Atlanta United vs. Orlando City: What Fans in Atlanta Need to Know

The Atlanta United vs. Orlando City matchup has quickly become one of the more intense rivalries in Major League Soccer, and it matters a lot here in Atlanta, Georgia. Whether you live in the city, you’re visiting, or you’re just trying to understand what this fixture is all about, this guide walks you through how the matchup works specifically from an Atlanta perspective.

Why Atlanta United vs. Orlando City Matters

For Atlanta soccer fans, Atlanta United vs. Orlando City is more than just another league game:

• It’s a regional rivalry: Atlanta vs. Orlando – two major cities in the Southeast.
• It often affects Eastern Conference standings.
• The matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium bring some of the loudest crowds in MLS.
• Traveling fans sometimes make the trip, which adds to the atmosphere.

If you’re based in Atlanta, this is one of the must-watch and often must-attend games on the schedule each year.

Where the Match Is Played in Atlanta

When the fixture is in Atlanta, it’s held at:

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

This is the home of Atlanta United FC and one of the largest, most modern stadiums in Major League Soccer.

Key stadium details for Atlanta United vs. Orlando City

• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / Vine City area
• Public transit:
  • MARTA Rail:
    • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – closest to the stadium
    • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – short walk on the west side
  • Many fans ride MARTA to avoid parking traffic on busy rivalry match days.
• Parking:
  • Multiple official decks and lots around the stadium and State Farm Arena
  • Pre-paying for parking is often recommended for Orlando City games because of larger crowds.
• Gates & security:
  • Expect bag size limits and security screening.
  • Plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes early for a rivalry match to avoid long lines.

How to Get Tickets in Atlanta

Tickets for Atlanta United vs. Orlando City in Atlanta are typically available through:

• The official Atlanta United ticketing platform
• The Mercedes-Benz Stadium box office on event days
• Verified resale marketplaces, especially if the match is close to selling out

Practical tips for Atlanta fans

• Buy early: Orlando City is one of the higher-demand opponents.
• Check seating zones:
  • Supporters’ section: Very loud, lots of chanting, almost always standing.
  • Club and midfield seats: Better view and more comfortable experience.
  • Upper level: More budget-friendly and still a strong atmosphere for rivalry games.
• Family considerations:
  • For kids or first-time attendees, many locals prefer side or corner sections away from the most intense chanting if they want a calmer environment.

Getting to the Match: Atlanta Transportation Options

MARTA (Highly recommended)

For downtown rivalry games, many Atlanta residents and visitors rely on MARTA:

• Rail stations for Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
  • GWCC/CNN Center (Blue/Green Line)
  • Vine City (Blue/Green Line)
• If you’re coming from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can:
  • Take the Red or Gold line north from Airport Station
  • Transfer to Blue or Green at Five Points
  • Ride west one stop to GWCC/CNN Center

This option helps avoid heavy traffic and high parking demand when Orlando is in town.

Driving and parking

If you drive:

• Plan extra time around Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and Northside Drive.
• Many fans use major surface streets such as:
  • Northside Dr NW
  • Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW
  • Marietta St NW
• Look for official Mercedes-Benz Stadium parking decks and lots, and consider reserving parking in advance.

Rideshare and drop-off

• Rideshare zones are typically set just outside the most congested blocks around the stadium.
• If you’re unfamiliar with downtown, it’s common to:
  • Get dropped off a couple of blocks away
  • Walk in with the crowd to the stadium

Game Day Atmosphere in Atlanta

Atlanta United home games, especially against Orlando City, are known for:

• Large, energetic crowds
• Chants and songs led by the supporters’ groups
• Pre-game tifo displays in big matchups
• A generally welcoming environment for both die-hard and casual fans

Supporters’ culture

If you want the full experience:

• The supporters’ section behind one of the goals is where many locals stand, chant, and wave flags for the entire match.
• Even if you’re seated elsewhere, you’ll likely hear:
  • Drums
  • Call-and-response chants
  • Coordinated cheering during key moments

For first-time visitors, many Atlanta fans suggest arriving early to watch warm-ups and enjoy the pre-match build-up.

When Atlanta United Plays Orlando City

The MLS regular season schedule changes each year, but:

• Atlanta United and Orlando City usually meet multiple times per season.
• Some matches are in Atlanta, others in Orlando.
• Occasionally, they may also meet in:
  • U.S. Open Cup play
  • MLS playoffs, depending on qualification

For Atlanta residents and visitors, it’s useful to:

• Check the Atlanta United season schedule early each year.
• Note which dates the Orlando City matches fall on and which city is hosting.

Watching Atlanta United vs. Orlando City in Atlanta (If You’re Not at the Stadium)

If you’re not going to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you still have good options in Atlanta.

At home or hotel

• Local fans typically watch on national MLS broadcasters or subscription services that carry league matches.
• If you’re visiting Atlanta:
  • Many hotels carry the standard sports channels that show MLS.
  • You may also choose a streaming service that includes MLS coverage.

Sports bars and soccer-friendly venues

Across the Atlanta metro area, there are many soccer-friendly bars and restaurants where locals gather to watch Atlanta United, especially rivalry games like Orlando City.

Common patterns:

• Popular neighborhoods for watch parties include Midtown, Downtown, West Midtown, East Atlanta, Buckhead, and the BeltLine areas.
• Venues often:
  • Show the match with sound on
  • Offer match-day specials or themed events
• If you’re bringing children, look for family-friendly restaurants that also show games rather than late-night bars.

Because individual venues change over time, many Atlantans rely on:

• Atlanta United’s official supporter groups and their social media for updated watch party locations.
• Local fan communities and neighborhood groups to find reliable spots.

What to Expect From the Match Itself

From an Atlanta perspective, you can expect:

• High intensity on the field: Both teams typically treat the fixture as a rivalry.
• Eastern Conference stakes: Results can affect playoff positioning.
• Strong home-field advantage in Atlanta due to:
  • Large crowds
  • The enclosed stadium
  • Familiar playing surface for Atlanta United

Match styles and results will vary from year to year, but the energy level around Atlanta United vs. Orlando City is consistently elevated compared with a standard regular-season game.

Tips for First-Time Attendees in Atlanta

If you’re heading to your first Atlanta United vs. Orlando City match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

• Arrive early
  • Aim for 60–90 minutes before kickoff to explore, find your seats, and enjoy pre-game activities.
• Know the clear bag policy
  • Most large Atlanta venues limit bag size and type. Check current rules before you go.
• Plan your route home
  • If taking MARTA, note the last train times.
  • If driving, expect delays when leaving downtown after the final whistle.
• Food and drink
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known for fan-friendly pricing on many concessions.
  • Lines can be long at halftime, so some locals grab food before kickoff or during lulls in the game.
• Wear team colors
  • Atlanta United colors are commonly red, black, and gold.
  • Many fans wear jerseys, scarves, or simple team-colored shirts.

Traveling From Atlanta to Orlando for the Return Match

Many dedicated Atlanta fans consider traveling for the away fixture in Orlando:

• Driving:
  • Roughly a full day’s drive via I-75 and Florida routes, with typical stops.
• Flying:
  • Direct flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) are common.
• Once in Orlando, fans typically:
  • Stay near downtown or theme park areas.
  • Travel to Orlando City’s home stadium via rideshare, driving, or local transit.

If you’re traveling, Atlanta supporter groups sometimes organize away trips, which can help with logistics and group seating.

Quick Reference: Atlanta United vs. Orlando City in Atlanta

This matchup has become one of the signature soccer events in Atlanta each season. Whether you’re packing into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, gathering with friends at a local spot, or planning travel between Atlanta and Orlando, understanding the local logistics and culture around Atlanta United vs. Orlando City helps you enjoy the rivalry like a seasoned Atlanta fan.