A New Era for Soccer in the South
MARIETTA, GA – Atlanta United cut the ribbon Tuesday on a $25 million expansion of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, ushering in a new chapter for the club and for soccer in North America.
The expansion, highlighted by the Emory Healthcare Studio, grows the facility to 50,000 square feet and pushes total investment in the training ground to over $90 million since its opening.
Owner and chairman Arthur M. Blank called the moment another milestone in Atlanta United’s unprecedented rise:
“From the very beginning, our vision was to build something extraordinary. This expansion reflects our commitment to the game, the city, and in creating a best-in-class environment for our players, associates, fans, and community partners.”
Showcasing the Expansion
The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony emceed by broadcaster Kevin Egan, with remarks from:
- Arthur M. Blank, Owner and Chairman of Blank Family of Businesses
- Sarah Kate “Skate” Noftsinger, Atlanta United Chief Business Officer
- Steve “Thunder” Tumlin, Mayor of Marietta
- Linda Matzigkeit, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Chief Administration Officer
- Dr. Joon Lee, Emory Healthcare CEO and Executive Vice President for Woodruff Health Sciences
Following speeches, guests toured the new wing, which adds capacity for both First Team and Academy operations while boosting Atlanta United’s creative and digital media capabilities.
State-of-the-Art Additions
The expansion focuses on three priorities: player health and wellness, youth development, and content creation.
Key features include:
- A second 4,000-square-foot gym dedicated to Atlanta United 2 and Academy players
- Expanded recovery and treatment areas (with hydrotherapy and hyperbaric chambers planned in Phase 2)
- The Emory Healthcare Studio, anchored by:
- Studio 17 (multi-camera video production with LED wall and lighting grid)
- Studio 5 (photography & multimedia space)
- A podcast studio
- The Box, a state-of-the-art control room
- A mini halo board that mirrors Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Over 100 new workspaces for front office staff
Dr. Lee emphasized the broader purpose:
“This studio will be a powerful platform to share stories of health, wellness, and resilience, while creating connections between athletes, caregivers, patients, families, fans, and our community.”
Positioned for the World Stage
The expanded training ground doesn’t just serve Atlanta United — it positions the city as a hub for international soccer ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
“We’ve had a number of federations come and visit,” said Dimitrios Efstathiou, Atlanta United’s VP of Strategy. “I imagine, come December right after the draw, we’re going to have a lot of [federations] wanting to be here.”
The facility already boasts six full-sized pitches across 500,000 square feet of playing surface. With the new upgrades, Atlanta United anticipates hosting a national team during the tournament.
Setting the Standard
From the polished meeting rooms to the shining lights of the Emory Healthcare Studio, every inch of the expansion reinforces Atlanta United’s reputation for innovation.
As Noftsinger put it:
“It ranks probably number one across the country, across sports, in the North American sports ecosystem. This expansion gives our players and associates the resources they need to perform at their best and bring an unmatched soccer experience to the Atlanta community.”
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.