Atlanta United has recently inaugurated a remarkable $25 million expansion at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, which is poised to significantly enhance both player and community experiences. This state-of-the-art facility, now measuring an impressive 50,000 square feet, is a testament to the club’s dedication to soccer excellence and community integration, with total investments exceeding $90 million.
### The Emory Healthcare Studio: A New Hub of Innovation
One of the most notable components of this expansion is the Emory Healthcare Studio. This creative hub is designed to enhance the club’s media operations, enabling Atlanta United to produce high-quality digital content that rivals the expectations in professional sports. Emory Healthcare, the official healthcare provider for Atlanta United, emphasizes innovation and collaboration, making this studio an essential space for storytelling and engagement with fans and the wider community.
Dr. Joon Lee, CEO of Emory Healthcare, emphasized the studio’s potential to share impactful stories centered around health and wellness. This partnership not only enhances Atlanta United’s media scope but also creates a platform where connections among athletes, caregivers, and the community can flourish.
### A Focus on Player Development and Well-Being
The expansion is designed with player health and youth development at its core. Increasing investment in facilities for the First Team will provide essential resources for player training, rehabilitation, and recovery. Enhancements to the original building include transforming areas to better support environmental adaptation and video reviews—critical components for modern training methodologies.
In addition to sprucing up the First Team facilities, the expansion enables the academy to elevate its academic offerings. The existing office space will be converted into classrooms, ensuring that academy players receive a holistic experience, balancing their soccer development with their academic pursuits.
### Impact on the Community and the Sport
The club’s growth is tied intricately to its commitment to the city of Marietta and the broader Atlanta community. During the grand opening ceremony, Arthur M. Blank, the owner of Atlanta United, remarked on the mutual benefits inherent in this partnership. The expansion not only raises the club’s profile in Major League Soccer (MLS) but also positions it as a leading force in international soccer. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, such state-of-the-art facilities will be crucial for hosting international clubs and federations.
The total investment of $90 million into the training ground showcases Atlanta United’s ambition and vision for soccer in the region. The facility includes modern amenities such as six full-length playing fields, two gyms, seven locker rooms, and three digital content studios, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for both sport and business operations.
### A Strategic Investment in Soccer and Health Care
The collaboration with Emory Healthcare extends beyond mere facility enhancements; it highlights the complementary goals of a leading healthcare provider and a top-tier sports institution. The Emory Healthcare Studio not only enhances content production but also fulfills a purpose of addressing health awareness and wellness, resonating with fans and the broader community.
### Continued Growth and Future Plans
As Atlanta United continues to grow, so too do its plans for the future. This expansion marks the beginning of a comprehensive development strategy aimed at elevating player health, youth training, and overall operational excellence. In the future, the club will refine spaces within the original training ground footprint to augment training and rehabilitation facilities further.
Skate Noftsinger, the club’s chief business officer, highlighted this expansion as a critical move in establishing Atlanta United as the gold standard in MLS. The club now has resources to deliver unmatched experiences to players, associates, and fans alike.
### Conclusion: A Vision Realized
The unveiling of the Emory Healthcare Studio and the broader expansion of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground marks a significant milestone for Atlanta United. It embodies the club’s vision of creating a world-class environment conducive to excellence in soccer while fostering community ties. The investment signifies a commitment to both athlete development and the overall health and wellness of the community.
As Atlanta United continues its journey, the club is not only raising the bar for the sport but also affirming its role as a pivotal player on the Atlanta sports scene. The expansion serves as a beacon for future developments leading to unprecedented opportunities for players and fans alike. The collaboration between sports and healthcare serves as a powerful model for future endeavors, making Atlanta a cornerstone of innovation in soccer and community engagement.
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