Atlanta United are the new kings of MLS attendance.
The team announced 70,425 tickets sold, setting the league’s single-game record on Saturday against Orlando City at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“This team is just incredible,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “This team in six days will have more than 150,000 people come to three soccer matches.
“This is a great testament to Arthur (Blank’s) vision, his execution because I think you need to be able to deliver on your plan, not just have a great plan. He’s got a terrific organization. It’s a good moment for all of us in MLS.”
The previous record was set on April 13, 1996 in a game between the L.A. Galaxy and N.Y./N.J. MetroStars at the Rose Bowl.
Atlanta United leads MLS in average attendance (45,811 before Saturday) this season and is on pace to set the league record for highest average home attendance of 44,247 set by Seattle in in 2015.
The most-attended non-exhibition game in club soccer history in the U.S. occurred in 1977 when 77,691 tickets were sold for the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers vs. the Cosmos in an NASL playoff game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
“Atlanta United is the story in pro sports,” Garber said.
Top 5 MLS Single-Game Attendances
1. Orlando City at Atlanta United, Sept. 16, 2017, 70,425.
2. N.Y./N.J. MetroStars at L.A. Galaxy, April 13, 1996, 69,255.
3. Portland at Seattle, Aug. 25, 2013, 67,385.
4.. Portland at Seattle, Oct. 7, 2012, 66,452.
5.. L.A. Galaxy at New York Red Bulls, Aug. 18, 2007, 66, 237.
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