The best fans in the world got their props.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium won Newsweek's Loudest MLS Home Pitch award. 17s are known for being rowdy and proud, and they're being recognized for it nationally. The award, chosen by fans, was open for voting for nearly a month. The numbers didn't lie, as Atlanta United's home pitch was ranked No. 1 among all MLS clubs.
The nominees list included 14 other stadiums: Audi Field (D.C. United), Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte FC), BMO Stadium (LAFC), Children's Mercy Park (Sporting Kansas City), Dignity Health Sports Park (LA Galaxy), Energizer Park (St. Louis City FC), Geodis Park (Nashville SC), Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando City SC), Lower.com Field (Columbus Crew), Lumen Field (Seattle Sounders), Providence Park (Portland Timbers), Q2 Stadium (Austin FC), Shell Energy Stadium (Houston Dynamo) and Subaru Park (Philadelphia Union).
Mercedes-Benz Stadium had the easiest case to make: Atlanta United leads MLS in average attendance per game this season by over 10,000 people, according to Transfermarkt. You can hear that difference when you step into the confines of the 5-Stripes' home ground. Head coach Ronny Deila was blown away by the support in his managerial debut, as his team defeated CF Montréal in the season opener 3-2. The attendance on the night was announced at 65,520, and it was the third-largest crowd in world football the day of Feb. 22.
The loudest point that night might not have even been during the match. As the starting lineups were unveiled, a familiar face was announced over the PA. 17s went absolutely insane as Miguel Almirón was reintroduced to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Or maybe it was during the match. The 5-Stripes scored three goals, and with each one, the crowd pop was louder. Just listen to what it sounded like when Edwin Mosquera scored his golazo to win the match:
It wasn't just the season opener that brought the decibels. Mercedes-Benz Stadium was alive and buzzing as Atlanta United defeated FC Cincinnati and Orlando City SC in back-to-back games the last time they played at home. The 17s gave their full support from the tailgates through the 90 minutes and let out a unforgettable roar as the final whistle sounded after each match.
And that's only this season. Atlanta United's MLS Cup run in 2018 produced some defeaning moments, and the club's upset of Inter Miami in the playoffs last year was electric in its own right. 17s have established a history of being the loudest.
You can be a part of the madness. Atlanta United comes home after a long road trip to face Chicago Fire July 16 and Charlotte FC July 19. Tickets are still available for the 5-Stripes' return to the A!
