Atlanta United President Darren Eales is "very excited about the club's future" despite the disappointment of being knocked out of the MLS Cup Playoffs last week, according to Doug Roberson of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. Eales said it was a "great first season, but it's only a first season." Eales: "We have bigger fish to fry. With the facilities and employees we have, this is a club that will only get bigger." Asked about ticket sales, Eales said, as the season went on, it "seems we were selling out quicker and quicker." He added, "They are coming and bringing friends and acquaintances and falling in love with soccer and the passion and energy people are bringing to the building. ... We are looking to grow the fan base, not keep it at the same level." In regards to attendance figures at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Eales said, "Sometimes we got a little bit numb. To get 71,800 [against Toronto FC] to break our own record is amazing. To have a midweek playoff game four days later and get 68,000 in the building when Chicago the day before could only get 6,000." Eales: "The excitement in the city for the club has exceeded our wildest imaginations." Eales said of a potential uniform change for next season, "There will be a kit change. We can change one kit every season. There will be a new secondary jersey next year" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/28).
BY THE NUMBERS: In Atlanta, Tim Tucker reported 304,674 of Mercedes-Benz Stadium's "famous $2 hot dogs" have been sold. In addition, 125,732 bags of $2 popcorn "have been sold, 400,000 fans have connected to the stadium's WiFi" and 63% of attendees have "used mobile ticketing." M-B Stadium has "hosted 18 major events since opening Aug. 26" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/28).
