Atlanta United will make a bit of history on Sunday, when they’ll host FC Dallas in the first-ever soccer match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
How quickly the Five Stripes adapt to their new home will go a long way in determining whether they become the first expansion team to make the MLS Cup Playoffs since 2009.
Sunday’s game is the first in an incredibly busy stretch that will see Atlanta play eight games – seven of which will be at home – in 23 days from Sept. 10-Oct. 3. The run will make or break the season for the expansion club, who currently hold the sixth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
The club are commemorating the opening of their new home with a full week of events leading up to Sunday’s match. Full details on their "March to Mercedes-Benz Stadium" are below:
- Wednesday, Sept. 6: The club will hold a Community Day to kick off a series of events with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Players will visit young patients in the hospital, and participate in crafts, games and more with patients and their families.
- Thursday, Sept. 7: Pick-up night at Station Soccer. The club will host a night of pick-up soccer at Station Soccer field in downtown Atlanta.
- Friday, Sept. 8: The club is encouraging fans to rock their Atlanta United gear and share their look on social media using #5StripeFriday.
- Saturday, Sept. 9: The club will hold a pub crawl for fans over 21. The crawl will kickoff at 12:30 at Molly B's at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and will continue throughout Atlanta, with participants receiving a complimentary drink, commemorative Atlanta United shirt and food and drink specials at participating bars and restaurants.
