ATLANTA (AP) After initially planning to spend its first three months on the road, Atlanta United will play some home games after all.
The MLS expansion team announced Wednesday that it will use Georgia Tech’s 55,000-seat Bobby Dodd Stadium as a temporary home until its new retractable-roof stadium opens next summer.
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Atlanta United president Darrel Eales said the decision was sparked by strong fan interest - the team has sold more than 22,000 season tickets - and the desire to have a competitive team right from the start.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was supposed to be ready for the start of the 2017 season, but construction delays pushed back its opening to at least June 1. It should be ready in time for its primary tenant, the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
The MLS schedule is expected to be unveiled in January.