It is no secret how passionate Atlanta United fans are. Home matches at Bobby Dodd stadium are electrifying. But season ticket holders seem to go above and beyond for their beloved team, such as flying standby to Salt Lake City at 8:00am on a Saturday morning! As I boarded my flight to Utah ahead of our match with Real Salt Lake, I was taken back at the number of Atlanta United fans who were on the flight. This dedication to the red, black and gold couldn’t go unnoticed.
A season ticket holder and avid Atlanta United fan, Reed, was on standby hoping to make it to Rio Tinto for the night match with Real Salt Lake. A spur of the moment decision, this was Reed’s first time heading to an away match, and he couldn’t have been more thrilled. Now this isn't the first time I have seen Atlanta United supporters travel for a match, but to be honest, it gets better every time. The tremendous support from our fans is what makes the organization so special and trust me it doesn’t fly under the radar.
As we headed to Rio Tinto ahead of Atlanta United Live, we were getting set for a very special show! Atlanta United President Darren Eales would be joining us for our pre-game show filling in for Dan Gargan. Darren would also serve as the color commentator for the match alongside Kevin Egan. Before the show Kevin offered him a few make up tips for the HD camera’s, but Darren decided to remain natural for his debut. And since it was his first time, we gave him a pass when he showed up just minutes before we went live! But he made it just in time to snap a quick photo! It was a great experience for Kevin and I to have him join for the day.
Now if you have never been to Utah, the first word that comes to mind to describe the scenery is picturesque. Rio Tinto stadium sits in Sandy, Utah with a backdro resembling a Coors Beer packaging. The mountains are breath taking and the Real Salt Lake supporters are tireless. “Do you Believe” is the chant that echoes throughout the stadium when a goal is scored, and the fans sing it loud and proud. But on Saturday night we would only have to hear that once, since Atlanta United held Real Salt Lake to a single goal.
After a long and grueling road stretch with red cards and draws, I can say with confidence that the 3-1 victory felt pretty sweet. Despite altitude and a new time zone, Atlanta United were able to Unite and Conquer against a home side with two wins under their belt and a new head coach who was making waves. A statement win sets the precedence as we head home to Bobby Dodd stadium on Sunday April 30th, and what a welcoming home it will be.
