facility on city-owned land by an additional five years. [67]

Bobby Dodd Stadium

A view of Bobby Dodd Stadium, where Atlanta United played part of its inaugural season in 2017. Georgia-Tech-Stadium-Atlanta.jpg
A view of Bobby Dodd Stadium, where Atlanta United played part of its inaugural season in 2017.

The first team played its home matches in the first half of the 2017 MLS season at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium due to delays in the construction of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. [68] [69] Although the club sought a balanced home-and-away schedule during their spell at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta United did not play any home matches from March 19 to April 29 to avoid conflicts with the Yellow Jackets' spring football scrimmages. [70] According to club officials, the Georgia Dome was not considered a viable option to temporarily host the team, since delaying the Dome's planned demolition would have also delayed the completion of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. [71]

Club culture

Supporters

Atlanta United has 6 officially recognized supporter groups: Terminus Legion, Resurgence, Footie Mob, The Faction, LA 12 de Atlanta and All Stripes. [72]

Terminus Legion is a supporter group that was created in March 2011 by graphic designer Matt Stigall, who wanted a way to show that Atlanta fans would support soccer despite the perception of the city as a "lazy sports town". The group was named after the name given to Atlanta when it was first settled, and its logo featuring a cow catcher and railroad ties reflect the city's history as a locomotive hub. In the days since the expansion team was awarded, its membership doubled to over 500, and in the time leading up to 2017, Stigall said the group would support "all Atlanta soccer" including the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL and at the grassroots level, and make road trips to rival Orlando City SC matches. [73]

Footie Mob is a supporter group established in 2014, their name a take on Atlanta hip-hop group Goodie Mob. The group is known for pre-game tailgating and incorporating Atlanta's music culture into the supporter culture. [74]

By December 2015, the supporters of the new MLS team had already pledged to purchase more than 29,000 season tickets. [75] As of December 2017, the team had more than 36,000 season ticket holders. [76]

All Stripes is an LGBTQ+ supporter group established in 2017 that became official in 2022. [77] [78]

La 12 de Atlanta is a supporters group, established in 2016, that celebrates latino culture and influence on soccer that also became official in 2022.

In 2018, the Bleacher Report declared Atlanta the "Black Soccer Capital of America" due to the emerging presence of African-Americans supporting Atlanta United. [79]

Supporters as a whole are often referred to as the "17s," a reference to the inaugural year of the club. [80] Supporter jerseys display the number 17 with either "Atlanta" or the supporter's name across the back.

Attendance

On September 12, 2017, Atlanta United announced that the team had sold more than 69,256 tickets for the September 16 match against Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, breaking the league record for single-match attendance. The previous record of 69,255 tickets sold was held by LA Galaxy. The game's official attendance was 70,425, making Atlanta the first MLS team to surpass 70,000 in attendance for a non-doubleheader match. [81]

On October 5, 2017, the team announced they had sold more than 70,456 tickets for the October 22 match against Toronto FC. [82] This allowed the team to break both the record for highest average attendance in a season for MLS (held by Seattle Sounders FC), as well as the record for highest average attendance in a season for professional soccer in the United States, which was held by New York Cosmos. The game's official attendance was 71,874, which broke the MLS single-match attendance record for a second time. [83] [84] Atlanta finished the season with an average attendance of 48,200 for MLS regular season games, a number higher than that of multiple major clubs such as English sides Everton and Chelsea. [85] [86]

On March 11, 2018, the team broke the league single-match attendance record for the third time, selling 72,035 tickets for their 2018 season home opener against D.C. United. [87]

On June 30, 2018, fans set another record with 71,932 in attendance, more than any other soccer game happening that day in the world, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. [88]

On July 15, 2018, the team again set the league single-match attendance record with 72,243 in attendance. [89]

Atlanta broke the league record for average regular-season attendance again in 2018, breaking their 2017 record and becoming the first MLS team to average more than 50,000 in attendance with an average attendance of 53,002. [90]

On December 8, 2018, Atlanta United won its first MLS Cup before a crowd of 73,019, the largest non-doubleheader crowd in league history. [1]

On August 3, 2019, the team set another single-match attendance record, with 72,548 in attendance for their home matchup against the LA Galaxy. [91]

Traditions

A fan signs the Golden Spike prior to the game on November 11, 2018 A fan signs the Golden Spike prior to the game on November 11th, 2018.jpg
A fan signs the Golden Spike prior to the game on November 11, 2018

During their inaugural season, Atlanta United introduced a ritual called the Golden Spike in a nod to the city's railroad history. Prior to the game, players and supporters sign a large golden railroad spike, which is then marched into the stadium by supporters and hammered into a platform by a local VIP while the crowd chants "A-T-L!" Additionally, after each Atlanta United win, the player voted as the Man of the Match hammers a spike. [92] [93] Local celebrities that took part in the Golden Spike tradition during 2017 included hip hop artists 2 Chainz, Yung Joc, and Waka Flocka, as well as country musician Zac Brown, retired Atlanta Braves star Andruw Jones, and Atlanta basketball players Tiffany Hayes and Dennis Schröder. [94] Atlanta native rap artist Archie Eversole also participated in the Golden Spike tradition and would later compose a rap anthem for the club entitled "United We Conquer." [95] [96] In 2018, notable celebrity participants included singer T-Pain, [97] Dutch soccer legend Edgar Davids, [98] Atlanta multi-sports star Brian Jordan, [99] boxing legend Evander Holyfield and his son Elijah Holyfield, [100] and rappers Jeezy, [101] Killer Mike, [102] and Big Boi. [103] At MLS Cup 2018, owner Arthur Blank hammered the Spike. [104] 2019 saw celebrities such as wrestling legend Ric Flair, [105] Hollywood icon Ron Howard, [106] hip hop group Goodie Mob, [107] and basketball star Dikembe Mutombo [108] participate in the tradition.

The first signing of the Golden Spike at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, September 10, 2017.

Ownership

Arthur Blank owns the club. Arthurblank.jpg
Arthur Blank owns the club.

Atlanta United FC's principal owner is Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot. It is a component of AMB Sports & Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Blank Family of Businesses that also includes the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. [109] [110] [111]

Players

Roster

As of December 20, 2024 [112]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
1 GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Brad Guzan (captain)
2 DF Flag of Venezuela (state).svg  VEN Ronald Hernández
3 DF Flag of Ireland.svg  IRL Derrick Williams
4 DF Flag of Peru (state).svg  PER Luis Abram
5 DF Flag of Norway.svg  NOR Stian Rode Gregersen
6 MF Flag of Poland.svg  POL Bartosz Slisz
8 MF Flag of France.svg  FRA Tristan Muyumba
9 FW Flag of Georgia.svg  GEO Saba Lobzhanidze
11 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Brooks Lennon
16 FW Flag of Portugal.svg  POR Xande Silva
18 DF Flag of Portugal.svg  POR Pedro Amador
20 MF Flag of Colombia.svg  COL Edwin Mosquera
No.Pos.NationPlayer
21 DF Flag of Bolivia.svg  BOL Efrain Morales
22 GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Josh Cohen
23 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Adyn Torres
24 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Noah Cobb
25 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Luke Brennan
29 FW Flag of Senegal.svg  SEN Jamal Thiaré
35 MF Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg  TRI Ajani Fortune
47 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Matt Edwards
59 MF Flag of Russia.svg  RUS Aleksei Miranchuk
— FW Flag of Jamaica.svg  JAM Ashton Gordon
— MF Flag of Poland.svg  POL Mateusz Klich
— MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Will Reilly

Reserved numbers

On February 10, 2017, Atlanta United announced that the number 17 would be reserved for the fans. The number marks the year of the team's inaugural season in MLS. "Atlanta United aims to recognize that from the very beginning, the fans, the city, and the people define the spirit and essence of this club," the team explained in the official statement regarding the number's dedication. [113]

On January 22, 2021, the club also reserved for the 2021 MLS season the number 44. Following the death of Hank Aaron, a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee who played for the Atlanta Braves from 1966 to 1974, Atlanta-area sports teams on the amateur and professional level agreed to retire Aaron's 44 regardless of sport as a tribute. [114]

Broadcasting

Rights to all Atlanta United FC first team matches not broadcast by MLS' national television partners were originally held by Bally Sports. Most of the team's games were televised by either Bally Sports South or Bally Sports Southeast, which also carried team programming. A small number of matches were broadcast on over-the-air television by WUPA in the event of scheduling conflicts with the two channels. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. [115] [116]

Beginning in September 2020 (and for some services even earlier) as a result of negotiating issues with Sinclair Broadcast Group and streaming services FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu Live TV, fans in the local Atlanta metro area and corresponding TV market's ability to view Atlanta United games on regional sports networks became greatly reduced. [117] This issue was rectified when rights to every MLS game became exclusive to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+ in 2023, with select broadcasts simultaneously broadcast on WAGA and through its affiliated networks. [118]

Kevin Egan served as the team's local television play-by-play announcer from 2017 to 2022. Starting in 2021, former MLS midfielder Maurice Edu was the color commentator, with Jillian Sakovits serving as the pre- and post-game show host and sideline reporter from 2018 to 2022. [119] [120]

Beginning in 2017, radio rights have been held by WZGC/92.9 The Game, with other Audacy stations being used as an overflow (including WSTR (FM)). Mike Conti (play-by-play) and Jason Longshore (color) are the commentators. [121] This did not change after the 2023 TV rights deal, as MLS does not enforce an internet streaming blackout with its radio partners.[ citation needed ]

Rights to Atlanta United 2 matches were held by ESPN as part of the USL's broadcast agreement until ATL UTD 2 joined MLS Next Pro in 2023. Prior to 2023, games were streamed online on ESPN+ with Jon Nelson as the play-by-play announcer and Jason Longshore as color commentator. [122]

Staff

Technical staff

RoleNameNationality
Head coach Ronny Deila Flag of Norway.svg Norway
Goalkeeper coachLiam CurranFlag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
Head athletic trainerSean CropperFlag of the United States.svg United States
Fitness coachRicardo OliveiraFlag of Brazil.svg Brazil
Director, Sports PerformanceAndrew GuardFlag of England.svg England
Fitness coachJack KimberFlag of England.svg England
Director, Sports PerformanceRyan AlexanderFlag of the United States.svg United States

[123]

Executive staff

RoleNameNationality
Owner Arthur Blank Flag of the United States.svg United States
President Garth Lagerwey Flag of the United States.svg United States
Chief financial officerAndrew SkorupskiFlag of the United States.svg United States
Vice president, technical directorVacant [124]
Head of international player recruitment & development Jonathan Spector Flag of the United States.svg United States
Vice president, soccer operations & strategyDimitrios EfstathiouFlag of Greece.svg Greece
Director of communicationsChris WinklerFlag of the United States.svg United States
Vice president of business operations Sarah Kate Noftsinger Flag of the United States.svg United States

[123]

President history

Head coach history

CoachCountryStartEnd
Gerardo "Tata" Martino Flag of Argentina.svg September 27, 2016December 10, 2018
Frank de Boer Flag of the Netherlands.svg December 23, 2018July 24, 2020
Stephen Glass (interim) Flag of Scotland.svg July 27, 2020December 12, 2020
Gabriel Heinze Flag of Argentina.svg December 18, 2020July 18, 2021
Rob Valentino (interim) Flag of the United States.svg July 18, 2021August 12, 2021
Gonzalo Pineda Flag of Mexico.svg August 12, 2021June 3, 2024
Rob Valentino (interim) Flag of the United States.svg June 3, 2024Present

Honors

Domestic

Regional

Records

Seasons

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by Atlanta. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Atlanta United FC seasons.

Season League Position Playoffs USOC Continental / Other Average
attendance 		Top goalscorer(s)
PldWLDGFGAGDPtsPPGConf.OverallName(s)Goals
2018 3421767044+26692.032nd2nd W Ro16 DNQ53,002 Flag of Venezuela.svg Josef Martínez 35♦
2019 34181245843+15581.712nd3rd SF W CONCACAF Champions League
Campeones Cup 		QF
W
52,510 Flag of Venezuela.svg Josef Martínez 33
2020 2361342330-7220.9612th23rdDNQ NH CONCACAF Champions League
MLS is Back Tournament 		QF
GS 		27,193 Flag of Ireland.svg Jon Gallagher
Flag of Argentina.svg Gonzalo Martínez 		4
2021 34139124537+8511.505th9th R1 NH CONCACAF Champions League QF 43,964 Flag of Venezuela.svg Josef Martínez 12
2022 341014104854-6401.1811th23rdDNQ R4 DNQ47,116 Flag of Venezuela.svg Josef Martínez 9

^ 1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ 2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in League, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back Tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

International competitions

CompetitionSeasonRoundOppositionHomeAwayAggregate
CONCACAF Champions League 2019 Round of 16 Flag of Costa Rica.svg Herediano 4–01–35–3
Quarterfinals Flag of Mexico.svg Monterrey 1–00–31–3
2020 Round of 16 Flag of Honduras.svg Motagua 3–01–14–1
Quarterfinals Flag of Mexico.svg América 1–00–31–3
2021 Round of 16 Flag of Costa Rica.svg Alajuelense 1–01–02–0
Quarterfinals Flag of the United States.svg Philadelphia Union 0–31–11–4
Campeones Cup 2019 Final Flag of Mexico.svg América 3–2
Leagues Cup 2023 Group Stage Flag of the United States.svg Inter Miami 0–4
Flag of Mexico.svg Cruz Azul 1–1 (4–5p)
2024 Group Stage Flag of the United States.svg D.C. United 3–3 (5–6p)
Flag of Mexico.svg Santos Laguna 0–0 (3–5p)

Goals

#Pos.NameNationCareerMLSPlayoffsUSOCINTLTotal
1 Forward Josef Martínez Flag of Venezuela.svg  Venezuela 2017–202298526111
2 Midfielder Thiago Almada Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina2022–20242311126
3 Forward Giorgos Giakoumakis Flag of Greece.svg  Greece 2023–20242220024
4 Midfielder Miguel Almirón Flag of Paraguay.svg  Paraguay 2017–20182110022
Forward Héctor Villalba Flag of Paraguay.svg Paraguay2017–20192110022
6 Midfielder Julian Gressel Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States 2017–20191521220
7 Midfielder Esequiel Barco Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 2018–20231701119
8 Midfielder Marcelino Moreno Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 2020–20231301014
9 Midfielder Luiz Araújo Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil2021–20231102013
Midfielder Saba Lobzhanidze Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia2023–1200113
10 Midfielder Pity Martínez Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina2019–2020702211
As of October 20, 2024 [125]
USOC = U.S. Open Cup; INTL = CONCACAF Champions League, Campeones Cup, Leagues Cup
Bolded players are currently on the Atlanta United FC roster.

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Under MLS' single-entity structure, all clubs are owned by the league, with operations of each club delegated to one of the league's investors. [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlanta Chiefs</span> American professional soccer team based in Atlanta, Georgia

The Atlanta Chiefs were an American professional soccer team based in Atlanta, Georgia. The team competed in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) in 1967 and the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1968 to 1973 and again from 1979 to 1981. For the 1973 season, the team played as the Atlanta Apollos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Major League Soccer attendance</span> Attendance figures for Major League Soccer in the United States and Canada

Major League Soccer is the premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Competition began in 1996 and attendance has been increasing rapidly since the early 2000s, making it one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world. On average, MLS draws to its games the third largest crowds of any professional sports league in North America, ranking behind the National Football League and Major League Baseball. Similar to the National Hockey League and Major League Baseball, attendance is based on the number of tickets distributed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sports in Atlanta</span>

Sports in Atlanta has a rich history, including the oldest on-campus NCAA Division I football stadium, Bobby Dodd Stadium, built in 1913 by the students of Georgia Tech. Atlanta also played host to the second intercollegiate football game in the South, played between the A&M College of Alabama and the University of Georgia in Piedmont Park in 1892; this game is now called the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. The city hosts college football's annual Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest 10 km race. Atlanta was the host city for the Centennial 1996 Summer Olympics, and Downtown Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park was built for and commemorates the games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz Stadium</span> Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Opened in 2017 as a replacement for the Georgia Dome, it is the home of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) and Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). The stadium is owned by the state of Georgia through the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, and operated by AMB Group, the parent organization of the Falcons and Atlanta United FC. In 2016, the total cost of its construction was estimated at US$1.6 billion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Los Angeles FC</span> American professional soccer club based in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an American professional soccer club based in Los Angeles. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. It was established on October 30, 2014, and began play in the 2018 season as an expansion team. The team plays its home matches at BMO Stadium, a soccer-specific stadium located in Exposition Park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nashville SC (2018–19)</span> Soccer club

Nashville Soccer Club was an American professional soccer team based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 2016, the team made its debut in the USL Championship in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Atlanta United FC season</span> Atlanta United FC 2017 soccer season

The 2017 Atlanta United FC season was the first season of Atlanta United FC's existence, and the ninth year that a professional soccer club from Atlanta, Georgia competed in the top division of American soccer. Atlanta played at Bobby Dodd Stadium for the first half of the season, then finished the season at the team's new stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, once it was completed in September. The team was coached by Gerardo "Tata" Martino. Outside of MLS, Atlanta United participated in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup and the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, as well as various preseason competitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Orlando City SC season</span> Orlando City SC 2017 soccer season

The 2017 Orlando City SC season was the club's seventh season of existence in Orlando, and third season in Major League Soccer, the top-flight league in the United States soccer league system. The team opened the season with a 1–0 win over New York City FC, at the newly completed Orlando City Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Vázquez</span> American soccer player (born 1998)

Brandon Vázquez Toledo is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Liga MX club Monterrey and the United States national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 MLS All-Star Game</span> Soccer game played in Atlanta, Georgia

The 2018 Major League Soccer All-Star Game was the 23rd edition of the annual Major League Soccer All-Star Game. It was held on August 1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia and played against Italian club Juventus. The match was tied 1–1 after 90 minutes and was settled in a penalty shoot-out that Juventus won 5–3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 MLS Cup playoffs</span> 2018 edition of the MLS playoffs

The 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs began on October 31 and ended on December 8 with MLS Cup 2018, the 23rd league championship match for MLS. This was the 23rd version of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the tournament culminating the Major League Soccer regular season. Twelve teams, the top six of each conference, competed in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLS Cup 2018</span> 2018 edition of the MLS Cup

MLS Cup 2018 was the 23rd edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), which took place on December 8, 2018. It was the final match of the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs and was contested by Atlanta United FC and the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nashville SC</span> American professional soccer club based in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club based in Nashville, Tennessee. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The team began playing in MLS in 2020 as a continuation of the USL club of the same name and plays its home matches at Geodis Park. It is principally owned by John Ingram, owner of Ingram Industries, along with investors and partial owners the Turner family of Dollar General Stores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Campeones Cup</span> Football match

The 2019 Campeones Cup was the second edition of the Campeones Cup, an annual North American football match contested between the champions of the previous Major League Soccer season and the winner of the Campeón de Campeones from Liga MX.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 MLS Cup playoffs</span> 2019 edition of the MLS playoffs

The 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs was the post-season championship of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top soccer league in the United States and Canada. It was the 24th edition of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the tournament culminating at the end of the 2019 regular season. The playoffs began on October 19, 2019, and concluded with MLS Cup 2019 on November 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FC Cincinnati</span> American professional soccer club based in Cincinnati

Football Club Cincinnati is an American professional soccer club based in Cincinnati. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The team was first announced on August 12, 2015 as a United Soccer League (USL) franchise which played from 2016 to 2018. On May 29, 2018, the club's ownership was awarded an MLS franchise, and the team began MLS play on March 2, 2019. The club's ownership group is led by Carl Lindner III with Jeff Berding serving as co-CEO. Currently, the role of general manager is held by Chris Albright.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 CONCACAF Champions League</span> 56th edition of premier club football tournament organized by CONCACAF

The 2021 CONCACAF Champions League was the 13th edition of the CONCACAF Champions League under its current name, and overall the 56th edition of the premier football club competition organized by CONCACAF, the regional governing body of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 U.S. Open Cup final</span> 2019 final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

The 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was a soccer match that was played on August 27, 2019, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It determined the winner of the 2019 U.S. Open Cup, the 106th edition of the oldest competition in U.S. soccer, which was open to amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation. The match was contested by two Major League Soccer teams making their debuts in the final: hosts Atlanta United FC, in their first Open Cup final, and Minnesota United FC; both teams entered MLS as expansion teams during the 2017 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caleb Wiley</span> American soccer player

Caleb Ryan Wiley is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left-back or left wing-back for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, on loan from Premier League side Chelsea, and the United States national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2025 College Football Playoff National Championship</span> College football game

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship is an upcoming college football bowl game that is scheduled to be played on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The eleventh College Football Playoff National Championship, the game will determine the national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for the 2024 season. It will be the final game of the 2024–25 College Football Playoff (CFP), the first national championship under the 12-team CFP format, and, aside from any all-star games afterward, the culminating game of the 2024–25 bowl season. It is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be televised nationally by ESPN. Sponsored by telecommunications company AT&T, the game is officially known as the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Roberson, Doug (December 9, 2018). "Atlanta United sets MLS Cup attendance record". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  2. ↑ Fraser v. Major League Soccer , 01F.3d1296 (US 1st Cir.March 20, 2002).
  3. ↑ "Atlanta United FC on the Forbes Soccer Team Valuations List". Forbes. July 24, 2024. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 "Atlanta Lands MLS Expansion Team for 2017". Fox Sports . Associated Press. April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Falcons owner Blank puts in bid for MLS franchise". USA Today . October 14, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  6. ↑ Manasso, John (January 16, 2009). "Blank withdraws MLS soccer team bid". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  7. ↑ Roberson, Doug (July 15, 2010). "Atlanta may be considered by potential MLS owner". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  8. ↑ "Thrashers headed to Winnipeg". ESPN. June 1, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
  9. ↑ Lamle, Keaton (August 21, 2017). "46,000 fans a game: Atlanta United's strange success far from soccer's heartland". The Guardian . Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  10. ↑ Lalas, Greg (May 11, 2012). "MLS monitoring "intriguing" expansion cities after NY". Major League Soccer . Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  11. ↑ Wheatley, Thomas (May 17, 2012). "Blank to season-ticket holders: new stadium could bring Major League Soccer team, benefit nearby neighborhoods". Creative Loafing Atlanta. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  12. ↑ Goff, Steven (November 26, 2012). "MLS commissioner's state of league". The Washington Post . Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  13. 1 2 3 Amy, Wenk; Maria Saporta (April 26, 2013). "Falcons CEO: Atlanta needs MLS team". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Terms for Falcons stadium reached". ESPN. Associated Press. March 7, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  15. ↑ Trubey, J. Scott (May 23, 2013). "Bonds approved for Falcons stadium land purchase". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  16. ↑ Galarcep, Ives (December 3, 2013). "GARBER REAFFIRMS MIAMI, ATLANTA AS EXPANSION FAVORITES". Soccer by Ives. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  17. ↑ Straus, Brian (September 13, 2013). "MLS expansion team likely heading Atlanta's way". Sports Illustrated . Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  18. ↑ Borg, Simon (December 3, 2013). "MLS commissioner Don Garber discusses expansion, scheduling in latest State of the League address". Major League Soccer . Archived from the original on June 27, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  19. ↑ Roberson, Doug (January 28, 2014). "Atlanta remains a candidate for MLS expansion". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  20. ↑ Stafford, Leon (February 6, 2014). "Atlanta remains a candidate for MLS expansion". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  21. 1 2 Creditor, Avi (April 16, 2014). "MLS awards 2017 expansion franchise to Atlanta, owner Arthur Blank". Sports Illustrated . Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Atlanta United FC vs. New York Red Bulls – MatchCenter Boxscore". Major League Soccer . March 5, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  23. ↑ Ruthven, Graham (March 13, 2017). "Cold open: Minnesota United brutally exposed as ill-equipped for the task". The Guardian . Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Atlanta United 4, Chicago Fire 0". Major League Soccer . March 18, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Columbus Crew win MLS playoff thriller in shootout vs. Atlanta United". USA Today . Associated Press. October 26, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  26. ↑ Roberson, Doug (October 23, 2018). "Manager Gerardo Martino leaving Atlanta United". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  27. ↑ Bogert, Tom (December 5, 2018). "Atlanta United's Josef Martínez wins 2018 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award". Major League Soccer . Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Atlanta United's Gerardo "Tata" Martino named 2018 MLS Coach of the Year". Major League Soccer . November 13, 2018. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Atlanta edge Club America to earn continental bragging rights". FIFA. August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  30. ↑ "Atlanta United, Frank de Boer mutually agree to part ways". July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  31. ↑ Carlisle, Jeff (December 18, 2020). "Ex-Manchester United defender Heinze named Atlanta manager". ESPN. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Atlanta FC MLS Stats, Records and latest previews". Data Driven Sports Stats. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  33. ↑ "Atlanta United FC vs. Alajuelense - Football Match Report - April 13, 2021 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  34. ↑ mlssoccer. "Atlanta United's Josef Martinez suffers torn ACL in MLS 2020 season opener | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  35. ↑ Roberson, Doug. "Atlanta United, Gabriel Heinze part ways after 13 MLS games". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  36. ↑ "Atlanta United hires Gonzalo Pineda as Head Coach | Atlanta United FC". atlutd. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  37. ↑ "Atlanta United clinches playoff berth with win over FC Cincinnati". Gwinnett Daily Post. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  38. ↑ atlutd. "Atlanta United Part Ways with Head Coach | Atlanta United FC". atlutd. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  39. ↑ mlssoccer. "Atlanta United take "north of 50 million" into summer transfer window | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  40. ↑ Singer, Mike (April 16, 2014). "MLS awards Atlanta, Falcons owner Blank new team for 2017". CBS Sports . Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  41. ↑ Straus, Brian (April 18, 2014). "Former Crew GM, current Falcons VP confident Blank, MLS will be fruitful combo". Sports Illustrated . Archived from the original on April 23, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  42. ↑ Straus, Brian (June 25, 2015). "Atlanta United FC: MLS's 2017 expansion team selects its name". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved June 5, 2015.
  43. 1 2 Roberson, Doug (June 25, 2015). "Eales: Atlanta United FC name is 'authentic'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Archived from the original on December 18, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  44. ↑ Borg, Simon (June 25, 2015). "Atlanta United FC: Get the lowdown on the newest team name in MLS, as selected by the supporters". Major League Soccer . Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  45. ↑ "MLS expansion team Atlanta United FC unveil logo, club colors and new hashtag #ATLUTD". Major League Soccer . July 7, 2015. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  46. ↑ "About The Club". Atlanta United FC. July 11, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
  47. ↑ McQuade, Alec (March 5, 2017). "10 things you need to know about Atlanta United FC". WXIA. Retrieved March 5, 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  48. ↑ Roberson, Doug (February 16, 2019). "Atlanta United unveils new primary kit". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Archived from the original on February 17, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  49. ↑ "Atlanta United unveil new primary jersey ahead of 2019 season". Major League Soccer . February 16, 2019. Archived from the original on February 17, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  50. ↑ Longshore, Jason (July 12, 2016). "Atlanta United reveal first jersey sponsor in club history". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation (Vox Media). Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  51. ↑ Usry, Rob (May 5, 2016). "SunTrust named Atlanta United Academy kit sponsor". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation (Vox Media). Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  52. ↑ "Atlanta United announces extended and expanded partnership with Piedmont Healthcare". Atlanta United FC. February 4, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2020.
  53. ↑ "Atlanta United announces Truist Financial and NAPA as new short and sleeve sponsors". Atlanta United FC. July 10, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  54. ↑ "Atlanta United announces AT&T as sleeve sponsor". Atlanta United FC. March 23, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  55. ↑ "Atlanta United to Field USL Team in 2018". United Soccer League . November 14, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  56. ↑ "About the Atlanta United Academy". Atlanta United FC. June 16, 2018. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  57. ↑ "Academy Graduates". Atlanta United FC. June 16, 2018. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  58. ↑ "Soccer Development Program". Atlanta United FC. July 6, 2017. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  59. ↑ "Atlanta United Regional Development School". Atlanta United FC. October 29, 2018. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  60. ↑ Roberson, Doug (September 7, 2017). "Atlanta United hopes fan bring the noise to Mercedes-Benz Stadium". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved September 7, 2017.
  61. ↑ Borg, Simon (January 22, 2016). "Opening of Atlanta United FC's Mercedes-Benz Stadium pushed to June 2017". Major League Soccer . Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  62. ↑ "Roof construction delays Mercedes Benz Stadium opening". USA Today . Associated Press. April 18, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  63. ↑ Roberson, Doug (April 18, 2017). "Atlanta United president understands fans' frustration". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  64. ↑ "Atlanta United FC unveil plans for state-of-the-art training facility and team headquarters". Major League Soccer . August 5, 2015. Archived from the original on August 8, 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2015.
  65. ↑ Kahn, Michael (November 9, 2015). "Atlanta United Calls Off Memorial Drive Development". Curbed Atlanta. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
  66. ↑ "Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground". Atlanta United FC. August 3, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  67. ↑ Dixon, Krystal (March 28, 2019). "Atlanta United to expand operations in Cobb County". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  68. ↑ Stejskal, Sam (October 5, 2016). "Atlanta United to open 2017 season at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium". Major League Soccer . Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  69. ↑ Roberson, Doug (October 5, 2016). "Atlanta United will play first home games at Georgia Tech". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  70. ↑ Roberson, Doug (October 6, 2016). "Atlanta United won't play at Georgia Tech in most of April". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved October 18, 2016.
  71. ↑ "Tickets FAQ–Atlanta United FC". Atlanta United FC. August 3, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  72. ↑ "Supporters Groups | Atlanta United FC". Atlanta United FC. August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  73. ↑ Borg, Simon (April 18, 2014). "Meet the newest MLS supporters group: Atlanta's Terminus Legion". Major League Soccer . Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  74. ↑ West, Phil (May 23, 2017). "ATL's Footie Mob SG has married music, soccer culture from the start". Major League Soccer . Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  75. ↑ Usry, Rob (December 3, 2015). "December 2015 Atlanta United season ticket deposit update". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation (Vox Media). Retrieved January 19, 2016.
  76. ↑ Roberson, Doug (November 21, 2017). "Atlanta United surpasses 36,000 in season ticket sales". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  77. ↑ Webster, Sierra. "All Stripes creating space in soccer culture for LGBTQ-identifying Atlanta United fans". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  78. ↑ Jones, J. Sam (March 6, 2018). "How Atlanta United became the team of LGBTQ Atlanta". Dirty South Soccer. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  79. ↑ Thompson, Bonsu. "'Listen to the Kids': How Atlanta Became the Black Soccer Capital of America". Bleacher Report.
  80. ↑ atlutd. "Atlanta Supporters | Atlanta United FC". atlutd. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  81. ↑ Stejskal, Sam (September 14, 2017). "Atlanta set all-time MLS single-game attendance record with 70,425 fans". Major League Soccer . Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  82. ↑ Rodriguez, Alicia (October 5, 2017). "Atlanta United FC set to break MLS attendance record, again". Major League Soccer . Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  83. ↑ "Atlanta United sets MLS attendance records for single season and game". ESPN FC. ESPN. October 22, 2017. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  84. ↑ Roberson, Doug (October 6, 2017). "Atlanta United will break 3 attendance records". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  85. ↑ "Major League Soccer 2017 – Attendance". worldfootball.net. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  86. ↑ "Premier League 2017/2018 – Attendance". worldfootball.net. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  87. ↑ Roberson, Doug (March 11, 2018). "Atlanta United sets record in defeating D.C. United". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved March 11, 2018.
  88. ↑ Axelrod, Josh (July 2, 2018). "Forget the World Cup. On Saturday, the largest soccer crowd was in Atlanta". CNN . Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  89. ↑ Roberson, Doug (July 15, 2018). "Atlanta United breaks its own MLS attendance record". WSB-TV . Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  90. ↑ Rodriguez, Alicia (October 21, 2018). "Atlanta United set MLS season record for home attendance". Major League Soccer . Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  91. ↑ Sigal, Jonathan (August 3, 2019). "Atlanta United sets MLS single-game attendance record in regular season". Major League Soccer . Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  92. ↑ Baer, Benjamin (March 7, 2017). "Atlanta's Man of the Match will now hammer the Golden Spike". Major League Soccer . Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  93. ↑ Alec McQuade (May 5, 2017). "What is Atlanta United's Golden Spike tradition?". WXIA-TV.
  94. ↑ "The Golden Spike by Atlanta United FC on Exposure". Exposure. October 27, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  95. ↑ Catanese, Ryan (January 3, 2018). "Behind the Stripes: Archie Eversole". Atlanta United FC. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  96. ↑ "Atlanta artist Archie Eversole releases ATL UTD themed track 'United We Conquer'". Atlanta United FC. July 17, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  97. ↑ "T-Pain hammers the Golden Spike". Atlanta United FC. May 20, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  98. ↑ Schwin, Payson (May 10, 2018). "Juventus legend Edgar Davids visits Atlanta ahead of 2018 MLS All-Star Game". Major League Soccer . Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  99. ↑ Catanese, Ryan (May 25, 2018). "Behind the Stripes: Brian Jordan". Atlanta United FC. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  100. ↑ "Almiron scores twice, Atlanta United beats Orlando City 4–0". USA Today . Associated Press. June 30, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  101. ↑ "Jeezy x atl utd by Atlanta United FC". Exposure. October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  102. ↑ "Behind the Stripes: Killer Mike". Exposure. July 25, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  103. ↑ "Big Boi the latest Atlanta music star to hammer Five Stripes' Golden Spike". Major League Soccer . November 26, 2018. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  104. ↑ Galarcep, Ives (December 8, 2018). "Atlanta United's championship season sets lofty new standard for MLS". Goal.com. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  105. ↑ Boehm, Charles. "Wrestling legend Ric Flair hammers Golden Spike before Atlanta United's playoff opener". MLS Soccer. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  106. ↑ "Rapper Jeezy stops by ESPN booth, Ron Howard drives in Golden Spike in ATL". MLS Soccer. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  107. ↑ "Behind the Stripes: Goodie Mob". Atlanta United FC. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  108. ↑ "Behind the Stripes: Dikembe Mutombo". Atlanta United FC. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  109. ↑ "About Arthur M. Blank". Blank Family of Businesses. 2022.
  110. ↑ "AMB Sports & Entertainment names Lyft Official Rideshare Partner of Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Mercedes Benz Stadium". Mercedes-Benz Stadium . August 15, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  111. ↑ "ARTHUR BLANK – OWNER AND CEO". Atlanta Falcons . Archived from the original on January 8, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
  112. ↑ "Atlanta United FC Roster". atlutd.com. Atlanta United FC. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  113. ↑ Rossitch, Eric (February 10, 2017). "Atlanta, Number 17 is for You". Atlanta United FC. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
  114. ↑ Atlanta United Communications. "Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons to retire No. 44 for 2021 season in honor of Hank Aaron". ATLUTD. MLS. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  115. ↑ Roberson, Doug (February 21, 2017). "Atlanta United announces TV partnership". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  116. ↑ Cleveland, Parker (February 22, 2017). "Analyzing the Atlanta United broadcast deal". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation (Vox Media). Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  117. ↑ Spangler, Todd (September 30, 2020). "YouTube TV Says It's Dropping Sinclair's Fox Regional Sports Networks". Variety. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  118. ↑ "MLS signs 10-year, $2.5-billion-plus global deal with Apple for all MLS matches, with some available in base AppleTV app and some requiring a separate subscription". MSN .
  119. ↑ Jones, J. Sam (March 15, 2018). "Meet the Newest Member of the Atlanta United Family, Jillian Sakovits". Dirty South Soccer. SB Nation (Vox Media). Retrieved June 7, 2018.
  120. ↑ "Atlanta United announces 2021 Broadcast Team". Atlanta United FC. April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  121. ↑ "Welcome Mike Conti as Play-by-Play Announcer for Atlanta United Matches". CBS Atlanta. February 2, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
  122. ↑ "ATL UTD 2 Announces 2018 Broadcast Team". Atlanta United FC. March 22, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  123. 1 2 "Front Office". Atlanta United FC. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  124. ↑ https://www.atlutd.com/news/atlanta-united-parts-ways-with-vp-technical-director-carlos-bocanegra
  125. ↑
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.