Atlanta United’s historic inaugural season has offered countless memorable moments. So now, at the unofficial midway point of the MLS season, we’re taking a look back at some of those that have made it so special. Today: the tifo, a long-standing tradition in the sport of soccer, fan-created works of art hoisted over the heads of the supporters section at Bobby Dodd stadium. So here’s a walk down memory lane, one tifo at a time:
July 7, 2015 – The First Tifo
While not an in-game tifo, the banner flown at the brand launch just over two years ago deserves an honorable mention. A new team, a new name and the tifo that started it all.
March 5, 2017 vs New York Red Bulls
The inaugural match gave Atlanta supporters their first chance to cheer on their team live and they delivered. The tifo depicted a phoenix – the mythological bird rising from the ashes – complete with Atlanta United’s "Unite and Conquer" mantra.
March 18, 2017 vs Chicago Fire
Atlanta United fans decided to send a message about their values in the second home match, unfurling a banner that read “Show Racism the Red Card.”
April 30, 2017 vs DC United
Anyone in Atlanta can tell you what an ATLien is. But when an ATLien spaceship shoots red and black lasers down onto the DC United skyline "Independence Day"-style? Now that's a tifo.
May 20, 2017 vs Houston Dynamo
The five stripes of Atlanta United’s home kit has become an iconic symbol for the club and its fans. The supporters stand opted for cards over a banner to show their support for the red, black and gold.
May 28, 2017 vs New York City FC
Looking for revenge after the road loss at Yankee Stadium, Atlanta United took the field and finished the match with an emphatic home win. And the fans made their claim for fruit-based seniority over the Big Apple.
June 17, 2017 vs Columbus Crew
From Atlanta’s history as a railroad town to the club’s Golden Spike ritual, trains have played a major part in the city’s, and club’s, history. Make no mistake: the Atlanta United hype train is humming at full steam, and Columbus's Crew Cat mascot – pictured running away – better look out!
The hype train is real
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) June 17, 2017
Tifo game #UniteAndConquerpic.twitter.com/EM0foijSEt
June 24, 2017 vs Colorado Rapids
Atlanta United and its fans owe a massive thanks to owner Arthur Blank, whose vision helped bring MLS to the city and this club to life. Five Stripes Nation decided to show their appreciation with a special jersey for the man they call Uncle Arthur.
#UncleArthurpic.twitter.com/LplbG1aMHT
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) June 24, 2017
July 4, 2017 vs San Jose Earthquakes
And last but certainly not least, a July 4th matchup against San Jose was always going to have an American-themed tifo in honor of Independence day, and the supporter section didn’t disappoint with an Uncle Arther twist on the classic Uncle Sam.
That’s all the tifos that have graced the stands so far this year. But with nine home games left this season, and a move into a permanent home on the horizon in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, fans can look forward to plenty more to celebrate Atlanta United’s inaugural season.
