Atlanta United officially cut the ribbon today on a major $25 million expansion at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, nearly doubling the facility’s size to 50,000 square feet and pushing the club’s total investment at its Marietta headquarters to more than $90 million.
The expansion adds state-of-the-art resources for First Team, Atlanta United 2, and Academy operations, while also positioning the club to host international clubs and federations for years to come. At the center of it all is the brand-new Emory Healthcare Studio, a cutting-edge production hub designed to elevate Atlanta United’s digital content and storytelling to one of the highest levels in professional sports.
“Today is a celebration of our continued growth and dedication to the sport of soccer, and what Atlanta United represents,” said Arthur M. Blank, Owner and Chairman of Blank Family of Businesses. “From the very beginning, our vision was to build something extraordinary. None of this would be possible without the City of Marietta for being exceptional partners and the home of our training ground since day one. With these updates, we take another step forward together.”
The grand opening featured remarks from Blank, Atlanta United Chief Business Officer Skate Noftsinger, Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Chief Administration Officer Linda Matzigkeit, and Emory Healthcare CEO Joon Lee, MD.
The 20,000-square-foot expansion strengthens three key areas: First Team player health and well-being, youth development, and front office resources. In addition to the new studio, the expansion includes improved recovery and rehabilitation spaces, new classrooms to support academy players in partnership with Atlanta International School, and more workspaces for staff.
“This world-class facility showcases Arthur’s commitment to Atlanta United as the gold standard in MLS,” said Noftsinger. “It raises the bar for player health and development, content creation, and gives us the ability to host international clubs and federations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond.”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Matzigkeit praised the project, noting how it reinforces the organization’s long-term partnership with the club: “These new additions will help elevate the Training Ground to new heights and provide important resources for players at every level of the organization.”
Lee echoed that sentiment, calling the Emory Healthcare Studio “a powerful platform to share stories of health, wellness and resilience, while creating connections between athletes, caregivers, patients, families, fans and our community.”
The $25 million expansion marks the start of phase two of upgrades to the facility. During the offseason, Atlanta United plans to repurpose parts of the original building to create additional recovery areas, environmental adaptation spaces, and video analysis rooms.
The full campus now spans 33 acres and features six full-length fields, two gyms, seven locker rooms, three content studios, and more than 100 workspaces. IMPACT Development Management led the expansion project, with RJTR providing architectural and interior design services, and Whiting-Turner serving as general contractor.
