ATL All Day
Fansided

Atlanta United FC Unveils New Practice Facility

By Ian Thomas

facebooktwitterreddit

Atlanta United FC has taken another step leading up to its inaugural season in 2017.  On Thursday, the team unveiled artist renderings of its new practice facility. 

-= Related: Darren Eales: United FC Has a Chance to be Atlanta’s Club =-

While talk about building a training ground has gone on for the past few weeks, an agreement is in place and the deal was officially announced on Thursday.

The DeKalb County Commission agreed that the complex’s future location is near Memorial Drive off of Interstate 285.  The 30 million dollar complex (with 12 million being paid by the county) will sit on 41 acres of land behind

“We all want Atlanta United, and they know DeKalb is the best site for their training operations” – Commissioner Jeff

DeKalb County jail.  The state training facility will consist of a two-story, 6,00 square feet office building, a 3,500 seat stadium, as well as three practice fields.  In the future, additional outdoor fields maybe constructed (up to as many as 4), and an indoor practice facility.  The complex will serve as United’s main training facility and headquarters.

Asides from a training facility for Atlanta United, the complex will also help serve the soccer community.  It’s been proposed that various soccer events can and will be held there.  These can range from youth soccer (Georgia state cup), regional tournaments, and the President’s Cup.  Furthermore, it can serve for other sporting events such as Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee (which was just recognized by the International Olympic Committee or the IOC), Rugby, and others.

"“I’m talking about the public good that will be generated because of this public investment.”- Interim DeKalb CEO Lee May"

So what does this mean for United’s fan base?  The facility’s announcement further shows Arthur Blank as well as Atlanta’s commitment to the team.  The building and approval of the complex sends a message of wanting to build a professional and first class team/organization.  As a fan, the released drawings of the complex add excitement and more hype leading up to the inaugural season.  Similar to the Braves’ Spring Training facilities in Florida and the Falcons’ Headquarters in Flowery Branch, United fans will now have a way to view the team before we even see the first official game. 

More from United FC

In the long run, the new field will serve as a base for what Atlanta wants to achieve as a club.  A state of the art facility speaks volumes about Atlanta wanting to hit the ground running.   Moving forward, this will hopefully instill confidence and a sense of motivation for United’s future players (knowing that the organization is here to win, and want the best for their players).

What are your thoughts on the new complex, and how do you think this will serve Atlanta United in the seasons to come?

Next: Atlanta United FC: Three Front Office Keys to Success

More from United FC

Home/United FC