Atlanta United has opened a new expanded wing at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, marking a $25 million investment in its facilities. The expansion includes the Emory Healthcare Studio and brings the total size of the training ground to 50,000 square feet. This latest project increases Arthur M. Blank’s overall investment in the facility to more than $90 million.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on September 30 to mark the opening. Attendees included Atlanta United Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank, Chief Business Officer Sarah Kate ‘Skate’ Noftsinger, City of Marietta Mayor Steve ‘Thunder’ Tumlin, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Chief Administration Officer Linda Matzigkeit, and Emory Healthcare CEO Joon Lee, MD.
“Today is a celebration of our continued growth and dedication to the sport of soccer, and what Atlanta United represents,” said Blank during his remarks at the event. “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, and now with these updates, we take another step forward together. This expansion reflects our commitment to the game, the city, and in creating a best-in-class environment for our players, associates, fans and community partners.”
The speakers highlighted their collaboration on the project. Noftsinger addressed Blank directly: “This city would not be changed through the game of soccer if it wasn’t for you. For you believing that the sport had the power to change lives and had the power to be successful within Atlanta. Thank you so much for your vision and your leadership.”
The new facilities focus on three main areas: First Team player health and wellness, youth development programs, and additional front office resources. A second gym dedicated to Atlanta United 2 and Academy players has been added.
“It has been an amazing nine years with this incredible partnership,” said Matzigkeit from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “In 2016, when we had started discussions with Atlanta United about the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, they said their goal for the facility was to be one of the best in MLS. I feel confident in saying that they didn’t just meet this goal, but exceeded it.”
A key feature is Emory Healthcare Studio—comprising Studio 17 (for multicamera shoots), Studio 5 (for photography), a podcast studio, The Box control room—and other media production spaces designed for live match coverage as well as creative projects.
“This exciting expansion, along with the launch of the new Emory Healthcare Studio, represents the next chapter in our collaboration with Atlanta United, offering a unique hub for storytelling and content creation,” Lee said. “This studio will be a powerful platform to share stories of health, wellness and resilience while creating connections between athletes, caregivers, patients, families, fans and our community.”
Future plans include further renovations aimed at increasing resources for player rest and recovery such as therapy treatment space and hydrotherapy rooms.
Dimitrios Efstathiou from Atlanta United’s strategy team noted that international teams have shown interest in using these facilities during events like FIFA World Cup 2026: “We’ve had a number of federations come and visit,” he said. “I imagine come December right after the draw we’re going to have a lot of [federations] wanting [to be here].”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground now features over 100 workspaces for staff members as well as six full-length playing fields across its grounds.
“It ranks probably number one across the country across sports in North American Sports ecosystem,” Noftsinger stated regarding how comprehensive she believes these upgrades are compared nationally among sports organizations.”The why is fan-first approach…It is absolutely tremendous … This expansion gives our players and associates resources that they need perform at their best bring an unmatched soccer experience entire Atlanta community.”
