If you live in Atlanta and follow soccer, you’ve probably heard about the Atlanta United FC Training Ground, officially known as the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. It’s one of the premier soccer facilities in the country and a key part of the city’s growing sports identity.
This guide explains what the training ground is, where it is, who uses it, and what Atlanta residents and visitors can realistically expect to do there.
The Atlanta United FC Training Ground is the club’s primary practice and operations complex. It’s where:
It’s designed as a high-performance soccer environment, with multiple full-size fields, player facilities, fitness and rehab areas, and club offices. While it’s a professional facility first and foremost, it also represents how deeply soccer is being built into Atlanta’s sports culture.
The training ground is located in Marietta, just northwest of central Atlanta, and remains closely tied to the broader Atlanta metro community.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground
Atlanta United FC Training Facility
Address:
Typically listed as being near the Franklin Gateway corridor in Marietta, GA, with convenient access from I-75 and close to the Northwest Corridor of metro Atlanta.
Because sports facilities sometimes adjust entrances, parking patterns, or access points, it’s best to confirm the exact street address and access instructions using:
If you’re driving from Downtown Atlanta, expect roughly a 20–30 minute drive in normal traffic via I-75 North, with extra time during rush hour or on big match days at nearby venues.
H3: Atlanta United First Team
The first team, which plays at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, uses the training ground for:
If you see Atlanta United players on TV, this is where they’re doing most of the behind-the-scenes work.
H3: Atlanta United 2
Atlanta United 2 (ATL UTD 2), the club’s reserve side, also operates out of the training ground. This team:
You may occasionally see ATL UTD 2 matches or scrimmages scheduled at fields connected to the training facility or in nearby venues.
H3: Atlanta United Academy
Atlanta United runs a youth academy system that uses the training ground as a core hub. Local youth players from around metro Atlanta and the Southeast train here as part of age-group teams aiming toward professional levels.
For Atlanta families, this academy structure is one of the main ways talented young players get exposure to a professional environment without leaving the region.
This is one of the most common questions from local fans.
In normal day-to-day operations, the training ground is not a walk-up, open public park. It’s a professional training facility with controlled access.
However, there are a few ways Atlanta residents and visitors might be able to access it under specific circumstances:
From time to time, the club may host open training sessions or fan-focused events where:
These are usually announced in advance via club channels, ticketing systems, or supporter groups. They may require:
Families of academy players may have access during:
Any such access is usually tightly controlled and pre-registered, so it’s not something you can typically just show up for.
On occasion, the club or its partners might host community-oriented events at or connected to the training ground, such as:
Details for these are usually published well in advance, and spots can fill up quickly.
If you live in Atlanta and want to experience the Atlanta United FC Training Ground in some way, these are realistic options:
The most reliable way to know when fans can visit is to follow:
Look for mentions of “open training,” “fan event,” “open house,” or “academy showcase.”
Even if you can’t enter the facility itself, you can still experience the Atlanta United atmosphere by:
The training ground is not a public park. For your own safety and out of respect for players and staff:
People around MLS often consider the Atlanta facility one of the better ones in the league. Here are a few reasons it stands out, especially from a local perspective:
For new fans in Atlanta, it can be confusing to understand the difference between the training ground and the stadium. Here’s a simple side-by-side view:
| Feature | Training Ground (Marietta) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Downtown Atlanta) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Daily training and club operations | Hosting Atlanta United matches and major events |
| Typical Access | Restricted; event-based fan access only | Ticketed events, games, concerts, tours |
| Who Uses It | Players, coaches, staff, academy teams | Teams on game day, fans, event organizers |
| Location | Northwest of Atlanta, Marietta area | Downtown Atlanta, near Vine City and Castleberry Hill |
| Fan Experience | Intimate when open; limited capacity | Large-scale matchday atmosphere, supporter sections, full arena |
| Best Way to Visit | Watch for open training/fan event announcements | Purchase tickets to matches or tours |
If you’re a parent in metro Atlanta with a soccer-loving child, the training ground may feel like the top of the pyramid. While academy participation is selective, there are a few practical points to keep in mind:
For parents, the training ground is less about casual access and more about understanding that the top-tier developmental infrastructure is located right here in the Atlanta area.
Here are some simple, locally focused tips if you want to stay connected to what happens at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground:
Even if you never set foot inside, the Atlanta United FC Training Ground impacts the city in a few important ways:
For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who cares about soccer, knowing about the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground helps you understand where the real, everyday work of the club happens—and how deeply the sport is rooted in the city beyond the bright lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
