Atlanta United FC: Your Guide to Major League Soccer in Atlanta

Atlanta United FC has become one of the city’s signature sports teams, drawing huge crowds to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and helping make Atlanta a true soccer city. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting for a weekend, or just want to understand how MLS fits into local sports culture, this guide walks you through how Atlanta United works here, how to attend a match, and how to get more involved.

Atlanta United FC in Atlanta’s Sports Scene

Atlanta United FC is Atlanta’s Major League Soccer (MLS) club. The team began play in 2017 and quickly built a reputation for:

• High-energy, attack-minded soccer
• Loud, record-setting home crowds
• Strong support across the metro area, from downtown to the suburbs

For many locals, Atlanta United games feel similar to a Falcons, Hawks, or Braves game in terms of city pride—just with more drums, flags, and chanting.

You’ll see Atlanta United’s presence all over town:

• Flags and banners in bars and restaurants in Midtown, East Atlanta, and the Westside
• Kids and adults wearing five-stripe jerseys in local parks
• Matchday crowds flooding downtown MARTA stations on weekends

If you’re trying to plug into Atlanta’s sports culture, going to an Atlanta United game is one of the most direct ways to do it.

Home Stadium: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Primary home venue:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Atlanta United plays almost all home MLS matches at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (shared with the Atlanta Falcons). It’s located in downtown Atlanta, close to the Gulch, State Farm Arena, and CNN Center.

Getting to the Stadium

You don’t need to be a local expert to get there, but a few Atlanta-specific tips help:

By MARTA (recommended on busy matchdays):

• Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station
• Take the Red or Gold Line to Vine City Station
• Both stations are a short walk to the stadium—just follow the crowd and stadium signage

MARTA is usually the easiest option on matchdays, since downtown traffic and parking can back up around kickoff.

By car:

• Major nearby roads include I‑20, I‑75, I‑85, and the Downtown Connector
• Pre-paid parking is commonly available in nearby garages and lots around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the GWCC area
• Arrive early if you’re unfamiliar with downtown driving or event traffic

On foot or bike/scooter:

• Walkable from Downtown and parts of Castleberry Hill
• Scooters and bikes are common around the stadium—but docking/parking rules apply in the core downtown area

Matchday Atmosphere

Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Atlanta United games have a distinct feel:

• The supporters’ section behind one goal is standing-room with constant chanting and drums
• Fans often bring scarves, flags, and team colors (red, black, and gold)
• The stadium’s retractable roof is often closed in hotter months, creating a loud indoor environment

For a visitor, it’s an easy way to see what Atlanta sports culture looks and sounds like up close.

How the MLS Season Works in Atlanta

If you’re planning around Atlanta United’s season, here’s a simple overview.

General Season Timeline

While schedules can shift slightly year to year, Atlanta locals can expect:

Additionally, there may be cup competitions or mid-season tournaments that include home or nearby matches.

Match Days and Times

Typical home match patterns in Atlanta:

• Many games on Saturday or Sunday
• Occasional midweek evening games
• Kickoff times can range from afternoon to prime-time evening

Atlanta weather varies by season, so plan accordingly:

• March–April: Can be cool or rainy; pack a light layer
• June–August: Hot and humid, but much of that is mitigated if the stadium roof is closed
• September–October: Often ideal weather for walking to and from the stadium

Tickets: How Atlanta Locals and Visitors Get In

There are multiple ways Atlanta residents and visitors typically get tickets for Atlanta United games.

Common Ticket Types

• Single-game tickets: Good for casual fans, visitors, or first-timers
• Season tickets: Popular with locals who attend multiple matches a year
• Group tickets: Often used by youth soccer clubs, schools, or offices in metro Atlanta
• Premium/club seating: Includes club access, upgraded amenities, or closer views

Tickets are typically digital, so you’ll access them on your phone when entering Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Where to Sit in the Stadium

Each section of the stadium offers a slightly different experience:

• Supporters’ section:
  • Behind one goal, typically standing and singing the entire match
  • Best for those who want the loud, passionate supporter experience
• Lower sideline seats:
  • Great for close-up views of the action
  • Popular with families and fans who want to see player details clearly
• Upper levels:
  • More budget-friendly with a full-field view
  • Good for larger groups and casual fans
• Club/premium sections:
  • Enhanced amenities, more space, and sometimes included food or access to private lounges

If you’re bringing kids or prefer a quieter setting, most locals recommend avoiding the most vocal supporter sections and choosing a sideline or upper-level seat.

Atlanta United’s Place in Local Soccer Culture

Atlanta United has helped boost the visibility of soccer across the Atlanta metro area, from the city itself to suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, Doraville, and Sandy Springs.

Training Facility in Marietta

The team trains at a dedicated facility northwest of the city:

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground
860 Franklin Gateway SE
Marietta, GA 30067

While everyday training sessions are not generally open to the public, this facility highlights how the club has a footprint beyond downtown, particularly in Cobb County.

Youth and Community Involvement

Atlanta United has a strong presence in local youth soccer and community programs across metro Atlanta. Typical areas of involvement include:

• Youth development academies and teams
• Soccer clinics or camps at fields across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett Counties
• Community outreach events at schools, parks, and recreation centers

If you have a child in youth soccer around Atlanta, chances are their club or league is familiar with Atlanta United in some way—through events, coaching philosophies, or fan experiences.

Game Day in Atlanta: What to Expect

Before the Match

On Atlanta United matchdays, the area around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium becomes noticeably busier:

• Fans often gather in downtown bars, Centennial Olympic Park area, and Castleberry Hill
• Some supporters join marches to the match, walking together toward the stadium with chants and drums
• You’ll see jerseys, scarves, and flags across downtown and on MARTA trains

If you’re visiting, arriving downtown 1–2 hours before kickoff gives you time to:

• Navigate parking or MARTA
• Explore fan areas or grab food nearby
• Get through security and find your seat without rushing

Inside the Stadium

Once inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, expect:

• Security screening at entry
• Concession stands with a range of food options, including local favorites
• Merchandise stands selling Atlanta United scarves, jerseys, and hats
• Loud music, pre-game videos, and team introductions

During the match, crowd noise can be intense—especially when Atlanta United scores or when rivals come to town.

Families and First-Time Visitors

Atlanta United games tend to be family-friendly and welcoming to first-time soccer fans.

Tips for Families

• Choose seats away from the most vocal supporter sections if you prefer a calmer environment
• Allow extra time for bathroom breaks and food lines, especially at halftime
• Consider bringing ear protection for younger kids if they may be sensitive to noise

Families from Atlanta suburbs often make a full day of it, combining the game with visits to:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park

All are within a short distance of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

If You’re New to Soccer

You don’t need detailed MLS knowledge to enjoy an Atlanta United game:

• The in-stadium boards and announcers help you follow key moments
• The crowd’s energy gives clear cues—when to cheer, chant, or react
• Many locals treat it as a social city event as much as a sporting competition

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want one sports event that captures the city’s modern identity, an Atlanta United home game is a strong choice.

Practical Details for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Weather and What to Wear

Atlanta weather can shift quickly, especially in spring and summer. Common local advice:

• Spring (Mar–Apr): Bring a light jacket or rain layer
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Lightweight clothes; the stadium is climate-controlled but the trip there and back can be hot
• Fall (Sep–Oct): Comfortable in casual layers; often ideal for walking around downtown

Team colors are red, black, and gold, so many fans wear jerseys, T‑shirts, or scarves in those shades.

Accessibility

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is built with accessibility in mind, including:

• Accessible seating areas
• Elevators and ramps
• Signage to help navigate concourses

If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s wise to check stadium information in advance and arrive early to avoid rushing.

How Atlanta United Connects the Metro Area

Beyond just matchdays, Atlanta United has helped create a shared point of pride for neighborhoods and suburbs across the region:

• Fans commute from Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, and Henry Counties for home games
• Local establishments in Inman Park, West Midtown, Decatur, and Buckhead often show matches on TV
• Youth players across metro Atlanta wear Atlanta United gear to practice and games

If you’re new to the city, supporting Atlanta United—whether by attending a game, watching at a local bar, or just following the team—is an easy way to feel more rooted in Atlanta’s community life.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Atlanta United FC offers a mix of big-league entertainment, downtown energy, and local pride that is now a core part of the city’s sports and recreation landscape.