Atlanta United opened up the full capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Sunday's home opener vs. D.C. United, and the Five Stripes faithful packed the big house like they never have before.
The official crowd of 72,035 at the colossal venue breaks ATLUTD's own record, eclipsing the 71,874 who flocked to last year's season finale at MBS against Toronto FC on Decision Day, and in doing so takes over the No. 5 spot on MLS' all-time list of largest-ever attendances.
That overall list comes with a big asterisk, however: The four games ahead of ATL's Sunday turnout were all part of doubleheaders with international matches, meaning that Atlanta now own the top three largest-ever single-game regular-season attendance totals.
The Five Stripes also possess the record for largest crowd in MLS Cup Playoffs history, the 67,221 who witnessed their dramatic penalty-kick shootout loss to Columbus Crew SC in the Knockout Round.
Top 5 regular-season crowds in MLS history
- Chivas USA vs. New England, Aug. 6, 2006 – 92,650
- LA Galaxy vs. Tampa Bay, June 16, 1996 – 92,216
- Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy, Aug. 10, 2005 – 88,816
- San Jose Clash vs. D.C. United, July 4, 1999 – 73,123
- Atlanta United vs. D.C. United, March 11, 2018 – 72,035
Top 5 single-game crowds in MLS history
- Atlanta United vs. D.C. United, March 11, 2018 – 72,035
- Atlanta United vs. Toronto FC, October 22, 2017 – 71,874
- Atlanta United vs. Orlando City SC, September 16, 2017 – 70,425
- LA Galaxy vs. NY/NJ MetroStars, April 13, 1996 – 69,255
- Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers, August 25, 2013 – 67,385
