Red And Black Identity Era

Lore & Background

From its inception, Atlanta United chose Red and Black not merely as colors but as a statement of intent. These hues reflect the energy of Atlanta's history while projecting a modern, aggressive competitive spirit on the pitch. The identity was designed to resonate with a diverse fanbase, creating an immediate sense of belonging that transcended traditional soccer demographics in the Southeast.

The atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium became integral to this lore. Known for its deafening chants and coordinated tifos, the home ground transformed into a fortress where the Red and Black identity was physically manifested through smoke flares and banners. This era established the expectation that every match day was an event, setting a new standard for MLS expansion teams regarding fan engagement and visual spectacle.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the first whistle blew in 2017. In the stands, thousands of fans clad in scarlet and charcoal raised their voices in unison. On the pitch, a striker paused to touch his badge before sprinting toward the goal. It was more than a game; it was the birth of a culture where the colors Red and Black became synonymous with a city's renewed ambition.

Reader's Guide

The journey began in 2014 when ownership was announced by Arthur Blank, envisioning a club that mirrored Atlanta's dynamic growth and Southern heritage. By 2017, the team debuted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, immediately establishing Red and Black as the visual standard for passion and intensity within Major League Soccer.

Success followed quickly; the 2018 season saw the Supporters' Shield won and an MLS Cup Final appearance against LAFC. This period cemented the identity beyond mere colors, embedding it into fan culture through record-breaking attendance figures and electric atmospheres that rivaled established European clubs.

As the club matured, retaining core values became vital despite inevitable roster changes across subsequent seasons. The Leagues Cup victory in 2019 further validated this era's competitive standards on the continental stage. Ultimately, this foundational phase defined how Atlanta United presents itself to the world: bold, ambitious, and unmistakably Red and Black.

Did You Know?

• Josef Martínez set an MLS single-season scoring record with 36 goals during the 2018 campaign.
• Atlanta United was the first expansion team to reach the MLS Cup final in their second year of existence.
• The club consistently led MLS in average attendance during this foundational period.