The Golden Spike Tradition from 2017 - 2023

Our seventh season was filled with Atlanta hip-hop icons, sports legends and those who make our community thrive.

2023 The Golden Spike Hitters

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 Funny Marco prior to the match against Colorado Rapids at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta United)

Younghoe Koo of the Atlanta Falcons hits the golden spike prior to the match against New England Revolution at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta United)

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)

The Golden Spike Hitter Myles Truitt before the match against Cruz Azul at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, July 29, 2023. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta United)

Spike hitter Monica prior to the match against Nashville SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, August 26, 2023. (Photo by Chamberlain Smith/Atlanta United)

Atlanta Influences Everything poses for a photo before the match against Cincinnati FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta United)

Spike hitters Dakota Southerland, and her nurse Edwin prior to the match against CF Montreal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday September 23, 2023

Spike hitter Michael Parkhurst prior to the match against Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, October 7, 2023. (Photo by Asher Greene/Atlanta United)

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Starting with the City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, passing by Atlanta music and entertainment legend Jermaine Dupri and worldwide known celebrities, 2022 had it all.

2022 The Golden Spike Hitters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mexican-American rapper Kap G, who started his career in Atlanta hit the Golden Spike on Saturday, 17, 2022 when Atlanta United played Philadelphia Union to an intense 0-0 draw.

Rapper Gucci Mane hit the Golden Spike on Sunday, October 9, 2022 when Atlanta United closed the 2022 MLS Regular Season vs New York City FC.

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From World Cup champions to Grammy Award winners, relive all the Spike Hitters we had during our Fifth season!

2021 The Golden Spike Hitters

SPC Eric Portillo hit the Spike for our inaugural home match of 2021 on April 24 vs Chicago Fire

Multi Grammy Awards winner Ceelo Green hit the Spike on May 15 vs CF Montréal

Influencers The Wicker Twinz hit the Spike on May 29, 2021 vs Nashville SC

Rev. Bernice King hit the Spike June 20, 2021 vs Philadelphia Union

American actor and comedian Sam Richardson hit the Spike on June 27, 2021 vs New York Red Bulls

Atlanta Hawks player Lou Williams hit the Spike on July 17, 2021 vs New England Revolution

Nigerian singer and producer Davido hit the Spike on July 24, 2021 vs Columbus Crew

Command Sargeant Robert Patterson hit the Spike on Aug. 15, 2021 vs LAFC

Stand-up comedian Lil Duval hit the Spike on Aug. 18, 2021 vs Toronto FC

Comedian Desi Banks hit the Spike on Aug. 28, 2021 vs Nashville

Atlanta-based rapper Fabo hit the Spike on Sep. 10, 2021 vs Orlando City

Atlanta Dream player Courtney Williams hit the Spike on Sep. 15, 2021 vs FC Cincinnati

Unite & Conquer Cancer Warrior Valerie DeSantiago hit the Spike on Sep. 18, 2021 vs D.C. United

Venezuelan reggaetón singer Jerry Di hit the Spike on Sep. 29, 2021 vs Inter Miami CF

English professional golfer Sir Nick Faldo hit the Spike on October 20, 2021 vs New York City FC

Two-time FIFA World Cup champion and Georgia native Kelly O'Hara hit the Spike on October 27, 2021 vs Inter Miami CF

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2020 was a challenging year, but we were able to host some fans for a few matches during our season.

2020 The Golden Spike Hitters

Before the world shut down due to the pandemic, Rapper Trinidad James hit the Spike on March 7, 2020 vs FC Cincinnati

Piedmont Nurse Chrissa Hofstetter hit the Spike on August 22, 2020 vs Nashville SC on our first home match since the pandemic

Retired Navy Corpsman Joe Worley hit the Spike on August 29, 2020 vs Orlando City

Unite & Conquer Cancer Warrior Kellen Warnick hit the Spike on September 2, 2020 vs Inter Miami CF

Atlanta Hip-hop artist Jacquees hit the Spike on September 19, 2020 vs Inter Miami CF

Unite & Conquer Cancer Warrior Dani Cuevas hit the Spike on September 23, 2020 vs FC Dallas

Film Producer Ozzie Areu hit the Spike on October 7, 2020 vs Orlando City

AMB Family Foundation Program Specialist Jacoria Borders hit the Spike on October 10, 2020 vs New York Red Bulls

Atlanta rapper Kodie Shane hit the Spike on October 24, 2020 vs D.C. United as we welcomed fans back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Cherokee County Election Office Assistant Director Jennifer Akins hit the Spike on November 1, 2020 vs FC Dallas

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2019 saw us conquering the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the Campeones Cup.

2019 The Golden Spike Hitters

Former professional boxer Roy Jones Jr. hit the Spike on March 10, 2019 vs FC Cincinnati

Musician & producer Dallas Austin hit the Spike on March 13, 2019 when we played Mexican team Rayados de Monterrey

Atlanta hip-hop group Goodie Mob hit the Spike on March 17, 2019 vs Philadelphia Union

Rock band Widespread Panic hit the Spike on April 20, 2019 vs FC Dallas

Former Atlanta Hawks player Dominique Wilkins hit the Spike on April 27, 2019 vs Colorado Rapids

Atlanta singer LaTocha Scott hit the Spike on May 8, 2019 vs Toronto FC

Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank hit the Spike on May 12, 2019 vs Orlando City

Atlanta Dream Head Coach Nicki Collen hit the Spike on May 29, 2019 vs Minnesota United

Rapper Boosie hit the Spike on June 1, 2019 vs Chicago Fire

Atlanta Hawks player Cam Reddish hit the Spike on June 29, 2019 vs Montréal Impact

Atlanta author and photographer Kate T. Parker hit the Spike on July 7, 2019 vs New York Red Bulls

Television personality and singer Tammy Rivera hit the Spike on July 17, 2019 vs Houston Dynamo

Director and actor Ron Howard hit the Spike on July 21, 2019 vs D.C. United

Staff Sergeant Jonelle Morrow and her family hit the Spike on August 3, 2019 vs LA Galaxy

Former University of Georgia and NFL player Champ Bailey hit the Spike on Aug. 11, 2019 vs New York City FC

Atlanta United resident DJ EU hit the Spike on Aug. 14, 2019 when we beat Mexican side Club América to win the Campeones Cup

Internet personality and host D.C. Young Fly hit the Spike on Aug. 27, 2019 vs Minnesota United as we won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Unite & Conquer Cancer Warrior Andrew Jiminez hit the Spike on Sep. 14, 2019 vs Columbus Crew

Musician and songwriter Chuck Leavell hit the Spike on Sept. 21, 2019 vs San Jose Earthquakes

Musician and songwriter Kristian Bush hit the Spike on Oct. 6, 2019 vs New England Revolution

Former professional wrestler Ric Flair hit the Spike on October 19, 2019 vs New England Revolution

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses hit the Spike on October 24, 2019 vs Philadelphia Union

Former Atlanta Hawks player Dikembe Mutombo hit the Spike on October 30, 2019 vs Toronto FC

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In 2018 we won our first MLS Cup title by defeating Portland Timbers at home in the final.

2018 The Golden Spike Hitters

Atlanta United #17 (our supporters) hit the Spike on March 11, 2018 vs D.C. United

Unite & Conquer Cancer Warrior LJ Tucker hit the Spike on March 17, 2018 vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Atlanta artist and tifo creator Vera Zeigler hit the Spike on April 7, 2018 vs LAFC

Atlanta artist Greg Mike hit the Spike on April 15, 2018 vs New York City FC

Former Atlanta Falcons and Braves player Brian Jordan on April 28, 2018 vs Montréal Impact

Former Juventus and Netherlands National Team player Edgar Davids hit the Spike on May 9, 2018 vs Sporting KC

Atlanta rapper T-Pain hit the Spike on May 20, 2018 vs New York Red Bulls

Atlanta hip-hop duo YoungBloodZ hit the Spike on June 2, 2018 vs Philadelphia Union

Former Atlanta Dream player Angel McCoughtry hit the Spike on June 20, 2018 vs Chicago Fire

Atlanta Falcons player Calvin Ridley hit the Spike on June 24, 2018 vs Portland Timbers

Former professional boxer Evander Holyfield hit the Spike on June 20, 2018 vs Orlando City

Atlanta rapper Killer Mike hit the Spike on July 15, 2018 vs Seattle Sounders

Former professional soccer player Clint Mathis hit the Spike on July 21, 2018 vs D.C. United

Olympic athlete Elana Meyers Taylor hit the Spike on August 4, 2018 vs Toronto FC

Atlanta Hawks player John Collins hit the Spike on Aug. 19, 2018 vs Columbus Crew

Unite & Conquer Cancer Warrior Jonathan Espinosa hit the Spike on Sept. 22, 2018 vs Real Salt Lake

Atlanta rapper Jeezy hit the Spike on Oct. 6, 2018 vs New England Revolution

Former Atlanta United Unified player Ty Truman hit the Spike on Oct. 21, 2018 vs Chicago Fire

Atlanta singer Lloyd hit the Spike on November 11, 2018 vs New York City FC

Rapper Big Boi hit the Spike on November 25, 2018 vs New York Red Bulls

Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank hit the Spike on December 8, 2018 vs Portland Timbers, as Atlanta United won its first MLS Cup championship

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2017 was our inaugural season, and the year we established our Golden Spike tradition.

2017 The Golden Spike Hitters

Atlanta rapper Young Joc was our first Spike Hitter on March 5, 2017 vs New York Red Bulls

Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan hit the Spike on March 18, 2017 vs Chicago Fire

Former Atlanta Falcons player Vic Beasley hit the Spike on April 30, 2017 vs DC United

Atlanta Dream player Tiffany Hayes hit the Spike on May 20, 2017 vs Houston Dynamo

Major General Joe Jarrard hit the Spike on May 28, 2017 vs New York City FC

Former Atlanta Braves player Dale Murphy hit the Spike on June 17, 2017 vs Columbus Crew

Former Atlanta Hawks Dennis Schröder hit the Spike on June 24, 2017 vs Colorado Rapids

Long distance runner Aliphine Tuliamuk hit the Spike on July 4, 2017 vs San Jose Earthquakes

Atlanta record producer Metro Boomin hit the Spike July 29, 2017 vs Orlando City

Atlanta singer Zac Brown hit the Spike on September 10, 2017 vs FC Dallas in our first match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Atlanta-based rapper and huge Atlanta United Waka Flocka Flame hit the Spike on September 13, 2017 vs New England Revolution

Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank hit the Spike on Sep. 16, 2017 vs Orlando City

Atlanta hip-hop artist Archie Eversole hit the Spike in front of a sell-outon Sep. 20, 2017 vs LA Galaxy

Unite & Conquer Cancer Captain Muna Ahmed hit the Spike on Sep. 24, 2017 vs Montréal Impact

Former Atlanta Braves player Andruw Jones hit the Spike on Sept. 27, 2017 vs Philadelphia Union

Atlanta United Founding Member Ren Sato hit the Spike on Oct. 3, 2017 vs Minnesota United

Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz hit the Spike on Oct. 22, 2017 vs Toronto FC

Georgia Swarm player Jordan MacIntosh on Oct. 26, 2017 vs Columbus Crew

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