Your Guide to Atlanta United FC’s Season Opener at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

The Atlanta United FC season opener is one of the biggest sports events of the year in Atlanta. Whether you live in the city, you’re visiting, or you’re just trying to understand how matchday works here, the opener is your first real taste of the new MLS season—and Atlanta treats it like a celebration.

This guide breaks down what to expect, how to get there, how tickets and parking work, and how to make the most of opening day at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

When the Atlanta United Season Opener Usually Happens

Atlanta United plays in Major League Soccer (MLS), which typically runs from late February or early March through fall.

• The home season opener is usually:
  • In late February or early March
  • On a Saturday or Sunday
  • Played at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
    1 AMB Drive NW
    Atlanta, GA 30313

The exact date, opponent, and kickoff time change each year. MLS usually releases the full league schedule a few months before the season starts, and Atlanta United then highlights the opener and key home dates.

👉 What locals do: Once the schedule drops, many Atlanta fans lock in tickets to the home opener first, then build the rest of their season around it.

How to Find the Exact Date and Time

To confirm the current season’s opener:

• Look for the Atlanta United schedule under the sports section on major local outlets or the club’s main channels.
• Check:
  • Opponent
  • Kickoff time (often mid‑afternoon or early evening)
  • Whether it’s a full‑venue match (upper level open) or a smaller “lower‑bowl” configuration

Because TV coverage, national broadcasts, and MLS scheduling can affect kickoff times, always double‑check the match time in the week leading up to the opener—especially if you’re planning travel into downtown.

Tickets for the Season Opener

Atlanta United home openers draw some of the biggest crowds in MLS, so tickets move quickly, especially for lower-bowl and midfield sections.

Common Ticket Options

1. Single‑Match Tickets

• Best for visitors or casual fans
• Prices vary by:
  • Opponent
  • Seat location (supporters’ end vs. midfield vs. club level)
  • Demand for the opener

2. Season Tickets / Memberships

• Popular with Atlanta residents who attend multiple matches
• Usually include:
  • All regular‑season home games
  • Priority access to playoffs and special events

3. Supporters’ Section Tickets

• Located on the safe‑standing end behind one of the goals
• Drums, chants, flags, and full‑time singing
• Great atmosphere but can be intense and loud; not ideal if you want a quiet, seated view.

Tips for Buying Opener Tickets

• Buy early: The opener is often one of the first matches to sell out or jump in price.
• Check seat type: Some areas are standing‑room only, especially in supporters’ sections.
• Verify your entry gate: Your section will typically be assigned a recommended gate at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, which affects where you’ll want to park or get dropped off.

Getting to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on Matchday

The stadium sits on the west side of downtown Atlanta, close to State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center. Because the opener usually draws a full house, plan your route ahead of time.

By MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)

Many local fans prefer MARTA to avoid traffic and parking headaches.

• Closest stations:
  • GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)
• From either station, it’s a short walk to stadium gates with clear signage.

Why MARTA works well for the opener:

• Avoids gridlocked downtown traffic
• Flat fare (no surge pricing)
• Trains often add capacity around big events

For general MARTA info or trip‑planning assistance:

• MARTA Customer Service: (404) 848‑5000

Driving and Parking

If you drive, build in plenty of extra time.

• Parking lots & decks surround the stadium and GWCC campus.
• Event‑day parking is often:
  • Prepaid through stadium-associated parking systems
  • Higher in price for big events like the opener

Local drivers often:

• Park a bit farther away (like around the Castleberry Hill area) and walk.
• Arrive early, then head to downtown restaurants or tailgate-style meetups before kickoff.

Rideshare & Drop‑Off

Rideshare is common for in‑town fans:

• There are designated rideshare zones near the stadium (locations can shift by event).
• Expect:
  • Higher prices at full-time
  • Heavier congestion on nearby streets after the match

If you want to avoid the worst of it, some fans walk a few blocks away from the stadium before ordering a ride.

What to Expect Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

The season opener is more than just a match—it feels like a city‑wide event.

Stadium Atmosphere

You can expect:

• Pre‑match hype: Music, light shows, video packages, and the hammering of the Golden Spike.
• Supporters’ groups: Including Terminus Legion, Resurgence, and Footie Mob, leading chants from the supporters’ section.
• Large crowds: The opener often uses an expanded stadium configuration, with upper levels open.

If you’re new to Atlanta or visiting, this match is one of the most Atlanta‑specific sports experiences you can have.

Food and Drink

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is known for fan‑friendly concession prices compared with many pro venues. Common offerings include:

• Classic stadium items (hot dogs, nachos, soft drinks)
• Local touches (Southern‑style options, local beverages, rotating stands)
• Many stands accept cashless payment only, so bring a card or mobile wallet.

Bag Policy and Security

The stadium uses a clear bag policy and standard NFL/MLS‑level security screening. Typical guidelines include:

• Clear plastic bags within certain size limits
• Small clutches or wallets allowed within size limits
• No large backpacks or non‑clear bags

Rules can change, so it’s smart to:

• Review the current bag policy before you leave
• Give yourself extra time at the gate to get through security

Ideal Arrival Time for the Season Opener

For a home opener, arriving just at kickoff means you’ll miss a lot of the pre‑match energy. Local fans often aim for:

• 90–60 minutes before kickoff if:
  • You want to walk around the concourse
  • You’re meeting friends for food and drinks
  • You want to watch warmups and pre‑match ceremonies
• At least 45 minutes before if:
  • You’re coming in via MARTA or rideshare and going straight to your seats
  • You’re familiar with the stadium and gate layout

Arriving early also helps if you:

• Have kids with you
• Want to buy merchandise (scarves, jerseys) without long lines
• Are new to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and need extra time to find your section

Family and First‑Time Visitor Tips

Many Atlanta families make the opener a yearly tradition.

Kid‑Friendly Notes

• The noise level is loud, especially:
  • During goals
  • In the supporters’ end
• If your child is sensitive to sound, consider:
  • Seats more toward midfield or upper levels
  • Bringing child‑friendly ear protection

Stadium staff are generally used to helping first‑time visitors navigate the venue and find amenities like:

• Family restrooms
• Nursing areas
• Guest services desks

Accessibility

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is designed with accessibility in mind, including:

• Elevators and ramps
• Accessible seating areas
• Accessible parking (with proper permits) in nearby decks and lots

For questions about accommodations or assistance, you can contact Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Guest Services through the stadium’s main information channels or at in‑stadium guest services locations on event day.

Supporters’ Culture at the Opener

If you want the full Atlanta United experience, pay attention to the supporters’ tradition around the opener:

• Golden Spike Ceremony:
  A prominent pre‑match ritual where a local figure or fan guest hammers a large golden spike while supporters chant.
• Chants & Songs:
  Many are specific to Atlanta United and led by the organized supporters’ groups.
• Tifo Displays:
  Large fan-made banners sometimes unveiled before the opening whistle for big matches like the season opener.

If you’re in or near the supporters’ section:

• Expect standing, chanting, and drumming for the full 90 minutes.
• Participate if you’re comfortable; the culture is generally welcoming to newcomers who are respectful and enthusiastic.

Quick Matchday Planning Checklist

Here’s a simple overview you can use when preparing for Atlanta United’s season opener in Atlanta:

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for the Opener

If you’re coming from out of town, the opener can be a good anchor for a full Atlanta weekend:

• Stay nearby:
  Downtown and Midtown Atlanta hotels offer easy MARTA or short ride access to the stadium.
• Combine with sightseeing:
  Nearby attractions include:
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Planning your match as the centerpiece of a day downtown lets you walk between most major attractions and the stadium.

How the Season Opener Fits into Atlanta’s Sports Calendar

In Atlanta, the United opener typically lands:

• Before the Atlanta Braves season gets into full swing
• After Falcons and college football have wrapped up
• Around the time Atlanta Hawks are in the late‑season NBA stretch

For many locals, it marks the shift into spring sports mode and sets the tone for the entire Atlanta United season.

If you live in the metro area, the opener is often the most intense, energetic, and visually impressive home match of the year—making it a standout choice if you’re picking just one Atlanta United game to experience in person.