Atlanta United select DeKalb as home of headquarters, training facility

DECATUR – DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May and members of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with Atlanta United and Decide DeKalb, officially confirmed that DeKalb County has been selected as the location for the new Atlanta United headquarters and training facility.   
 
Atlanta United, Major League Soccer’s 22nd franchise, begins play in 2017. 
 
“We are excited to have Atlanta United FC as the cornerstone of our new “Downtown DeKalb” and as the catalyst for revitalization of the Memorial Drive corridor,” said Interim CEO Lee May.  “Not many people know this, but this location is right across the street from the first Home Depot store.  In a way, this is a homecoming, and DeKalb County welcomes (Atlanta United owner and co-founder of Home Depot) Arthur Blank back home with open arms.”
 
“We are looking forward to our partnership with DeKalb County officials and residents in the coming years,” Blank said.  “Building this training complex and headquarters is the next important milestone in our club’s history, and we are proud that DeKalb will be a part of it.”
 
DeKalb County will provide, via ground lease to Decide DeKalb – DeKalb’s economic development agency – approximately 41 acres of county-owned land near Kensington Road and Memorial Drive.  Decide DeKalb will be responsible for demolition of existing buildings that are no longer useful county assets, as well as other land preparation of the property. Atlanta United will build a 20,000-25,000 square foot corporate headquarters for the soccer club, three outdoor practice fields and a 3,500-seat outdoor stadium.  In addition, Atlanta United will pay to the County 15 percent of net revenue derived from any naming rights sold for the complex and any revenue-generating branded events. Ownership of all assets reverts back to DeKalb County at the conclusion of the 30-year lease including potential extensions.
 
“We are very pleased to call DeKalb County home,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales. “This location will not only provide the space, functionality and flexibility we need for our first team and youth academy, but it also allows us to truly become part of the fabric of the community.  We are excited to be able to share the Atlanta United experience with our supporters and neighbors.”