ATLANTA — This nation’s rising tide of soccer support seems to be sweeping Atlanta right into the current.
Judging by the scene on Tuesday, the city may even be in the forefront.
Over 4,000 fans, media and VIPs packed an Atlanta establishment, sweating and partying their way through an official announcement -- leaked onto social media and the blogosphere days prior -- that the team will be called Atlanta United FC.
“In all the discussions we had with fan groups big and small, the one word that kept coming up was ‘unity,’ ” United owner Arthur Blank said. “And this club is a symbol of a diverse and international community coming together here.”
That unity was already on display Tuesday, as scarf-clad fans rung out cheers and songs.
“I always thought NFL fans were passionate; they’re nothing like soccer fans though,” Blank chuckled as he was feted with the same “Uncle Arthur!” chants the team’s supporters unveiled almost a year ago when the creation of the franchise -- the MLS's 22nd team -- was announced.
And Tuesday’s throngs are only a drop in the bucket, as team officials announced that over 21,500 seats have already been reserved by fans -- who won’t see their first MLS action on a home field until the team begins play in the 2017 season.
“It’s mind-boggling that so many have signed up for this team,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber, presiding over the league’s 20th season, who also noted the estimated 25 million viewers that recently watched the U.S. Women's National Team win the FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday. “You continue to exceed our expectations.”
Garber joined Blank, Atlanta United president Darren Eales and technical director Carlos Bocanegra, as they took the next step in the life of the blooming squad -- which won't even begin signing players until 2016 -- also unveiling its new logo and official colors.
“When you move into a new city as a transplant you bring your sporting baggage with you -- if you grew up in Boston but moved here, you probably stay a Red Sox fan,” Eales said, prompting a chorus of near-pantomime boos from the throng. “But with MLS being so young we have a chance for a clean slate.
“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.”
Eales, a former professional player and also a club secretary for London-based team Tottenham Hotspur, said he didn’t want to “impose an artificial narrative” on Atlanta and urged the fans to add organic traditions to the newly-named club.
Bocanegra, meanwhile, made it clear that the growth of MLS -- a league in which he played -- will mean big things for soccer in Atlanta and the United States.
“When I left (the MLS to play abroad) in 2004 we were playing in high school football stadiums and and makeshift NFL stadiums where you could hear everything going on on the pitch,” Bocanegra said. “When I came back in 2013, I couldn’t believe it. I came back to state-of-the-art stadiums, training facilities and practices.”
And Blank assured fans that their new stadium -- currently under construction a few miles from Tuesday’s party -- will be amongst the league’s best. He also noted that he plans to inaugurate the new facility in style.
“No. 1 we want a winning team on the field in 2017; we don’t want a building process; we’re out to win match one,” Blank said.
From the looks of things, there will be plenty of interest from Atlanta when that match finally rolls around.
