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

Atlanta loves soccer, and Atlanta United FC has quickly become one of the city’s biggest points of pride. Whether you live in the metro area, you’re visiting for a weekend, or you’re just trying to understand how Atlanta United soccer fits into the city’s culture, this guide walks you through how it all works in Atlanta.

Atlanta United FC: The Basics

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

• Plays home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta
  • Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Competes in the Eastern Conference of MLS
• Has a large, passionate fan base that regularly fills the lower bowl (and often more) of the stadium
• Is commonly called “ATL UTD” or simply “United” by local fans

For someone in Atlanta, “Atlanta United soccer” usually means:

• Going to matches at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Watching away games at local bars or viewing parties
• Enrolling kids in Atlanta United–branded soccer programs
• Buying gear and repping the team around the city

Game Day in Atlanta: What to Expect

Where Atlanta United Plays

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (MBS) is shared with the Atlanta Falcons and sits right next to downtown and the Gulch area.

• Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Nearby MARTA stations:
  • Vine City Station (closest for many fans)
  • GWCC/CNN Center Station
• Parking: Multiple decks and surface lots around the stadium and in the Gulch. Prices and availability vary by event.

Most Atlanta United home games are on weekends, with some midweek evening matches. Kickoff times are typically in the afternoon or at night to avoid the worst of Atlanta’s heat.

Getting to the Stadium

Locals use a mix of options:

• 🚇 MARTA:

  • Many fans ride MARTA to avoid traffic and parking costs.
  • From most lines, transfer downtown and exit at GWCC/CNN or Vine City.

• 🚗 Driving and Parking:

  • Plan for heavy traffic on Northside Drive, Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and North Avenue.
  • Pre-booked parking passes are common for season ticket holders and frequent attendees.

• 🚶‍♂️ Walking/Biking/Scooters:

  • Fans staying downtown, in Midtown near North Avenue, or in Castleberry Hill often walk to the stadium.
  • Scooter and bike parking areas are usually designated around the perimeter of MBS.

Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

What stands out to most Atlanta United fans:

• Supporters’ Section:

  • Located behind one of the goals, this is where standing, chanting, and flags are constant.
  • Includes the “Golden Spike” tradition, where a special guest hammers a ceremonial spike before the match.

• Family-Friendly Seating:

  • Many families prefer sideline or upper-level seats for a slightly calmer experience while still enjoying the atmosphere.

• Affordable Concessions:

  • MBS is known for relatively fan-friendly food pricing, which is a big draw for families and large groups.

Tickets: How Atlanta Fans Usually Buy

You can watch Atlanta United soccer in several ways:

Single-Game Tickets

For occasional visitors or new fans, single-game tickets are the easiest:

• Typically available for most regular-season matches
• Prices vary based on opponent, day of week, and seat location
• Popular matches against rivals (like Orlando or some Eastern Conference contenders) sell faster

Season Tickets & Memberships

Many Atlanta residents become season ticket holders, which can include:

• A reserved seat for all regular-season home games
• Priority access to playoff tickets and some special events
• Access to dedicated account support and potential membership perks

Season ticket members generally sit in:

• Supporters’ Section (for fans who want the loudest atmosphere)
• Sideline or corner sections
• Club levels for fans who prefer more amenities

Group and Suite Options

For youth soccer teams, work outings, or large families, group ticket packages and suites are common:

• Group sections sometimes include on-field experiences or special recognition
• Suites offer indoor seating, catering options, and a view of downtown

Where to Buy Atlanta United Gear in Atlanta

If you want to wear Atlanta United colors (commonly red, black, and gold), you have several local options:

At Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

On matchdays, the team store inside MBS carries:

• Official jerseys and training tops
• Scarves, hats, and flags
• Souvenirs like pins, mugs, and kids’ items

Lines can be long close to kickoff and right after the match, so many fans shop:

• Before gates officially open or
• At halftime, when some sections are less crowded

Around the City

Fans also commonly find gear at:

• Sports apparel stores and large sporting goods chains in metro Atlanta
• Select shops in downtown, Midtown, and major malls like Lenox Square and Perimeter Mall

Availability of specific jerseys or limited editions can vary, so locals sometimes call ahead if they’re looking for a particular style.

Youth Soccer: Atlanta United and Local Options

Atlanta United has helped boost interest in youth soccer throughout the metro area. Families in and around the city have several ways to connect kids with the club’s programs and the broader soccer community.

Atlanta United Youth and Academy Programs

Atlanta United offers:

• Academy programs for advanced youth players who are invited or selected
• Development and training programs that may be open via registration or tryout
• Camps and clinics, especially during school breaks and summers

These programs are typically held at dedicated training facilities or partner fields around metro Atlanta rather than at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium itself. Locations can include complexes north and south of downtown, depending on the age group and level.

If you’re a parent in Atlanta:

• Look for Atlanta United–branded camps during summer and school holidays
• Check age requirements, skill levels, and whether programs are recreational or competitive
• Be prepared for some programs to fill quickly, especially those close to the city center

Other Youth Soccer in the Atlanta Area

Beyond the club’s own programs, the metro area has:

• Recreational leagues through local parks and recreation departments
• Club and travel soccer teams in suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Tucker
• Indoor and small-sided facilities that offer year-round play

Many youth players in Atlanta watch Atlanta United games for inspiration and then play in local community leagues or travel clubs on weekends.

Supporter Culture: How Atlanta Fans Show Up

What makes Atlanta United soccer distinctive is the energy in and around the city on matchdays.

Supporter Groups

Atlanta has multiple supporter groups devoted to Atlanta United. These groups typically:

• Organize pre-game tailgates and marches to the stadium
• Lead chants and songs from the supporters’ section
• Coordinate charity or community events connected to soccer

They often gather at specific bars or meeting spots in Westside, Castleberry Hill, or downtown before walking together to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Viewing Parties and Soccer Bars

When the team plays away from home, many Atlanta fans head to:

• Sports bars and pubs with multiple TVs and sound tuned to MLS
• Neighborhood spots in Midtown, East Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead known for showing soccer

Patterns you’ll typically see:

• Packed venues for cup finals, playoff matches, and games against rivals
• Early openings or brunch-style service for matches in different time zones when needed
• Families and younger fans mixing with long-time supporters

If you’re new to the city and want to meet other fans, asking around about Atlanta United watch parties at local sports bars is a good place to start.

Practical Tips for Attending an Atlanta United Match

Here are some locally relevant pointers to make your game day smoother:

1. Plan Around Traffic

• Game time near rush hour can make downtown driving slow.
• Many fans arrive an hour or more before kickoff to beat congestion and enjoy the atmosphere.

2. Consider MARTA for Big Games

• For high-demand matches, MARTA is often faster and easier than driving.
• Check the last train times if you’re attending a night game.

3. Dress for the Weather

• Spring and early fall in Atlanta can be warm and humid; summer can be hot even in the evening.
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is covered, but the roof may be open, and walking to and from the stadium is outdoors.

4. Understand Stadium Policies

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium has a clear bag policy and specific rules about items like flags, musical instruments, and signs.
• Security checks are standard, so arriving early helps avoid lines.

5. Families With Kids

• Many families choose earlier weekend kickoffs for younger children.
• Consider ear protection for very young kids, especially in or near the supporters’ section, where it can be very loud.

How Atlanta United Fits Into the City’s Sports and Culture

For many people in Atlanta, Atlanta United is:

• A downtown gathering point that brings together residents from all over the metro region
• A way to show city pride through scarves, jerseys, car flags, and window decals
• A regular part of the city’s calendar, from MLS regular season to cup competitions

You’ll see Atlanta United colors on MARTA, at parks, at youth soccer fields, and in office buildings throughout the city, especially on home game days.

Quick Reference: Atlanta United Soccer in Atlanta

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, Atlanta United soccer offers an accessible way to plug into the city’s energy—whether that means cheering in the supporters’ section, bringing kids to their first match, or just catching a game at a neighborhood bar with other fans.