Atlanta will be the home of a massive state-of-the-art soccer center, built in part by hometown billionaire Arthur Blank, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation.
“America’s top athletes deserve the best when it comes to preparing them for competition on the global stage and I’m thrilled U.S. Soccer has chosen metro Atlanta as its new home,” said Blank in a statement. “Atlanta’s incredible passion for soccer, corporate community and unmatched infrastructure make this a natural home for the National Training Center and I’m very confident our community will help America’s finest soccer players compete on a global level like never before.”
The group, which announced the plans on Friday, September 15, 2023, said the development is part of a strategic initiative to help soccer’s popularity spread across the country.
Blank is on board to contribute $50 million to support the construction of a National Training Center In Atlanta.
The center will be accessible by all 27 U.S. soccer teams, including Atlanta United, which is owned by Blank.
“The facility will serve as headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation, creating a central hub for the entire soccer community, including coaches and referees, to access best-in-class training, technology and infrastructure to promote successful and sustainable playing environments throughout the country,” a press release from the organization says.
Soccer’s popularity has exploded across the Southeast, especially here In Atlanta with the success of the Atlanta United team. So much so that many MARTA stations have soccer fields adjacent to them.
The training center will also serve as a hub for the community and underserved youth interested in the sport.
The news was met with excitement by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who posted on social media: “Welcome to Atlanta @ussoccer! On behalf of the entire metro area, we are honored to officially welcome you to our community and look forward to this partnership.”
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