Atlanta United Home Games: How to Plan the Perfect Matchday in Atlanta
Catching an Atlanta United home game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become one of Atlanta’s signature experiences. Whether you’re a local, a visitor planning a weekend in the city, or just trying to understand how MLS game days work here, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Where Atlanta United Plays in Atlanta
Atlanta United plays all regular-season home games at:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
This stadium sits right in Downtown Atlanta, next to major attractions like State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center.
Key things to know about the venue:
- Indoor stadium with a retractable roof (helpful in summer heat or storms)
- Known for a loud, supporter-heavy atmosphere
- Easy to reach by MARTA, rideshare, or driving
- Shared with the Atlanta Falcons, so the calendar is busy in fall
Finding the Atlanta United Home Schedule
Atlanta United’s season typically runs from late February/early March through October, with potential playoffs into November or December.
You can usually expect:
- Home games most months during the season
- Mix of weekend and midweek matches
- Occasional afternoon games, but many are evening kickoffs
For the most up-to-date schedule, fans typically check:
- The official Atlanta United schedule (online or app)
- MLS league schedule
- Printed or digital schedules often available around the stadium on game weeks
Because dates and kickoff times can shift for TV or tournament conflicts, it’s wise to double-check your game time the week of the match.
Getting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Game Day
Using MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)
For most people in the Atlanta area, MARTA is the simplest way to get to an Atlanta United home game, especially for night matches.
Closest MARTA stations:
- GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
- Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)
Both are a short walk to the stadium, with clear signs and game-day crowds to follow.
Why MARTA works well:
- Avoids downtown parking challenges
- Trains usually run more frequently around game time
- Drops you close to security gates
If you’re coming from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can take the Red or Gold line to Five Points, then transfer to the Blue/Green line toward GWCC/CNN or Vine City.
Driving and Parking
If you prefer to drive, arrive early—downtown traffic builds up quickly before a match.
Typical options include:
- Pre-booked parking lots/garages around Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Parking near the Georgia World Congress Center
- Private lots around Castleberry Hill and surrounding neighborhoods
Many fans use pre-paid parking systems where you reserve a specific lot before game day. Street parking is limited, often time-restricted, and heavily enforced.
Tips if you drive:
- Plan your entrance and exit routes in advance
- Build in extra time for downtown events overlap (concerts, other games, conventions)
- Pay attention to road closures around the stadium on match days
Rideshare and Drop-Off
Rideshare is common for Atlanta United games, especially for fans coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or Eastside neighborhoods.
Game days typically have:
- Designated rideshare pick-up/drop-off zones near the stadium
- Temporary traffic controls that may reroute drivers a block or two away
To avoid long waits after the match, consider:
- Walking a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting a ride
- Stopping for a post-game snack or drink in Downtown or Castleberry Hill while traffic thins
Tickets: What Atlanta Fans Should Know
Types of Tickets
For home games, you’ll typically find:
- Single-game tickets for individual matches
- Season tickets for fans who attend most home games
- Supporter section tickets for more active, standing-room style cheering
- Club and premium seats with upgraded amenities
Prices can vary widely depending on:
- Opponent and rivalry level
- Day and time of the game
- Seating section and amenities
Most fans purchase mobile tickets, which are scanned from a phone at the gate.
When and Where to Buy
Tickets are usually available:
- Well in advance for the full MLS season
- In waves for tournaments like Leagues Cup or special friendlies
Atlanta-based fans often:
- Buy early for popular matchups (rival teams or playoffs)
- Look for resale tickets if a game is sold out in standard sections
If you’re visiting from out of town, it’s a good idea to:
- Secure tickets before finalizing travel plans
- Check that your seats are in your desired area (for example, not in the loudest supporter section if you want a quieter experience)
Matchday Atmosphere: What to Expect at an Atlanta United Home Game
Atlanta United home games are known for being lively, loud, and family-friendly overall.
Supporter Sections and Traditions
The supporter groups occupy specific sections behind one of the goals and are known for:
- Standing and singing throughout the match
- Coordinated chants, drums, and flags
- Organized marches to the match from nearby gathering points
If you want a high-energy experience, these sections can be exciting. If you prefer to sit or have young children who are sensitive to noise, you may want to choose a different area of the stadium.
Family and Casual Fans
For families and more casual fans, many sections offer:
- Standard seating with clear field views
- Concession options suitable for kids
- A mix of hardcore and first-time fans
It’s common to see:
- Fans wearing Atlanta United jerseys, scarves, and flags
- Groups from local schools, youth soccer clubs, and community organizations
Ear protection for very young children can be helpful; the stadium audio and crowd noise can be intense at peak moments.
Food, Drinks, and Amenities
Concessions
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known for:
- A wide selection of food and beverage stands
- Options that cover quick snacks, full meals, and vegetarian-friendly choices
- Stadium-wide policies on outside food and drink, which you should review before arriving
Lines tend to be shorter if you:
- Eat before kickoff or
- Go just before or after halftime, avoiding the exact halftime rush
Fan Gear and Merchandise
On Atlanta United home game days, you’ll find:
- Official team stores inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Merchandise stands offering scarves, jerseys, hats, and flags
Many locals also shop for gear at sporting-goods retailers around Atlanta between games, but on matchday, the stadium offers the widest variety of current-season items.
Gate Entry, Security, and Stadium Policies
Like most major venues, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has:
- Security screening at all gates
- A clear bag policy (small allowable sizes, usually clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC)
- Rules about prohibited items (weapons, large umbrellas, certain signs, etc.)
To make entry smoother:
- Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before kickoff
- Have your mobile ticket ready and screen brightness turned up
- Check bag and item rules before leaving home
Game days can be crowded, particularly near kickoff, so factor in some waiting time at security.
Choosing Your Seats at an Atlanta United Home Game
Where you sit can shape your experience:
Supporter Sections
- Most energetic and loud area
- Fans usually stand the entire game
- Frequent singing, chanting, flag-waving
Best for: fans who want to be part of the most intense atmosphere.
Sideline Seats
- Clear, traditional soccer viewing angles
- Mix of families, groups, and long-time season-ticket holders
- Better for those who prefer to sit and watch play develop
Best for: families, visitors, and fans who want a balance of comfort and energy.
Corner and Endline Seats
- Often more budget-friendly than center sideline
- Strong view of goalmouth action, especially on one end
- Closer to certain supporter areas, depending on section
Best for: fans who want good energy and views without higher center-field prices.
Upper Deck
- Panoramic view of the field and stadium
- Often more affordable
- Still lively, especially for big matches
Best for: larger groups, cost-conscious fans, and those who enjoy a broad view of tactics and formations.
Planning Your Day Around the Game
Before the Match
If you live in Atlanta or you’re staying nearby, you can easily pair a home game with:
- A walk through Centennial Olympic Park
- A visit to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola
- A meal in Downtown, Castleberry Hill, or Westside dining areas
Many fans gather at bars, restaurants, and neighborhood spots before walking or riding to the stadium.
After the Match
After home games, there’s usually:
- A window of heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic
- Crowds heading to MARTA and rideshare zones
- Fans lingering at nearby restaurants and bars
If you want to avoid the post-game crush:
- Stay in your seat a bit longer
- Walk a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting a ride
- Enjoy a late meal nearby while the traffic clears
Accessibility and Special Considerations
Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers:
- Accessible seating options in many sections
- Elevators, ramps, and assistance for guests with mobility needs
- Policies to support guests with service animals and other accommodation needs
If you need specific accommodations, it’s a good idea to:
- Review stadium accessibility information ahead of time
- Arrive early to coordinate any assistance
- Let your ticket provider know your needs when selecting seats
Atlanta United Home Games for Visitors vs. Locals
Atlanta residents often:
- Use MARTA from their home neighborhoods or park-and-ride lots
- Coordinate with friends or coworkers for group attendance
- Choose season tickets or multi-game packages
Visitors to Atlanta often:
- Stay in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport
- Rely on MARTA or rideshare more than personal vehicles
- Combine a game with sightseeing or business travel
If you’re visiting, consider booking a hotel with easy access to:
- The MARTA rail system, or
- Short rideshare distances to Downtown
Quick Reference: Atlanta United Home Game Basics
| Topic | Key Details (Atlanta-Specific) |
|---|---|
| Home Stadium | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 |
| Typical Season | Late Feb/March – October (plus potential playoffs) |
| Main Transit Options | MARTA (GWCC/CNN or Vine City), driving, rideshare |
| Best Arrival Time | 45–60 minutes before kickoff |
| Atmosphere | Loud, energetic, family-friendly, with intense supporter areas |
| Ticket Format | Mostly mobile tickets, scanned at stadium gates |
| Good Seats for Families | Sideline or upper-level seats away from main supporter section |
| Nearby Areas to Explore | Downtown, Castleberry Hill, Centennial Olympic Park, Westside |
If you live in Atlanta, a season of Atlanta United home games can easily become part of your regular routine. If you’re visiting, planning your transport, tickets, and timing around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium experience will help you enjoy one of the city’s most distinctive modern traditions.