Atlanta United Partners with MARTA to Enhance Fan Experience and Promote Soccer Culture

Atlanta United and MARTA Announce Multi-Year Strategic Partnership

In a move set to revolutionize the matchday experience, Atlanta United announced a multi-year partnership with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). The collaboration aims to deepen fan engagement, elevate the game day atmosphere, and further cement Atlanta's status as a burgeoning soccer capital in the United States.

This exciting announcement was made by Atlanta United President and CEO Garth Lagerwey, who expressed both enthusiasm and optimism about the partnership. Lagerwey highlighted the significance of joining forces with an iconic Atlanta company like MARTA, emphasizing how this collaboration will contribute to the team's preparations for major international soccer events, as well as enhance the overall experience for fans attending matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Special Offers and Exclusive Merchandise

To kick off this partnership, Atlanta United and MARTA are offering fans a unique opportunity to acquire special memorabilia. By purchasing the MARTA Ticket Pack for the upcoming June 2 match against Charlotte FC, fans will receive a co-branded t-shirt and a collectible Atlanta United Breeze Card, complete with a roundtrip fare. This initiative is designed to not only celebrate the partnership but also incentivize the use of public transit on matchdays.

The MARTA Ticket Pack is set to be a game-changer for fans who regularly attend Atlanta United matches, as it combines convenience and commemorative items, making it a must-have for avid supporters.

Extensive Marketing and Branding Initiatives

The partnership extends beyond ticket packages and commemorative items. It includes a comprehensive marketing strategy that aims to enhance visibility and fan interaction across various platforms. Key elements of this strategy involve co-branded apparel collections, targeted social media campaigns, prominent in-stadium branding, digital marketing efforts, and radio advertising. These extensive marketing initiatives are designed to reach a wide audience of soccer enthusiasts and MARTA patrons alike, fostering a deeper connection with the team's fan base.

One of the most notable aspects of this partnership is the integration of MARTA's transit system into the matchday experience. The proximity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium to MARTA rail stations has historically made the transit system a vital part of game day logistics. In 2023 alone, an average of 17,000 fans have utilized MARTA to attend home matches, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between the team and the transit authority.

Statements from Leadership

MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood echoed Lagerwey's sentiments, emphasizing the partnership's potential to foster deeper engagement with customers. Greenwood highlighted the importance of supporting Atlanta's emergence as a dynamic soccer hub and the integral role that public transit plays in accommodating the influx of fans on match days.

Greenwood remarked, "This partnership with Atlanta United is a significant step toward enhancing the matchday experience for thousands of fans who rely on MARTA to get to and from the stadium. We are thrilled to collaborate with a team that shares our vision of community engagement and sustainable transportation."

The Future of Soccer in Atlanta

As Atlanta United continues to grow its influence both on and off the field, this partnership with MARTA is poised to set a new standard for fan engagement and public transit collaboration in the sports industry. By offering fans convenient and memorable experiences, the team aims to strengthen its bond with the community and contribute to the ongoing efforts to make Atlanta a premier destination for soccer.

The success of this partnership lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate various facets of the matchday experience, from transportation to exclusive merchandise and marketing initiatives. With both Atlanta United and MARTA committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering community spirit, fans can look forward to an enhanced and unforgettable matchday experience.

Looking Ahead

As the partnership rolls out and fans begin to experience the myriad benefits of this collaboration, it is expected that other sports franchises and transit authorities might take note. The blending of sports entertainment and public transit, as demonstrated by this partnership, offers a model that could be replicated in other cities to enhance fan experiences and encourage sustainable transportation options.

In the meantime, Atlanta United supporters can eagerly anticipate the next home match, knowing that both their favorite team and their city's transit authority are working together to deliver a superior and cohesive game day experience. Whether it's through the ease of transit, the excitement of exclusive merchandise, or the comprehensive marketing efforts, the future looks bright for Atlanta's soccer community.