A collection of quotes from Tuesday's opening of the $60 million training center in Marietta :
TEAM OWNER ARTHUR BLANK
"This beautiful training ground is a central piece in the success of our club and represents the vision and dedication of the Atlanta United leadership team. Our aim for the club is to produce a top-quality, winning product on and off of the pitch and this facility is the cornerstone of that commitment. Every detail of the project was planned and executed thoughtfully, and we are excited to be an active, supportive and integrated asset in the community." As told to the team's website.
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PRESIDENT DARREN EALES
"Our commitment to aspiration, inclusion and excellence are reflected in all aspects of the training ground. The design ensures that we are giving our first team and academy players a top-flight training environment, and it will be a key tool for us in attracting the top players and staff in MLS and globally. This is truly a world-class facility that we are proud to call our home." As told to the team website
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HECTOR VILLALBA
“No comparison between this and other training centers. We have everything we need. There’s no excuses now.”
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MICHAEL PARKHURST
"It's amazing. It's the best facility I've ever trained at. It's my 13th year professionally and everything is there that we need in order to have success. That's all we can ask for." Quotes were during Hawks game and broadcast on Fox Sports Southeast
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“It was an awesome day today, a really good vibe, an awesome atmosphere. The facility is amazing. It’s the best facility I’ve ever trained at. As a professional player you want your club to give you the opportunity to succeed and this facility goes beyond that. There are a lot of details in it. The gym is amazing. The cold and hot tubs … are great. Our locker room is fantastic. The cafeteria as well. There is everything you need in order to have success as a professional player.
“Even for the academy as well, these kids don’t know how lucky they are and how good they have at it. This is a special place.
“The ability, you have your locker room, and then come into the gym and walk out to the soccer fields. It’s seamless. Everything is really easy. A full kitchen upstairs. They aren’t bringing in catering everyday. They are bringing in fresh stuff and cooking it right there for you. It’s just that next level. That’s what the organization is all about.
“There are some nice facilities throughout the world but this has to compare to all of them.”
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MARIETTA MAYOR STEVE TUMLIN
“We’re in love with our soccer team but we also love the halo they’re doing for this part of Marietta.”
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