Alright City fans, it’s our turn to take over and conquer. When the lads make the trek North to “The South”, as any good supporters we should show the A how it’s done.
The Venue
So as you get ready to visit the brand new Mercedes Benz Stadium…. Oh wait, construction isn’t done yet. Nevermind. Let me start this over.
Atlanta United is currently playing inside Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd stadium in Midtown Atlanta. All you really need to know is that they play at a college campus, so I’ll spare you all the details.
For those who will not be driving to the stadium on gameday and don’t want to deal with the hassle of tracking down an uber you can always use MARTA, A city-wide, bus, rail, and paratransit system with service near the Georgia Tech campus. When riding MARTA to/from Bobby Dodd Stadium on Matchday, please note that the closest MARTA station is the North Avenue Station located off of either the Red or Gold rail lines.
Things To Do
Georgia Aquarium
Attending an event in the western hemisphere’s largest fish pool, or just taking the usual tour, is amazing. Going deeper into the water, and your pockets, for a swim with the whale sharks is one of the greatest things you can do in Atlanta, period.
Centennial Olympic Park
A 21-acre patch of land that features lush paths of grass, artwork, pools and fountains. The park was originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games and was a centerpiece of the festivities; now, it's one of the most visited areas of the city. One of the most well-known parts of the park is the 251 water jets of the Fountain of Rings. Go ahead and run through the water fountain and return to your childhood for a few soaked seconds. Don’t run over the real children.
Topgolf
I’m sure you already know about the CNN Center, World of Coca-Cola and College Football Hall of Fame, so instead I’m going to direct you to Topgolf. Who doesn’t love drinking beer and smashing balls?
Bars and Restaurants
Der Biergarten
Drinking beer out of a stein on a beer garden roof in Downtown ATL has crazy cultural benefits, starting with the buzz that results from all that German beer you’re getting in one vessel. Will you fail at pronouncing the names of many of these Reinheitsgebot-approved brews? Absolutely. Will that be OK? Absolutely.
Dantanna’s
With plenty of flat screens, all-American beers, and locally sourced dishes that, while upscale, are reminiscent of tailgating eats, Dantanna's has you covered for the match. A couple house specialities: beer-battered shrimp and heirloom Berkshire pork rib chop. If the game's got you fired up and you're feeling a bit more adventurous, go for the Heart Attack burger (ground beef topped with a sunny-side-up egg, a double order of thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon & fried onions, served between two grilled cheese sandwiches).
Proof & Provision
The feeling of drinking in a brick-columned basement underneath one of ATL’s fancier historic hotels will be nice enough to pull you in. The strength of the whiskey cocktails will be enough to keep you there.
Chicken + Beer
Ludacris’ long-awaited restaurant opened in Atlanta’s airport concourse D after years of buzz. Named for his eponymous 2003 album, the menu assuredly features both items. Aside from poultry and booze, you'll find Cajun boiled peanut hummus and shrimp and grits. What’s the best part about eating here you ask? It means you’re about to leave Atlanta.
