Atlanta United FC Schedule: How to Find Games, Plan Your Matchday, and Navigate the Season
Whether you’re a die-hard supporter in the supporters’ section, bringing the family for a weekend match, or visiting Atlanta and hoping to catch a game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, understanding the Atlanta United FC schedule is the first step.
This guide focuses on how the schedule works, when Atlanta United usually plays, how to keep up with changes, and how to plan your day around a match right here in Atlanta, Georgia.
How the Atlanta United FC Schedule Is Structured
Atlanta United plays in Major League Soccer (MLS), and the schedule follows a fairly predictable pattern each year.
The Basic Season Layout
While exact dates change year to year, the Atlanta United schedule typically follows this rhythm:
- Regular season:
- Usually starts in late February or early March
- Runs through October
- Postseason (MLS Cup Playoffs):
- Typically in late October through November/December, if Atlanta qualifies
- Additional competitions:
- Some seasons include U.S. Open Cup matches
- Occasional international friendlies or tournaments
Key takeaway: If you’re in Atlanta between March and October, there’s a strong chance you can catch a regular-season home match.
Home vs. Away Games in Atlanta United’s Schedule
Home Matches at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
Most home games are played at:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
The majority of the schedule is split between:
- Home games: In downtown Atlanta at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- Away games: All over the U.S. and Canada, depending on MLS opponents
For Atlanta residents and visitors, the home portion of the Atlanta United schedule is what matters most, since it tells you:
- Which days to plan to be downtown
- When traffic and parking around the stadium may be heavier
- When MARTA trains and nearby restaurants will be extra busy
Typical Match Days and Kickoff Times
Specific game times can vary, but some patterns are common in the Atlanta United FC schedule.
Common Days for Matches
Most Atlanta United games are scheduled on:
- Saturdays – the most common match day
- Sundays – especially afternoon or early evening
- Occasional weeknights – often Wednesdays
Weeknight games are fewer but can affect rush hour traffic and MARTA crowding more noticeably.
Typical Kickoff Windows
While times change from game to game, expect most kickoffs to fall in these windows:
- Afternoon matches: Around 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Evening matches: Around 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Daytime games are popular for families and visitors trying to combine sightseeing with a match, while evening games are a favorite for locals coming after work or weekend plans.
Because kickoff times can move for TV coverage or league scheduling needs, it’s important to double‑check the time as game day approaches.
How to Check the Latest Atlanta United FC Schedule
Game dates and times can change during the season, so Atlantans usually rely on a few consistent methods to stay accurate and up to date.
1. Official Team & League Channels
The most reliable sources are:
- Atlanta United’s official schedule page
- MLS league schedule for league‑wide changes and rescheduled matches
These sources show:
- Full home and away schedule
- Kickoff times and opponent
- Notes on special events, theme nights, or tournament matches
2. Mobile Apps and Digital Calendars
Many fans in Atlanta like to:
- Add the Atlanta United schedule to their phone calendar
- Use calendar subscriptions that automatically update when matches move
- Turn on notifications for match reminders or schedule changes
This is especially useful if you rely on the schedule to plan MARTA trips, rideshares, or parking downtown.
3. Local Media and Matchday Coverage
Local outlets in Atlanta often:
- Highlight upcoming home games
- Provide pre‑ and post‑match coverage
- Remind viewers and readers about kickoff times on TV or radio
This can be helpful if you’re a casual fan or visiting and just want to know, “Is Atlanta United playing this weekend?”
Atlanta United Home Game Day: What the Schedule Means for Your Plans
Knowing when Atlanta United plays is only half of it. For people in Atlanta, the schedule also shapes how you plan your day.
Planning Your Arrival Time
These are common arrival windows fans use for home matches:
- 1–1.5 hours before kickoff
- Time to park, get through security, and grab food or merch
- Earlier for big rivalry or playoff matches
- Gates, security, MARTA platforms, and nearby streets can get crowded
- Later if you’re local and know the routine well
- Some experienced fans arrive 30–45 minutes before kickoff, but this can be risky for busier games
Transportation Considerations
Because Atlanta United’s home schedule directly affects downtown traffic, consider:
- MARTA rail:
- Closest stations: GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center and Vine City
- Popular with fans who want to avoid parking costs and post-game jams
- Driving and parking:
- On game days, many nearby decks and lots offer event parking
- Prices and availability often vary depending on the opponent and day of week
- Rideshare:
- Designated pickup and drop-off areas are typically set up around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on game days
If you live in Metro Atlanta and plan to attend multiple matches, it’s helpful to scan the entire home schedule at the start of the season and note:
- Busy holiday weekends
- Weeknight games that affect your commute
- Matches that overlap with other big events downtown (concerts, other games, conventions)
Simple Atlanta United Schedule Planning Snapshot
Below is a simplified view of how a typical season might look for a fan in Atlanta (exact dates and opponents change every year):
| Time of Year | What to Expect in the Schedule | What Locals Often Do |
|---|---|---|
| Late Feb – March | Season kickoff; first home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium | Plan early-season outings, test traffic and parking |
| April – June | Regular weekend home games + some midweek dates | Combine matches with spring activities downtown |
| July – August | Summer matches, some hot daytime games, possible tournaments | Opt for evening games, indoor pregame spots |
| Sept – October | Late-season push, playoff race, important home fixtures | Prioritize must‑see games, monitor standings closely |
| Late Oct – Nov | Possible MLS Cup Playoffs games | Keep schedule flexible for potential home playoff dates |
Use this pattern as a guide and always confirm actual game dates and times for the current season.
Special Dates and Theme Nights on the Atlanta United FC Schedule
Throughout the season, the Atlanta United schedule often includes:
- Rivalry matches – Typically higher intensity and higher demand
- Theme nights – e.g., fan appreciation, community nights, or heritage celebrations
- Family‑friendly dates – Afternoon games on weekends are often popular with kids
For locals, these fixtures can affect:
- Ticket availability and prices
- Crowd size and atmosphere
- Pre‑ and post‑game options (some bars and restaurants run matchday specials)
If you’re choosing only one or two games to attend all year, many Atlantans look for:
- A weekend home match
- Against a well‑known opponent
- With a theme night or special promotion
How Season Tickets and Multi-Game Plans Fit the Schedule
If you live in Atlanta and want to attend multiple games, the structure of the schedule will matter for your commitment level.
Full Season
A full season ticket plan usually covers:
- All regular-season home matches
- Sometimes includes priority or options for certain additional games (like playoffs, depending on the year)
This is best if you:
- Live in or near Atlanta
- Can regularly get downtown on weekends and some weeknights
- Use the schedule as a recurring social or family activity
Partial or Flex Plans
Some fans prefer:
- Partial plans targeting weekends only
- Flex plans where you choose a certain number of games that fit your schedule best
These can be ideal if:
- You have a busy work schedule
- You’re in Atlanta part‑time
- You only want matches during certain months or days of the week
Visiting Atlanta and Want to Catch an Atlanta United Match?
If you’re planning a trip and want to know how the Atlanta United FC schedule fits:
Check the schedule first.
Look for home matches during your stay and confirm kickoff time.Stay near transit or downtown.
Areas like Downtown, Midtown, or along MARTA’s Red/Gold lines make it easier to reach Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.Plan game day around the match.
Popular same‑day combos include:- Morning/afternoon at the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola
- Lunch or dinner around Centennial Olympic Park, Castleberry Hill, or Downtown
- Heading to the stadium 60–90 minutes before kickoff
Watch for schedule changes.
Times can occasionally shift for national TV coverage or league adjustments, so recheck the time as your trip approaches.
Using the Schedule Even If You’re Not Going to the Game
Even if you’re not a soccer fan, the Atlanta United FC schedule still matters if you:
- Commute through downtown
- Live in neighborhoods near Northside Drive, Marietta Street, or around Vine City
- Work near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or CNN Center
Home matches can mean:
- Heavier traffic before and after games
- Busier MARTA trains and stations
- More foot traffic near stadium‑adjacent areas
Checking the home schedule at the start of the week can help you:
- Adjust commute times
- Use alternate routes on major matchdays
- Plan errands or events in other parts of the city
Quick Checklist: Getting the Most Out of the Atlanta United FC Schedule
Use this as a fast reference for planning around the schedule in Atlanta:
- ✅ Find the current schedule from an official or trusted source
- ✅ Identify home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- ✅ Note dates and kickoff times that work best for you (weekends vs. weeknights)
- ✅ Plan your transportation (MARTA, driving, rideshare) for each chosen match
- ✅ Check again closer to game day for any time or date changes
- ✅ If you’re local, mark major or rivalry matches you don’t want to miss
- ✅ If you’re visiting, build your Atlanta sightseeing around the match you plan to attend
By understanding how the Atlanta United FC schedule is built and how it plays out across the year in Atlanta, you can better plan your matchdays, your downtown trips, and your overall calendar around one of the city’s most popular sports experiences.
