Atlanta United Preseason Tickets: How to Get Them, Where to Sit, and What to Expect in Atlanta

When Atlanta United preseason tickets go on sale, local soccer fans want to know how to buy them quickly, where the team is playing, and what the preseason experience is actually like in and around Atlanta. This guide walks you through how preseason works for Atlanta United, how to find and purchase tickets, and how to make the most of these lower-key but very fan-friendly matches.

How Atlanta United’s Preseason Usually Works

Before the regular MLS season, Atlanta United plays a series of preseason matches and training sessions. For Atlanta residents and visitors, this usually means:

• Closed training camps (sometimes out of state or at private facilities)
• Select preseason friendlies that are open to fans, often in the Atlanta area or elsewhere in the Southeast
• Occasional open training sessions or fan events

From a ticket standpoint, you’re mainly interested in:

1. Preseason home matches in or near Atlanta
2. Neutral-site friendlies in Georgia or neighboring states
3. Special preseason events that require free or low-cost tickets

These games are typically more relaxed than regular-season matches at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, but they can sell out quickly because capacity is sometimes limited.

When Do Atlanta United Preseason Tickets Go on Sale?

Exact dates change every year, but there are consistent patterns fans in Atlanta can watch for:

• MLS preseason timing:
  Preseason usually starts in January and runs up to the regular-season kickoff, often in late February or early March.

• Schedule announcement:
  The preseason schedule is usually announced in the weeks leading up to January. Once the schedule appears, information about ticket sales for each match follows soon after.

• On-sale windows:

  • Season-ticket members often get early access or presale windows.
  • Remaining seats then go on sale to the general public.

If you’re in Atlanta and want first pick, it helps to keep an eye on:

• Official club announcements around December–February
• Notices sent to season-ticket members
• Local sports coverage that reports on preseason match dates and venues

Where Are Atlanta United Preseason Games Played?

Preseason games are not always at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. For Atlanta-based fans, common locations include:

1. Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Downtown Atlanta)

• Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Sometimes hosts bigger preseason friendlies or special events.
• You get a regular-season-style experience: assigned seats, concessions, and the full stadium environment, but often at lower preseason prices.

2. Training Facilities and Local Stadiums

Depending on the year, Atlanta United or their opponents may play in:

• Smaller venues in metro Atlanta
• College or local stadiums that can host pro-level matches
• Training grounds that open select preseason games or scrimmages to the public

These games often have:

• Limited seating
• Closer views of the players
• A more casual game-day environment

Details, including exact addresses and any parking info, are usually released with the match announcement.

3. Regional Friendlies (Drivable from Atlanta)

Atlanta United sometimes plays preseason matches in other cities in the Southeast. For Atlanta residents, these can be day trips or overnight trips. If you’re planning to travel:

• Confirm ticket sales through the hosting club or venue
• Check whether away supporters’ sections are designated
• Look at parking and transit options in that city

How to Buy Atlanta United Preseason Tickets

You typically have several straightforward options, depending on your status as a fan.

1. Through Your Season-Ticket Account

If you’re an Atlanta United season-ticket member in Atlanta:

• Look for preseason match offers in your online account or member portal.
• Watch for email alerts about presales and exclusive pricing.
• Some preseason matches are included for certain packages; others are discounted add-ons.

Season-ticket members often receive:

• Priority seating access
• Early chances to purchase additional tickets for friends and family

2. Official Ticketing Platforms

For the general public in Atlanta:

• Purchase directly from the official ticket platform used by Atlanta United (often integrated with your online account or mobile app).
• Use only official or verified resale options if you buy secondhand, to avoid invalid or duplicate tickets.

Tips for smoother purchasing:

• Create or update your account before tickets go on sale.
• Store your payment method to speed up checkout when the on-sale window opens.
• Double-check match location (preseason venues can differ from regular home matches).

3. Box Office and In-Person Options

For games played at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium:

• The stadium’s box office may offer in-person sales for certain events.
• Box office hours and availability can vary by event, so it helps to check ahead.

For smaller preseason venues in or around Atlanta, ticket access is typically:

• Online only
• Or a mix of online presale plus limited same-day sales at the gate, if capacity allows

Arrive early for day-of purchases; once capacity is reached, walk-up tickets may not be available.

Typical Pricing and Value for Atlanta Fans

Exact preseason ticket prices change from year to year and depend on:

• Opponent
• Venue size
• Seat location
• Whether it’s a marquee friendly or a lower-key scrimmage

However, Atlanta fans generally notice that:

• Preseason tickets are often more affordable than regular-season matches.
• Mid-tier seating can be available for the price of upper-level regular-season seats.
• Smaller venues may offer general admission or simple price tiers.

This makes preseason a good time for:

• Families trying Atlanta United for the first time
• Fans wanting to sit closer to the field without regular-season prices
• Supporters curious about new signings, draft picks, and young players

What to Expect on Game Day in Atlanta

Preseason matches don’t always mirror full regular-season game day, but they can still feel special.

Atmosphere

• More relaxed than a high-stakes MLS matchup
• Strong presence from supporter groups, especially if in Atlanta
• Good for kids and new fans who may find regular-season crowds intense

Lineups and Playing Time

• Coaches use preseason to test formations, evaluate players, and manage fitness.
• Starters may play fewer minutes, especially early in preseason.
• You’ll often see more substitutions and young or trial players on the field.

For fans, this is a good chance to:

• See new signings in person for the first time
• Watch prospects and depth players who may not get as many MLS minutes

Amenities and Services

At Mercedes‑Benz Stadium:

• Expect most standard amenities: concessions, restrooms, accessible seating, and digital ticket scanning.
• Certain sections or concessions areas may be scaled down for preseason events compared to a full-capacity MLS match.

At smaller venues:

• Concessions and services can be more limited.
• Parking may be simpler but less structured—plan to arrive early to find a spot.
• Seating might be general admission or on a first-come, first-served basis in your section.

Getting to Preseason Games in Atlanta

Driving and Parking

For games at or near downtown Atlanta:

• Expect normal downtown traffic, especially on weeknights.
• Use nearby parking decks and surface lots; event rates may apply.
• Carpooling can make parking easier and cheaper.

For matches at suburban or campus venues:

• Parking may be in campus lots or shared facilities.
• Check the match announcement for any special parking instructions.

MARTA and Public Transit

If a preseason match is at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or another transit-friendly venue:

• MARTA rail stops like GWCC/CNN Center Station and Vine City Station offer easy access to the stadium area.
• For fans staying in Buckhead, Midtown, or the Airport area, using MARTA can reduce parking stress.

Always confirm event timing against MARTA’s service hours.

Tips to Secure the Best Atlanta United Preseason Tickets

Use these practical strategies if you live in or are visiting Atlanta:

1. Track announcements early

   • January and February are prime months for preseason news.
   • Follow local sports coverage and official channels for exact dates.

2. Use presales if you’re a member

   • Season-ticket members in Atlanta often have access to early inventory, including better seats and pricing.

3. Be flexible with matches and sections

   • If one preseason game sells out quickly, another may still have good seats.
   • Consider different zones (e.g., corners or behind the goal) for better value.

4. Double-check venue and time

   • Preseason matches may not be at the usual stadium, and kickoff times can vary more than regular-season games.

5. Plan for digital tickets

   • Most tickets are mobile-only; install or update any necessary apps before you leave home.
   • Ensure your phone is charged and that your tickets are downloaded or accessible without relying solely on weak cell service at the venue.

Simple Atlanta United Preseason Ticket Checklist

Who Preseason Tickets Are Best For in Atlanta

Atlanta United preseason tickets are especially appealing if you:

• Want a more relaxed, affordable introduction to MLS soccer
• Have kids or new fans you’d like to bring without the intensity of a packed regular-season match
• Enjoy seeing tactical experiments, new signings, and academy players in meaningful minutes
• Live in Atlanta and like the idea of a low-pressure weeknight or weekend outing downtown or at a local stadium

With a bit of planning around timing, venue, and transportation, Atlanta United preseason matches can be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to experience professional soccer in Atlanta.