The Golden Spike Tradition -
The Golden Spike Tradition - https://atlanta-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/120818.jpg

On matchday, an Atlanta tradition is born.

90 minutes before Atlanta United take the field, the players arrive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to sign the Golden Spike, followed by the club's faithful fans and supporters (All are invited to sign it). Then, just minutes before the players walk out for kickoff, a select number of Atlanta United supporters march and carry the Golden Spike through the supporters section and to the platform fronting it. Join the supporters, join the movement, this is a relic signed by all, as a symbol of unity and strength.

The Golden Spike is then hammered into the railroad platform by a chosen ATLien with the stadium chanting…. A-T-L with every strike, a sound ringing true to our hearts.

After the final whistle, a smaller Golden Spike is awarded to a player, an honor voted on by the fans (via Twitter). In addition, he is also given one to keep as reminder of his performance, and the experience with the fans that he can cherish forever.

Be early, stay late, and be part of a culture driven by tradition and rooted in the ATL. Find out who's had the honor of hitting the Spike in each of our home matches below!

Spike Hitter: Ludacris

February 25, 2023 vs San Jose Earthquakes

Ludacris hit the Golden Spike vs San Jose Earthquakes for our 2023 Home Opener

Rapper, actor, record producer and executive, and resident of Atlanta, Ludacris hit the Golden Spike on February 25, 2023 when Atlanta United beat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 in an amazing comebcak with two goals by Thiago Almada.

Spike Hitter: Pinky Cole

March 4, 2023 vs Toronto FC

ATLUTD_20230204_ATLvsTOR_JB_0093 (1)

Local Atlanta entrepeneur Pinky Cole, founder of Slutty Vegan, hit the Golden Spike on Marcg 4, 2023 when Atlanta United hosted Toronto FC to a 1-1 draw.

Spike Hitter: DJ Drama

March 18, 2023 vs Portland Timbers

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Local Atlanta-based DJ Drama hit the Golden Spike on March 18, 2023 when Atlanta United beat the Portland Timbers 5-1.

Spike Hitter: Davis Cobb

September 10, 2022 vs Toronto FC

Cancer survivor Davis Cobb hit the Spike on September 10 vs Toronto FC

Cancer survivor and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta patient Davis Cobb hit the Spike on September 10 vs Toronto FC. Davis was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma when he was nine years old 🎗️ and he's shown us how much it means to Unite And Conquer. Davis designed this year's Unite & Conquer Cancer scarf.

Spike Hitter: Joe Johnson

August 28, 2022 vs D.C. United

Former Atlanta Hawks & NBA All-Star Joe Johnson hit the Golden Spike vs D.C. United

7-time NBA All-Star and former Atlanta Hawks basketball player, Joe Johnson, hit the Golden Spike after Sunday's must-win victory 3-2 vs D.C. United.

Spike Hitter: Dukes and Bell

August 17 2022 vs New York Red Bulls

Dukes and Bell hit the Golden Spike vs New York Red Bulls

Local Atlanta-based radio personalities Dukes and Bell hit the Golden Spike on Wednesday, August 17 in the match vs New York Red Bulls. They have a sports radio show on 92.9 FM The Game.

Spike Hitter: Darren Eales

August 6 2022 vs Seattle Sounders

Darren Eales hit the Golden Spike

Atlanta United's first president in history Darren Eales hit the Golden Spike on Saturday, August 6 in the team's victory 2-1 vs Seattle Sounders. Eales was president of the club from September 2014 to August 2022, is a two-time recipient of the MLS Executive of the Year Award, and 2019 World Football Summit Executive of the Year. August 6 is also Eales' birthday, and in the photo he's with his lovely wife Faith and their twins.

Spike Hitter: B.o.B.

July 24, 2022 vs Orlando City SC

B.o.B. Spike Hitter Atlanta United vs. Orlando City SC | July 17, 2022

Rapper and Decatur native B.o.B. kicked off Rivalry Week at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, July 17. Juanjo Purata scored his first career MLS goal and Atlanta United tied Orlando City SC 1-1.

Spike Hitter: Rotimi

July 13, 2022 vs Real Salt Lake

Rotimi Spike Hitter Atlanta United vs. Real Salt Lake | July 13, 2022

Actor and singer Rotimi brought the energy to a midweek match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, July 13 for Atlanta United's meeting with Real Salt Lake. Atlanta beat the Western Conference side 2-1 behind a brace from Ronaldo Cisneros.

Spike Hitter: Jermaine Dupri

July 9, 2022 vs Austin FC

Hip-Hop producer Jermaine Dupri hit the Golden Spike vs Austin FC

Legendary hip-hop producer Jermaine Dupri, who was behind hits like Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together", for which he won a Grammy Award, and "Welcome to Atlanta" hit the Golden Spike on Saturday, July 9 for the match vs Austin FC.

Spike Hitter: David Banner

June 19, 2022 vs Inter Miami CF

David Banner was the Golden Spike Hitter vs Inter Miami CF

Rapper and hip-hop producer David Banner hyped the more than 42 thousand fans up at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, June 19 for the match vs Inter Miami CF. Atlanta beat the South Florida team 2-0 with goals by Luiz Araújo and Josef Martínez.

Spike Hitters: Footie Kids

June 14, 2022 vs CF Pachuca | American Family Insurance Cup

Footie Kids from our Supporters Groups Footie Mob hit the Spike vs Pachuca

For the American Family Insurance Cup, a Cup Designed by the 17s, was the perfect moment for the Footie Kids to hit the Spike. Fans voted online to select our Spike Hitter as well as many other aspect of the matchday experience, for the inaugural American Family Insurance Cup, where Atlanta United beat CF Pachuca, 3-2 with goals by Josef Martínez, Luiz Araújo and Dom Dwyer.

Spike Hitter: A.J. Terrell

May 28, 2022 vs Columbus Crew

Atlanta Falcons' cornerback A.J. Terrell was the Spike Hitter on May 28 vs Columbus Crew

Atlanta Falcons NFL player A.J. Terrell, born and raised in Atlanta, hit the Golden Spike on Saturday, May 27 in ATL UTD loss to Columbus Crew, 1-2 in a match that saw Dom Dwyer score a bicycle kick goal in the last minute, as the 5-Stripes pushed to tie the match. Born in Atlanta, Terrell played his college career for Clemson University and left before his senior year to be elegible for the NFL Draft 2020, where ultimately he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round (16th overall).

Spike Hitter: Lindsay Droz

May 15, 2022 vs New England Revolution

Col. Lindsay Droz hit the Spike prior to kickoff against New England Revolution

U.S. Air Force Academy Graduate Colonel Lindsay Droz hit the Spike prior to kickoff on Sunday, May 15 as ATL UTD tied against New England Revolution, 2-2, in a very intense match with goals from Thiago Almada and Luiz Araújo. Droz is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and Base Commander at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. Her taking command marked the first time in the base's 80 year history where all four of its top commanders are women.

Spike Hitter: Maria Taylor

May 7, 2022 vs Chicago Fire FC

Maria Taylor Hits The Golden Spike Before Chicago Fire FC

Sports reporter Maria Taylor hit the Golden Spike on Saturday, May 7 as ATL UTD beat Chicago Fire FC 4-1 behind a hat trick from Ronaldo Cisneros. A University of Georgia alum, Taylor has covered high-profile sporting events such as SEC football and the NBA Finals. She's currently a sportscaster for NBC Sports and recently covered the Tokyo Olympics.

Spike Hitter: George Lopez

April 16, 2022 vs FC Cincinnati

George Lopez Hits The Golden Spike Before FC Cincinnati

Comedian and actor George Lopez hit the Golden Spike on Saturday, April 16 as ATL UTD played FC Cincinnati to a 0-0 draw. Lopez's self-produced sitcom George Lopez ran on ABC for six seasons from 2002-07.

Spike Hitter: Tiffany Haddish

March 19, 2022 vs CF Montréal

Tiffany Haddish showed that She Ready for anything vs Montréal

Actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish really pumped up the crowd on Saturday, May 19 as ATL UTD came back and scored two goals in the last five minutes of the match to draw vs CF Montréal, 3-3.

Spike Hitter: Omeretta The Great

March 13, 2022 vs Charlotte FC

Omeretta The Great Hits The Golden Spike vs Charlotte FC

Rapper Omeretta The Great, known for her song "Sorry Not Sorry" had the honor of hitting The Golden Spike on Sunday, March 13 as ATLUTD beat Charlotte FC, 2-1. Omeretta The Great was also a cast member on season 10 of VH1's Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta.

Spike Hitter: City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

February 27, 2022 vs Sporting Kansas City

City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Hits The Golden Spike vs Sporting KC

Atlanta United had the honor to host City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to hit The Golden Spike on Sunday, February 27 as ATLUTD beat Sporting Kansas City, 3-1. Dickens assumed office in January 3, 2022.

Click below to find out who else has hit The Golden Spike in previous years!