While Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a monument to football's legacy, it has also become the vibrant heart of a new kind of sports culture in Atlanta. Since their inaugural season in 2017, Atlanta United FC has transformed the city into a passionate soccer stronghold, and their home stadium is a testament to the club's unprecedented success and devoted fanbase.
Founded in 2014 and beginning play in 2017, Atlanta United FC is one of Major League Soccer's most successful expansion teams. After playing part of their first season at Bobby Dodd Stadium while Mercedes-Benz Stadium was being completed, the "Five Stripes" moved into their permanent home in September 2017. Their impact was immediate, both on the field and in the stands.
Championship Pedigree: In just their second season, Atlanta United won the 2018 MLS Cup, becoming the earliest expansion team to win the title since 1998. The club has also won the U.S. Open Cup in 2019 and the Campeones Cup in 2019, quickly filling their trophy cabinet and bringing a new major championship to the city.
A League of Their Own: Atlanta United has consistently shattered attendance records, leading Major League Soccer in attendance every year since their inception (excluding the COVID-19 impacted season). The club has set league records for season ticket sales, single-season average attendance, and total home attendance. The team's 2018 MLS Cup victory saw a record crowd of 73,019 fans pack the stadium, a testament to the fervor of the fan base.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was designed with soccer in mind, offering a world-class experience that caters to the unique energy of the sport. While the stadium's full capacity for football is over 71,000, it is configured to a more intimate setting for soccer matches, with a seating capacity of 42,500. This design allows for a raucous and electrifying atmosphere, concentrating the sound and passion of the crowd to create a true home-field advantage.
For larger, high-demand matches, the stadium can expand its seating to its full capacity, as seen during the record-breaking 2018 MLS Cup final. This flexibility makes Mercedes-Benz Stadium the ideal venue for hosting not only regular season games but also high-stakes playoff matches and international competitions, such as the 2024 Copa América and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The "Supporters' Section" behind one of the goals is a hive of activity, with flags, chants, and drums setting the tone for the entire match. It's an immersive experience that has become a model for other clubs across the league.
Atlanta United's success is a perfect marriage of a forward-thinking club and a state-of-the-art stadium. It proves that the passion for soccer is alive and well in Georgia, making Mercedes-Benz Stadium not just a venue, but a cathedral for the beautiful game.