Atlanta United

[GwinnettNole]

They did it. MLS champs. Atlanta’s first title in more than two decades. My only regret was not being able to go to the game last night. It was still fun with my son at a surburban sports bar.

Victory parade tomorrow...

 

[NoleFan2U]

We saw the end. Although I am not such a fan of the real football, it was fun to watch.

 

[ZZ828]

Was able to go. Stadium was electric the whole game.

 

[DFSNOLE]

The other professional sports teams in Atlanta were tweeting congratulations. They recognize it as being a big deal.

 

[seminoleed]

It really wasn't clear to me until last night, and you kinda had to be there to witness and hear it, but this team is NOT just a passing fancy. The fans are totally invested with the Stripes, and Uncle Arthur and his staff have successfully made the supporters feel as if they're part of the team. All around me were people shedding a few tears, not for Atlanta's civic image, but for something that is very dear to them having succeeded in its quest.
The way this team is marketed and built, I expect this to last for a long, long time, even when things inevitably turn sour. I've been in many athletic buildings with loud roaring crowds, and truly haven't heard anything like last night. TV filters really diminish how loud it was.

And now, just a two month break before their first CCL game, and a new season begins.

Vamos, vamos, ATL--Unite and Conquer.

 

[ZZ828]

Great atmosphere in the stadium last night. Definitely an electric atmosphere from start to finish. No one sat down the whole time and no one complained about people standing.

 

[GwinnettNole]

It really wasn't clear to me until last night, and you kinda had to be there to witness and hear it, but this team is NOT just a passing fancy. The fans are totally invested with the Stripes, and Uncle Arthur and his staff have successfully made the supporters feel as if they're part of the team. All around me were people shedding a few tears, not for Atlanta's civic image, but for something that is very dear to them having succeeded in its quest.
The way this team is marketed and built, I expect this to last for a long, long time, even when things inevitably turn sour. I've been in many athletic buildings with loud roaring crowds, and truly haven't heard anything like last night. TV filters really diminish how loud it was.

And now, just a two month break before their first CCL game, and a new season begins.

Vamos, vamos, ATL--Unite and Conquer.

The interesting thing about soccer in Atlanta is it’s really a 180 from the other pro sports in the city.

I think everyone knows Atlanta and Georgia are UGA football territory. The Braves, hawks and falcons are secondary thoughts to the UGA football fan.

It feels like United is the anti-UGA crowd and for that I love it. The challenge for them is now they are on top. Only one way to go from here. Do they pull an Atlanta and go down the drains (in terms of support) when they don’t qualify for the playoffs? I hope not. The fact that they are not secondary to a lot of people, as mentioned (ie: anti-UGA crowd), makes it unlikely, but time will tell.

 

[RTM58]

Was able to go. Stadium was electric the whole game.

 

[MIKE_G]

I think Atlanta United is unique among Atlanta sports in that it's organically a in-town Atlanta thing. Most of the people who have become passionate about the club are from outside Georgia and have little affinity for the pro football/baseball/basketball teams here. The Five Stripes are truly their local team in a way the other sports teams aren't. That's my theory anyway,

 

[ReliableOstrich]

What ever ATL UTD's formula was, there are going to be a lot of pro sports franchises studying and dissecting it as they were able to do something very rare in terms of fan engagement.

 

[QuaZ2002]

I don’t follow MLS or really soccer at all, so question... do the better MLS players get picked off by the Euro Clubs? Would seem like the opposite of what happens in NBA and MLB where the best players from leagues in Europe and Asia usually end up playing in the US. I’m sure premier league clubs pay much better than MLS and are obviously more prestigious.

 

[cfbfan23]

Awesome final!!!

A major part of Atlanta United's formula is hiring very competent people who can work together to run the organization. Also, providing a great environment for the players to do their work. Blank is not afraid to spend money on this. You need deep-pocketed owners who aren't overly concerned with turning a profit. The whole team operates on a budget of one or maybe two Matt Ryan salaries.......and that's considered rich for the MLS. Total chump change for Mr. Blank.



The ticket prices are not bad at all and they don't gouge you once you get in the stadium. You'll get that when you sell the franchise, hopefully. Starting out with a winning team certainly didn't hurt, either. The real test will be to see the turnout in a down year. (I'm hoping) That might not happen for a while. https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/20...nez-says-he-will-leave-river-plate-in-january In the meantime, these games are a ton of fun to go. I'm more than hooked. You honestly get the feeling that they care about you, as a fan.

 

[FSUdawg]

I don’t follow MLS or really soccer at all, so question... do the better MLS players get picked off by the Euro Clubs? Would seem like the opposite of what happens in NBA and MLB where the best players from leagues in Europe and Asia usually end up playing in the US. I’m sure premier league clubs pay much better than MLS and are obviously more prestigious.

There are some MLS players that get picked up by European clubs. Almiron is an example as he is rumored to be leaving Atlanta United for Arsenal of some other large European club. However, more often than not it is the other way around. Good players in other parts of the world come to MLS as their careers are winding down. Then after a few seasons they typically retire. It is something MLS is trying to change, but it is slow.

 

[TripTych]

Looking forward to CONCACAF Champions League next year (first game vs Herediano in CR) and seeing Tito, Pity, Josef and Barco up top. Glad to see they are trying to keep Larry and Parky, but we need a Defensive DP as those two can't play as much as they did this year. Pay Julian (he's making 115k), pay Remedi and let Bello and Miles get some minutes. Get rid of Chris McCann and his 750k salary. He just doesn't fit in the system, nor does Romario.

Few tidbits:
- Atlanta market had an 11.5 share for the final, 1.5 share overall
- On Saturday, Josef was the top-selling player in terms of merchandise on Fanatics' platforms. That means he was the top across all sports (NFL/NBA/MLB/NHL/etc) - the 1st time an MLS player has been #1.
- Pity Martinez, who scored the winning goal for River Plate yesterday in Copa Libertadores as their #10, will sign with UTD in the winter transfer window, he will replace Miggy as the CAM
- If you want the best Atlanta United coverage, subscribe to The Athletic and follow Felipe Cardenas (@FelipeCar)
- Barros Schelotto is currently the favorite to replace Tata, head coach at Boca Juniors
- Larry had a cardboard sign today at the parade that said "Throw Booze" and people threw him a bunch
- Carleton was not at the parade today, nor was he at the final. Must have done some ish for that (partying the night before is the rumor)

 

[DDennis73]

The support is great right now but pretty much any city supports a winner. Lets see how the support is for an avg season. From what Ive seen casually seeing scores and standings Atl Utd has been successful its two years of existence. Atl fans can use a winner so good for city. That stadium is great but coukd be another half empty stadium 3 yrs from now.

 

[kc78]

As an Orlando fan, I'm extremely jealous. We're once again one of the worst teams in the league. We had such big hopes when we started and three years in we still haven't even come close to making the playoffs. I'm convinced our owners are more inept than the Cleveland Browns.

 

[PoopandBoogers]

As an Orlando fan, I'm extremely jealous. We're once again one of the worst teams in the league. We had such big hopes when we started and three years in we still haven't even come close to making the playoffs. I'm convinced our owners are more inept than the Cleveland Browns.

Have a friend that gave up his 12 season tickets; great seats, 2nd row and club level, free beer and food, and was able to resell them at cost or profit. Just wasnt worth the hassle if the office didnt try to improve the team and show committment . I will say that the stadium and the atmosphere are great though and im disappointed he gave them up, but totally understand where he's coming from.