It’s official. Atlanta United FC is Major League Soccer’s 22nd franchise. The announcement came at an exclusive celebration event on Tuesday, July 7, where Atlanta United Owner Arthur Blank, President Darren Eales, Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra and Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber officially revealed the team name, logo and colors.
The event, held for members of the Atlanta United Founder’s Club, took place at the SOHO Lounge in midtown Atlanta. Over 4,000 fans were in attendance including city officials, celebrities and professional sports figures. The event was emceed by Rachel Bonnetta, host of MLSsoccer.com.
The event began with fanfare courtesy of the soccer supporters group Terminus Legion. Blank took the stage to drums rolling and chants of “Uncle Arthur.”
“Tonight represents a milestone moment for our city, for our club and for soccer fans across the region,” Blank said. “It’s the next step in the journey toward 2017 for Atlanta United, and we are ready to make our mark in MLS and in global soccer.
“When we announced the club in 2014, I promised three things: to put a winning team on the field, to provide a great match day experience for our fans, and to entrench this club into the community. We’re on our way to fulfilling those promises, and I look forward to sharing the excitement of building this club with our incredible supporters.”
The highlight of the event came when the official club name, logo and colors were revealed through a video narrated by renowned soccer commentator Jon Champion.
Atlanta United President Darren Eales described the significance of the name and logo.
“The word ‘United’ has long been associated with the beautiful game around the world,” said Eales. “It has particular resonance for Atlanta, as a transport hub in the Southeast, as a multi-cultural, international city and as a club committed to community.
“The most exciting part of tonight’s celebration is that the Atlanta United story has yet to be written. Our fans have already proven to be some of the most passionate I’ve seen, and we look forward to engaging them in shaping many elements of our club identity still to come.”
After Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra closed the program, Bonnetta prompted the crowd to unfurl a large banner overhead featuring the club logo and new team hashtag, #ATLUTD.
About Atlanta United
Atlanta United brings Major League Soccer to the Southeast as the league’s 22nd franchise. The club’s avid fan base has set records in fan participation with 21,500 seats reserved to date for the 2017 inaugural season.
The first sports team to play in the state-of-the-art New Atlanta Stadium currently under construction downtown, Atlanta United is owned by one of the city’s most influential businessmen and philanthropists, Arthur M. Blank, and is led by club President Darren Eales. For more information about Atlanta United, including how to become a Founding Member visit: www.atlutd.com.
