Atlanta United: How To Experience Atlanta’s MLS Club Like a Local

Atlanta isn’t just a football town in the college or NFL sense anymore—Atlanta United FC has turned the city into one of the most passionate soccer hubs in the country. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re visiting for a weekend, or you’re just trying to understand what “Atlanta United” is all about, this guide walks you through how the club fits into Atlanta life, how to attend a match, and how to make the most of the experience.

What Is Atlanta United?

Atlanta United FC is the city’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The club:

• Plays in the Eastern Conference of MLS
• Was founded in the mid‑2010s and quickly drew some of the largest crowds in the league
• Shares a home stadium with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons

In Atlanta, “Atlanta United” usually means:

• The team itself
• The matchday experience at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• The supporter culture in neighborhoods across the city

If you hear someone say they’re “going to United,” they almost always mean they’re headed to a home match downtown.

Where Atlanta United Plays: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home stadium:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This stadium sits on the west side of Downtown Atlanta, close to:

• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• The Vine City and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods

Getting to the Stadium

You have several Atlanta‑friendly options:

1. MARTA (recommended for many fans)

• Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station
• Or use Vine City Station on the west side of the stadium
• Avoids parking stress and post-game traffic

2. Driving and Parking
Common options include official and nearby decks/lots around:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• State Farm Arena area
• Castleberry Hill (a short walk)

Prices and availability vary by match. Arrive early if you plan to park, especially for weekend games or rivalry matches.

3. Rideshare and Drop‑Off
Designated pick‑up and drop‑off zones around the stadium area are typically marked and managed on matchdays. Plan a meeting spot a block or two away if your group gets separated—cell reception can be congested right after matches.

Atlanta United Matchday: What To Expect

A home match in Atlanta has the feel of a festival more than a simple game.

Pre‑Game Atmosphere

Around the stadium, you’ll often find:

• Supporter marches with drums and chants
• Fans gathering in downtown bars and in Castleberry Hill
• Tailgating in various lots near the stadium

If you want the loudest, most energetic experience, look for the supporter section inside the stadium, usually behind a goal on the lower level.

Inside the Stadium

Key features many Atlanta locals pay attention to:

• Roof: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium has a retractable roof; matches can feel very different depending on whether it’s open or closed.
• Food & drink: A wide range of options, including “fan‑friendly” pricing on select items, is a common draw for families and groups.
• Noise level: Loud supporter groups, chants, and goal celebrations are a big part of the culture—ear protection for young kids can be helpful.

When Atlanta United Plays: Season Basics

Atlanta United usually plays:

• MLS regular season: Roughly late winter/early spring through fall
• Home matches: Often on weekends, with some midweek games
• Kickoff times: Afternoons or evenings, depending on the match and TV schedule

If you’re in Atlanta short‑term and want to catch a match, look up the current season schedule and filter for home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Tickets, Seating, and Budget Tips

Buying Tickets

Typical ways Atlanta fans get tickets include:

• Single‑game tickets for casual or one‑time visitors
• Mini‑plans or partial plans for locals who can’t commit to a full season
• Season tickets for dedicated fans and supporters’ groups

Third‑party marketplaces are common for resale, especially for big matches, but many locals start with the club’s official options for the most predictable experience.

Choosing Your Seat

Here’s a quick orientation-style guide:

Family tip: If you’re bringing small children or someone who prefers a quieter environment, avoid the main supporters’ section.

Atlanta United Culture: How the Club Fits Into the City

Atlanta United has become a major part of Atlanta’s identity:

• Fans come from all over the metro area—from the city center to suburbs like Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Marietta.
• Many neighborhoods have their own unofficial fan meetups at bars and restaurants during away games.
• You’ll see Atlanta United flags, stickers, and jerseys across the city, from BeltLine trails to local parks.

Supporter Groups

Atlanta has multiple organized supporter groups that:

• Lead chants and tifos (large fan displays)
• Organize pre‑match gatherings and marches to the stadium
• Participate in community events around the city

If you’re new and want to connect, these groups are often welcoming to first‑timers and visitors—just search for groups connected to Atlanta United in your neighborhood or near the stadium area.

Atlanta United for Families and Kids

Atlanta United matches are a popular family outing in the city.

Things local families often consider:

• Noise and intensity: The sound level can be high; upper levels or non‑supporter sideline sections tend to be calmer.
• Transit: Many families choose MARTA to avoid navigating post‑game traffic with tired kids.
• Timing: Weekend afternoon games are usually easier with small children than late-night kickoffs.

The stadium environment is designed to be family-friendly, with clear signage, guest services desks, and staff who can help you find your seats or direct you to quieter areas if needed.

Visiting Atlanta? How to Fit a Match Into Your Trip

If you’re only in Atlanta for a short stay but want to experience Atlanta United:

1. Stay Downtown or Midtown if possible

   • You’ll be a short MARTA ride or even walking distance (from parts of Downtown) to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

2. Check the schedule before booking travel

   • Aligning your visit with a home match can add a fun, local experience to your trip.

3. Plan your game day transportation early

   • If you’re unfamiliar with MARTA, look up the basic map and station names near your hotel and the stadium:
     • GWCC/CNN Center Station
     • Vine City Station

4. Explore nearby attractions

   • The stadium is close to Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca‑Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium, so you can easily turn a matchday into a full downtown outing.

Atlanta United Headquarters and Facilities

While your main interaction as a fan will be at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Atlanta United also maintains training and administrative facilities in the metro area.

Key locations often associated with the club include:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (home matches)

  • 1 AMB Drive NW
  • Atlanta, GA 30313

• Training ground and operations (commonly referred to in local coverage)

  • Located in the broader metro Atlanta area, used for team practices, academy training, and some club operations

If you need to contact the club for ticketing, fan services, or general information, the most up‑to‑date phone numbers and email contacts are usually listed through official Atlanta United communication channels and at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium guest services desks.

Practical Tips for an Atlanta United Game Day

A few Atlanta‑specific pointers to make your experience smoother:

• Arrive early: Downtown traffic can be heavy, especially if there are overlapping events (NBA games, concerts, conventions).
• Know the bag policy: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium uses a clear bag policy and security screening; check size limits before you go.
• Hydrate and dress for the weather: Even with a roof, getting to and from the stadium involves walking in Atlanta’s heat and humidity during much of the season.
• Plan a meeting spot: Choose a clear landmark inside or just outside the stadium in case your group is separated and phone service is slow.

Experiencing Atlanta United in Atlanta is about more than just 90 minutes of soccer—it’s a window into how the city comes together. Whether you’re a long-time local, a new resident, or a visitor, a match at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium offers one of the most uniquely “Atlanta” experiences you can have.