Atlanta United’s home will get a fresh playing surface sometime this summer.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium officials told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week that the dazzling venue’s artificial turf will be changed out during the Five Stripes’ 2019 season, and will likely continue to be replaced every two years going forward, “in part for aesthetic reasons because of wear from the field being constantly repainted and rebranded for various events.”
Though a specific timeframe has not yet been set, the general plan is to install a “very similar but newer version” of the FieldTurf surface currently being used at MBS before ATLUTD’s cohabitants the Atlanta Falcons begin their NFL campaign in the fall.
One of the most advanced facilities in modern sports, MBS opened in 2017 and the retractable-roofed venue has hosted a range of events in addition to Atlanta United and Falcons home games, including the 2018 MLS Cup final and this year’s Super Bowl.
The Five Stripes open their 2019 MLS home slate on March 10 vs. FC Cincinnati (5 PM ET | ESPN, TSN) at MBS, but will play their Concacaf Champions League round-of-16 second-leg home match vs. Herediano at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia on Feb. 28.
