Atlanta United FC's $60M, 33-acre HQ in Marietta, which "boasts six full-size fields and a 30,000-square-foot training facility" for both the MLS squad and its youth academy, officially opened its doors yesterday to "rave reviews," according to John Bednarowski of the MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, "This is an unbelievable model for our league of what a training ground can be. I’ve traveled around the world. I’ve been to Manchester City, been to Tottenham, I’ve been to Barcelona and AC Milan. For the size of our league and the size of where we are today, this is best-in-class. I am absolutely in awe in what I’ve been able to see." Bednarowski notes the team’s workout facility "features state-of-the art equipment, a recovery and nutrition bar and a 30-foot wall that can open to the outdoors." There are also "two in-ground hydrotherapy pools." The team also has a "full-service, 3,000 square-foot dining facility and terrace with an open kitchen to make sure the team receives the proper nutrition." The academy has a "2,500-seat field with 300 square-foot videoboard for first-team and academy matches." The FieldTurf surface will also be used for "visiting national and international clubs for training, along with community matches and clinics" (
MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL, 4/12). In Marietta, Ross Williams in a front-page piece notes Atlanta United is "leasing 32 of those acres from the city." The 20-year lease "calls for $1 a year in rent for the first 10 years, followed by an annual $320,000 per year for the second decade." Annual rent "escalates for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index" (
MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL, 4/12).
CLUB REAX: Atlanta United Owner Arthur Blank said, "Our aim for the club is to produce a top-quality, winning product on and off of the pitch and this facility is the cornerstone of that commitment." Atlanta United F Hector Villalba: "No comparison between this and other training centers. We have everything we need. There’s no excuses now." Atlanta United D Michael Parkhurst said, "It’s the best facility I’ve ever trained at." Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin: "We’re in love with our soccer team but we also love the halo they’re doing for this part of Marietta" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 4/12).
HOME AWAY FROM HOME: In Atlanta, Meris Lutz writes despite the praise the training facility received, the team "couldn't escape questions about its other home: Mercedes-Benz Stadium." Blank and club President Darren Eales "insisted everything is on schedule" for the new $1.5B stadium to "open 'late summer' despite reports of a delay caused by problems with the retractable roof." Blank acknowledged that "timing was tight in the final weeks, saying the roof was a 'complex' element to construct" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 4/12). Eales said that construction on the venue "remains on schedule for the MLS team to play the first game in the facility on July 30." Blank said the retractable roof is "not an issue, it’s just the complexity." Blank: "A roof like that has never been built in the world, and when you build something that iconic and unique, it does take more time, more schedule, it’s more money and more everything, but the end product for the next 40 years in Atlanta is going to be worth it" (AP, 4/11).
