Atlanta United Sets New MLS Attendance Mark With 70,425 Fans

Atlanta United “are the new kings of MLS attendance,” as it announced 70,425 tickets sold for its match yesterday against Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, “setting the league’s single-game record.” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, “This team is just incredible. This team in six days will have more than 150,000 people come to three soccer matches.” The previous record of 69,255 was set on April 13, 1996 in a game between the N.Y./N.J. MetroStars and Galaxy at the Rose Bowl (AJC.com, 9/16). Garber, at halftime of the teams’ 3-3 draw, said Atlanta United is “the story in pro sports” (AJC.com, 9/16).

Meanwhile, stadium officials said that about 950 workers will be “involved in the cleanup and conversion of Mercedes-Benz Stadium from a soccer venue Saturday to a football venue” for tonight’s Packers-Falcons game (AJC.com, 9/16). The Falcons will have a "new patch that they debut on their jerseys tonight as they open Mercedes-Benz Stadium" and the roof "will be open in Atlanta for the very first time in over 25 years” (“Sunday NFL Countdown,” ESPN, 9/17).