Hundreds of soccer fans, young and old, lined up in the middle of Peachtree Street Sunday, to attend a fan fest for a new professional woman’s soccer team, Atlanta City FC.
Chardonnay Harris, a girls soccer coach, was among those waiting in line.
“I love the opportunity for girls to see professional women and see they have a future in this sport,” Harris said.
Atlanta City FC is the 17th expansion club in the National Women’s Soccer League. Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Arthur Blank secured the franchise with a $165 million dollar expansion fee.
The new club will be sharing space at Mercedes Benz Stadium with Blank’s other sports teams, Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons.
Leaders of Atlanta City FC say it will further inspire young people to get in the game.
“They’re wanting to play soccer and are dreaming about playing soccer and they now a team in their back yard,” said Atlanta City FC, CBO Deandra Duggans.
Women’s professional soccer is experiencing a massive surge in popularity across the United States. That includes record breaking attendance, and rising viewership on television and streaming platforms.
Some locals and tourists a visiting Atlanta, say they’re happy the city is getting a women’s pro-soccer team.
“I think it’s wonderful. I think women’s sports are really important, and we need to get involved and support them, and good for Atlanta,” said Peggy McCauliffe.
A massive $100 million dollar training center for Atlanta City FC is under construction in Marietta. The club will start competitive play in 2028.
