Atlanta, Georgia Soccer Teams: From Atlanta United to Local Leagues

Soccer in Atlanta, Georgia is much more than just one professional club. Yes, Atlanta United FC is the city’s headline team, but Atlanta also has lower-division clubs, college programs, and a huge network of youth and adult leagues across the metro area.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or you’re just trying to understand how soccer works here, this guide breaks down the major Atlanta soccer teams, where they play, how to get tickets, and how to get involved at every level.

The Flagship Atlanta Soccer Team: Atlanta United FC

When people search for an Atlanta Georgia soccer team, they’re usually thinking of Atlanta United FC, the city’s Major League Soccer (MLS) club.

Who is Atlanta United?

Atlanta United FC is Atlanta’s top-tier professional soccer team, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS), the highest level of the sport in the United States and Canada. The club is known for:

• Large, passionate crowds
• A loud, high-energy matchday atmosphere
• A strong local identity built around the “17s” (the fanbase)

Home Stadium & Location

Most home matches are played at:

Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

This stadium is in Downtown Atlanta, near the Georgia World Congress Center and State Farm Arena. It’s easily accessible by MARTA:

• Rail: GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
• Rail: Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)

For certain smaller events or preseason games, Atlanta United may also use:

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground
(Training facility in Marietta — not typically open to the general public for matches, but sometimes hosts special events or open trainings.)

How the MLS Season Works in Atlanta

The MLS regular season generally runs from late February or early March through October, with playoffs following afterward. For an Atlanta fan, that means:

• Spring–Fall weekends are the main match days
• Most home games are in the evenings
• Extra competitions (like domestic cups or international club competitions) can add midweek matches

To find exact match dates and kickoff times, people typically check the official schedules released before the season starts and updated throughout the year.

Getting Tickets to Atlanta United Games

Ticket options in Atlanta typically include:

• Single-game tickets: Good for visitors or casual fans
• Season tickets: Popular with local fans who attend many home games
• Supporter section tickets: For those who want to stand, chant, and join in the most intense fan atmosphere
• Club or premium seating: Available at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a higher price

Tickets are usually sold through the team’s official ticketing system and verified resale platforms. For high-demand matches (like rivalry games or playoffs), it’s wise to plan ahead.

What to Expect on Matchday in Atlanta

If you’re going to see Atlanta United play:

• Arrive early for tailgating and pre-game activities around the stadium
• Expect organized supporter groups with drums, flags, and chants
• Indoor climate-controlled environment at Mercedes-Benz Stadium keeps games comfortable even in Atlanta’s summer heat
• Food options usually include a range of local and national brands

For families, the environment is generally considered family-friendly, especially outside the designated supporter sections.

Atlanta United 2: The Development Team

Atlanta also has a reserve/development team, commonly known as Atlanta United 2 (often written as ATL UTD 2).

What is Atlanta United 2?

Atlanta United 2 is the second team affiliated with Atlanta United FC. It plays in a lower division professional league, serving several purposes:

• Player development for younger or emerging players
• Rehab games for first-team players returning from injury
• Pathway for academy players to gain professional experience

Where They Play

Home match venues for Atlanta United 2 have varied over time, often at smaller stadiums or facilities around the metro area. Fans in Atlanta who want a more intimate matchday experience sometimes prefer these games because:

• Stadiums are usually smaller and less crowded
• Tickets are typically cheaper
• You can see young local talent up close

Current exact venues and schedules are usually listed through official Atlanta United communications and league schedules.

Other Atlanta-Area Soccer Teams and Clubs

While Atlanta United is the most visible, the broader Atlanta soccer scene includes semi-pro, amateur, college, and youth clubs.

Semi-Pro and Amateur Clubs

Over recent years, Atlanta has hosted or been associated with several semi-pro or amateur men’s and women’s teams in leagues such as:

• USL League Two (pre-professional summer league, often featuring college players)
• NPSL (National Premier Soccer League)
• Regional amateur leagues

These teams can:

• Provide affordable local match options
• Feature local and college players
• Hold matches at high school stadiums, small colleges, or private fields around the metro area

Exact club names and homes can change over time, so Atlanta residents often check local league sites or social media to see which teams are active each year.

College Soccer Teams in Atlanta

If you’re interested in college-level soccer in Atlanta, several universities field competitive men’s and/or women’s teams, usually competing in fall seasons.

Major College Programs in the Atlanta Area

Here are some notable programs:

College matches are usually:

• Low-cost or free to attend
• Played at campus soccer fields or stadiums
• Less crowded than professional games, making them good for families or newcomers to the sport

Schedules are typically concentrated in the fall semester (August–November), with some spring exhibitions.

Youth Soccer Clubs and Teams in Atlanta

Families in Atlanta have many options if a child or teenager wants to play soccer, from recreational programs to elite-level travel teams.

Types of Youth Soccer in Atlanta

You’ll commonly see:

• Recreational (Rec) leagues
  • Focus on fun, learning basics, and community
  • Usually run through parks & recreation departments or local clubs
• Academy / Select / Travel teams
  • More competitive, with tryouts and higher commitment
  • Compete in state and regional leagues
• Elite youth academies
  • Linked to professional clubs (like Atlanta United’s Academy)
  • Designed for highly talented players with potential pro or college pathways

Where Youth Soccer is Commonly Played

Across the Atlanta metro, you’ll find youth soccer fields and complexes in and around:

• Atlanta city parks (run by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation)
• Suburban parks in counties like Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett
• Private soccer complexes with multiple lighted fields
• School fields used by community programs on weekends

Parents often register their children through:

• City or county Parks & Recreation departments
• Established youth soccer clubs in their area
• School-affiliated teams (especially at the middle and high school levels)

Each program will list ages, fees, practice schedules, and game locations clearly at registration time.

Adult Soccer Leagues and Pick-Up Games in Atlanta

If you’re an adult living in or visiting Atlanta and want to play soccer yourself, you have several options.

Organized Adult Leagues

Adult soccer in Atlanta typically includes:

• Co-ed recreational leagues
• Men’s and women’s leagues
• 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 formats
• Weeknight and weekend options

Leagues often use fields across the city and metro area, such as:

• City parks in Atlanta
• Suburban complexes in Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, and other nearby areas
• Turf fields that allow evening play with lights

Skill levels range from beginner-friendly to very competitive. Registration is usually done as a team, but some leagues allow free agents to join teams that need extra players.

Pick-Up Soccer in Atlanta

If you’d rather not commit to a league:

• Many players organize pick-up games at popular parks and turf fields around the city.
• Some indoor or small-sided facilities host open play sessions, where you can pay a drop-in fee and join a game.

These informal games are especially common in the spring, summer, and fall, when weather in Atlanta is more favorable for evening or weekend play.

Where to Watch Soccer in Atlanta (Fans’ Perspective)

Beyond attending Atlanta United games, soccer fans in Atlanta can watch matches in various ways:

• Sports bars and restaurants across Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and other neighborhoods that regularly show MLS, European leagues, and international games
• Public viewing events organized during major tournaments like the World Cup or continental championships
• College and lower-division games, which often have a more relaxed atmosphere and low entry cost

Residents often look for venues advertising themselves as soccer-friendly, especially on weekend mornings when international games are broadcast.

Practical Tips for Soccer Fans and Players in Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific pointers if you’re getting into the local soccer scene:

• Plan for traffic and parking:
  Atlanta’s traffic can be heavy, especially around Downtown and Midtown. For major events like Atlanta United matches, many fans prefer MARTA to avoid parking hassles.

• Consider the weather:
  Summers in Atlanta are hot and humid. If you’re playing or watching outdoor soccer:

  • Bring water
  • Wear breathable clothing
  • Look for shade where possible

• Check field conditions ahead of time:
  After heavy rain, some grass fields may close or be limited to prevent damage. Artificial turf fields are more likely to stay open.

• Verify schedules close to game day:
  Professional, college, and amateur match times can occasionally change, especially with weather issues or tournament rescheduling.

Key Takeaways: Understanding Atlanta’s Soccer Teams

• The primary Atlanta Georgia soccer team is Atlanta United FC, an MLS club playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta.
• Atlanta United 2 serves as a development team, giving younger and emerging players professional experience.
• Several college soccer programs in and around Atlanta offer additional high-level play that local fans can watch.
• Youth soccer in Atlanta is extensive, with recreational and competitive pathways spanning the city and suburbs.
• Adults in Atlanta can join organized leagues or pick-up games at parks, turf fields, and indoor facilities across the metro area.

Whether you’re looking to cheer on a top-tier team, support local college or semi-pro sides, or lace up your own boots, Atlanta offers a wide and growing soccer scene tailored to nearly every level of interest and ability.