The Golden Spike Tradition -
The Golden Spike Tradition - Arthur Blank

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 supporters (everyone is 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 our app). 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: Atlanta Influences Everything

August 30, 2023 vs. Cincinnati FC

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The creators of Atlanta Influences Everything— Ian Ford, Bem Joiner and Tory Edwards— hit the Golden Spike vs. Cincinnati FC.

Spike Hitter: Monica

August 26, 2023 vs. Nashville SC

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Singer, rapper and actress Monica hit the Golden Spike prior to Atlanta United's win vs. Nashville SC.

Spike Hitter: Myles Truitt

July 29, 2023 vs. Cruz Azul

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Atlanta-born actor Myles Truitt hit the Golden Spike vs Cruz Azul.

Spike Hitter: 6LACK

July 15, 2023 vs. Orlando City SC

6lack hits the golden spike during the match against Orlando City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, July 15, 2023. (Photo by Chamberlain Smith/Atlanta United)

Singer-songwriter and rapper 6LACK hit the Golden Spike vs Orlando City SC.

Spike Hitter: Xavier Woods

July 2, 2023 vs. Philadelphia Union

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WWE Wrestler Xavier Woods hit the Golden Spike vs Philadelphia Union.

Spike Hitter: Terence Lester

June 21, 2023 vs. NYCFC

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Writer and scholar Terence Lester hit the Golden Spike vs. New York City FC.

Spike Hitter: Malik Brown

June 9, 2023 vs. D.C. United

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Malik Brown, Director, Atlanta Mayor's Division of LGBTQ Affairs, hit the Golden Spike on June 9 as ATL UTD celebrated Pride at the match vs D.C. United.

Spike Hitter: Younghoe Koo

May 31, 2023 vs. New England Revolution

South Korean-born Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo hits the Golden Spike prior to Atlanta United's draw vs. New England Revolution.

Spike Hitter: Funny Marco

May 17, 2023 vs. Colorado Rapids

Comedian and YouTuber Funny Marco hits the Golden Spike prior to Atlanta United's win vs. Colorado Rapids.

Spike Hitters: Mothers of our Homegrown Players

May 13, 2023 vs. Charlotte FC

The mothers of Caleb Wiley, Machop Chol and Noah Cobb, three of Atlanta United homegrowns hit the Golden Spike for Mother's Day vs Charlotte FC.

Spike Hitter: EarthGang

April 23, 2023 vs. Chicago Fire

Hip hop duo EarthGang hits the Golden Spike prior to Atlanta United's win vs. Chicago Fire.

Spike Hitter: Trae Young

April 1, 2023 vs New York Red Bulls

NBA and Atlanta Hawks star, Trae Young hit the Golden Spike prior to Atlanta United's win vs New York Red Bulls.

Spike Hitter: Pinky Cole

March 4, 2023 vs Toronto FC

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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: Ludacris

February 25, 2023 vs San Jose Earthquakes

Rapper, actor, record producer and executive, Fast and the Furious sensation 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 comeback with two golazos by Thiago Almada.

Click below to find out who hit The Golden Spike in 2022

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