Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino and some of the players weren't too disappointed in Tuesday's news that they won't get to play in Mercedes-Benz Stadium until September.
“We just have to adapt to the way the construction is going and how the workers are finishing the job,” Martino said. “Really, for us it’s not an issue.
“Either way we will be creating more expectations.”
The team was supposed to open the stadium in March, but there were delays in construction regarding the retractable roof. The team was then supposed to open stadium July 30, but more delays combined with the team’s schedule has pushed its first game in the $1.5 billion building until Sept. 9, when it hosts FC Dallas.
“The team is focused on the field and trying to get good results and making the playoffs,” midfielder Carlos Carmona said. “Obviously, we want to move into the stadium. We are happy wherever we are playing and the fans are there supporting us.”
Midfielder Kevin Kratz and fullback Mark Bloom said they are enjoying playing Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium, its temporary home. The first two home games featured more than 110,000 tickets sold.
“I like the stadium I like the grass, I like the atmosphere,” Bloom said. “It’s a good spot to be.”
