March 5, 2017 | 7:30 pm
The date has extraordinary significance for Atlanta United – it’s the first day supporters gathered in an arena, packed to the brim and buzzing, the first time chants rang out, voices united and resounding, the first time the boys suited up wearing the 5-Stripes, the bold, determined colors of Atlanta’s football club.
Eight years ago at that time, Atlanta United played the club’s first official competition in Major League Soccer. The weather at kick that Sunday was all-clear, and it was a glorious evening for Atlanta United’s debut. Founding members finally got to see what they’ve been looking forward to since 2014 when MLS announced the expansion to Atlanta as the 22nd club under the dedicated leadership and investment of owner Arthur M. Blank. Excitedly, they wore the scarves they received on announcement day to the match, a token of their unwavering patience and support since Day 1.