Atlanta, GA — Today, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-07) attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the U.S. Soccer National Training Center & Headquarters. The new facility is estimated to create 440 new jobs through a $228 million investment. Over the past year, McBath was a relentless advocate for the facility’s relocation to metropolitan Atlanta, convening meetings with stakeholders and showcasing the region’s importance as an international hub. In attendance were Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer President; JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO; Senator Todd Young, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus; Nicole Elkon, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Professional and Cultural Exchanges at the U.S. Department of State; Governor Brian Kemp; and several state and local elected officials.
“I am thrilled at the opportunities today’s groundbreaking represents,” McBath said. “Not only will this new facility create hundreds of new jobs for Georgians and bring millions of dollars in investments to this region, but U.S. Soccer’s presence here will also foster opportunities to grow the game for underserved and marginalized communities and promote international friendship and cooperation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, when Atlanta will host eight matches. I am so proud that our region continues to play a leading role on soccer’s biggest stages.”
“Arthur’s contribution is the foundation of our partnership in Atlanta, and his generosity will change soccer in America,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “The Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center will have a massive impact on the entire American soccer ecosystem, from all 27 of our National Teams to all our members, and countless players, coaches and referees across the country by providing a dedicated facility for training, recovery and innovation. I truly believe this facility will help us grow the game of soccer in the U.S. and take us to the next level.”
"In breaking ground today for the U.S. Soccer National Training Center, we are not just constructing a state-of-the-art facility; we are laying the foundation for the future of soccer in America here in Atlanta,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. “This endeavor symbolizes our collective aspirations and ambitions, and we are deeply grateful to the state of Georgia, the city of Atlanta, Fayette County, and all our sponsors and partners who have made this milestone possible. With the enthusiastic support of the greater Atlanta community and our new neighbors at Trilith, Arthur Blank's historic investment here underscores a profound commitment to soccer's future in the United States. We are poised to elevate the sport to new heights and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
Announced on December 7, 2023, this facility will serve as the headquarters for U.S. soccer and be a hub for the North American soccer community. The location will cover over 200 acres. Initial plans include over a dozen soccer fields, over 100,000 square feet of indoor courts, and 200,000 square feet of facilities for all U.S. Soccer employees.