Chris Barry rolled up to Mercedes-Benz Stadium unaware of the history he was making. For him, the matchday excitement was more than enough to get him out early for Atlanta United's midafternoon kickoff. Waiting for him through Gate 2 was a surprise he never could've seen coming.
Barry was the 1 millionth soccer fan to attend a match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2025, a distinction he couldn't believe.
"The 1 millionth fan, what a title!" Barry said.
Over the course of 16 Atlanta United matches, six FIFA Club World Cup matches and a Premier League Summer series doubleheader, it's no surprise 17s and Atlanta football fans alike have packed out Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The milestone mark quantifies an incomparable passion for soccer that has and will always live in ATL.
Barry was presented with commemorative Connector and Resurgens kits, both with 1,000,000 as the nameplate. Confetti rained on the Front Porch as DJ EU announced the historic visitor. The fun wasn't done there, as Barry and his crew — his wife and two best friends — followed the First Team through player arrival, signing the Golden Spike and heading to the pitch.
They had four all-inclusive, pitchside seats at the Truist Club waiting for them, making for an unforgettable match experience, even for the longtime supporters
"That was incredible," Barry said Sunday afternoon. "We just walked in to celebration. [I'm] glad to be in the sunshine watching the team play today."
Barry has been a Season Ticket Member since the Bobby Dodd days, a more-than-deserving 17 who has been with the club through the years.
"It's been great," Barry said. "I became the biggest fan of our friend group, so now I'm the one that rallies everybody together. We gotta get to the game, get there early, see everything."
For Barry, there's nothing like the rush of the ball hitting the back of the net and the celebrations of a 5-Stripes goal.
"The goals, cheering for the goals," he said. "Hearing the train horn, it's the best part."
