EXCLUSIVE: All-Access Weekend With MLS and Atlanta United Was an Experience of a Lifetime

Baller Alert recently participated in an experience of a lifetime with the professional soccer team Atlanta United. If you’ve never been a fan of major league soccer, I can guarantee hearing about this experience will make you one.

On behalf of Major League Soccer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, the official hotel of the League, Adidas, Atlanta United, Austin FC, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, BA correspondent Angie B participated in an entire weekend of soccer celebrations, festivities, and top of the line hospitality.

After arriving in Atlanta, the MLS team arranged transportation to the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel. Shortly after, guests were taken to the Mercedes Benz Stadium for an exclusive tour featuring Atlanta United President Darren Eales. Located in the heart of Atlanta with its revolutionary design, engineering, and technology, the stadium is a one-of-a-kind venue.

When exploring the site, we were surprised with our very own custom Jersey that had our names and was hung in the locker room when we arrived. The MLS team led us to the top of the sky dome, where we enjoyed a bird view of Atlanta.

We awaited a gorgeous cocktail reception and dinner at the Willow Bar and Kimpton ballroom, where we enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and music.

On game day, we met up with President Erans for a tailgate party with fans while sporting our custom-made jerseys. Lively games, food trucks, drinks, and music surrounded us as fans waited for the game to start. After heading to the stadium, we arrived at the soccer field to see the Atlanta United players sign the golden spike before entering the building. Super music producer Jermaine Dupri hammered the golden spike into the railroad platform in front of thousands of AU supporters. Hitting the spike at the start of the game is a tradition that pays homage to Atlanta’s history as a railroad town.

Although Atlanta United lost to Austin 3-0, we still had a fantastic time immersing ourselves in the soccer culture.

Before heading home, we rocked our Adidas two-piece outfits — compliments of MLS and Atlanta United. I am officially a soccer fan, thanks to this experience and its coordinators.