Atlanta United FC have found their home base.
On Wednesday the MLS expansion club announced a binding memorandum of understanding to build a state-of-the-art headquarters and training complex in the Franklin Road Corridor in Marietta, Georgia, located about half an hour's drive northwest of downtown Atlanta. Construction planning will begin immediately and completion is slated for early 2017.
The project represents more than $50 million in new investment in the area by Atlanta United and is projected to deliver approximately 80 high-paying jobs by 2017, when the club makes its MLS debut.
“We are very pleased to have found a home in the City of Marietta for our training complex, which further enhances the great support we’ve already received from the soccer community in Cobb County,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales in a statement. “We look forward to not only developing a world-class training facility, but also to engaging with the community and contributing to the revitalization of the Franklin Road Corridor.”
The 32-acre site will include six soccer fields along with offices and other facilities. It will serve as a training ground for the club’s first team and youth academy program, and will also play host for various youth development programs and tournaments. Atlanta United will play their matches downtown at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, currently under construction.
- Find more ATL United news and notes at AtlUtd.com
Atlanta United will also partner with the City of Marietta to develop a joint use community park along Rottenwood Creek and trails, bringing multi-use fields to youth in the community within walking distance of the training complex. The additional fields, which will be paid for, owned, maintained and managed by Marietta Parks and Recreation, will give the city and club the ability to host tournaments and community events.
