If you follow soccer in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard about the Atlanta United Training Ground in Marietta. It’s where the first team, academy, and sometimes visiting clubs prepare for match day, and it’s become a landmark for local fans who want to feel closer to the club.
This guide explains where the training ground is, what happens there, how (and if) you can visit, and what to know if you’re an Atlanta resident, a visiting fan, or a parent with a young player dreaming of the next level.
The Atlanta United Training Ground—often just called the training ground or training facility—is the club’s main practice and operations center.
It typically includes:
From an Atlanta perspective, it’s the day-to-day heart of the club in the same way Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is the game-day home.
The Atlanta United Training Ground is located in Marietta, Georgia, northwest of downtown Atlanta.
Common reference point for locals:
For someone staying downtown or in Midtown Atlanta, expect roughly:
Because this is an actively used professional facility, access is tightly controlled, and you typically cannot just walk in without a reason or prior permission.
In everyday practice, the Atlanta United Training Ground functions as a private facility, not a public park or museum. However, there are a few ways locals and visitors might get inside or visit the grounds.
From time to time, Atlanta United has been known to hold:
When these happen, they’re usually:
If you live in Atlanta and want to attend one:
The training ground is heavily used by the Atlanta United Academy and related youth programs. For families with players involved in these systems, the training ground becomes part of regular routine.
What this typically means:
If your child is interested in high-level soccer in Atlanta, the training ground is often the aspirational destination, but entry usually comes through structured programs and selection, not casual visits.
The facility also hosts:
Access in these cases is credential-based and not open to general fans.
Because the exact layout and access points can change over time, always verify details before you go. That said, from a local’s standpoint, here’s what you’ll typically consider:
Most visitors reach the training ground by car:
💡 Local tip: For any event at the training ground, build in a buffer of at least 20–30 minutes beyond your GPS estimate during peak traffic times.
When the facility hosts fans or events:
Always follow posted signs and staff instructions—do not park in nearby private lots without permission, as towing can be strictly enforced around commercial properties in Cobb and Marietta.
If you’re lucky enough to attend an open training or special event at the Atlanta United Training Ground, you can expect a setup that’s functional rather than touristy.
Typical elements:
What to bring (and not bring):
Bring:
Avoid:
For people living in Metro Atlanta, the training ground is part of a broader soccer ecosystem.
Fans who live in Atlanta often experience the club at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, but the training ground is where most of the team’s hours are spent.
The training ground is central to Atlanta United’s academy pathway:
The facility itself is not a walk-in youth club; it’s a selective, structured environment.
| Topic | What Locals Should Know |
|---|---|
| General Status | Private professional facility, not a daily public attraction |
| Location Area | Marietta, GA (northwest of downtown Atlanta) |
| Primary Users | Atlanta United first team, Atlanta United 2, academy and youth programs |
| Public Access | Generally restricted; occasional open trainings or events announced by the club |
| Typical Travel From Downtown | About 20–40 minutes by car, depending on traffic |
| Best Way to Visit | Watch for official fan events, open trainings, or academy-related access |
| Parking During Events | Use designated lots and follow on-site staff directions |
If you’re an Atlanta-based fan or a visitor who wants to feel close to the club but can’t access the training ground, there are still plenty of ways to stay connected:
For most residents, the training ground remains a kind of behind-the-scenes landmark—you might drive past it or see it on social media more often than you actually set foot inside. But understanding where it is, how it functions, and how it fits into Atlanta’s soccer culture can make following the team feel more grounded and local.
