7 Admittedly Unexpected Joys Of Going To An MLS Game | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

7 Admittedly Unexpected Joys Of Going To An MLS Game

All I'm saying is the A-T-L slow clap is something you just HAVE to experience in person.

952
7 Admittedly Unexpected Joys Of Going To An MLS Game
WABE Atlanta

While baseball and football have always dominated the sports scene in the United States, Major League Soccer (MLS) keeps growing and there's no telling if it'll ever stop.

A year ago I wrote about how ATL United was going to take over MLS, and oh my, have we started a soccer revolution in our city. The fans have made the experience absolutely unforgettable and if you have any doubts about soccer, please go to a freaking MLS game. I can guarantee it will be one of the best sporting events you've ever attended in your entire life. If I still haven't convinced you, here are some reasons why you should just buy your ticket already.

1. You will feel like you are part of a big family you never even knew existed.

When you're packed in a stadium full of 46,318 fans (that was ATL United's average attendance per game this inaugural season), you'll find yourself becoming best friends with the people in your section. Not to mention if you're sitting in the supporter section, it gets pretty wild from what I've seen (and heard).

2. The chants will send chills running down your spine.

Coming from a foreign family, soccer has always been a sport that I've kept up with, but I was nowhere prepared for what I was about to experience at my first ATL United game. MLS supporters are some of the most dedicated and energetic fans out there. It's a totally different energy than any league in the entire world and a lot of that has to do with the rise in popularity of soccer in the United States. All I'm saying is the A-T-L slow clap (you know which one I'm talking about) is something you just have to experience in person.

3. When you step in that stadium, you are literally making history.

Plenty of MLS teams have set impressive records in the past, but Atlanta has already broken some of them and set the bar higher than ever. The most recent one being breaking the all-time MLS record for tickets sold to a standalone match (69,256 tickets for their match against Orlando FC on September 16, 2017). The last time this record was set was back in 1996 for LA Galaxy's first game ever.

4. You will be impressed by the tifo game.

In case you don't know what a tifo is, it's a long-standing soccer tradition that features works of art created by fans to commemorate the match that day. You'll see these flying over the supporter section and the best part is each one is incredibly unique. I love this one above from ATL United's match against the New York Red Bulls this past May.

5. The moment your team scores a goal is one you will never forget.

You know when you go to a football game and pretend like you know what's going on even though you can't tell whether or not we scored a touchdown? Soccer is nothing like that. You will know when we have scored and you'll be even more excited because you actually understand the sport. I'm telling you, even if you aren't a "soccer person," it's easy to follow.

SEE ALSO: Why Soccer Is More Than Just A Sport To Bosnians

6. The excitement will keep you on your feet the whole game.

Forget sitting, you will probably forget you're even standing because you're having a blast.

7. You will realize that your city is freaking amazing.

I've heard a lot of people say, "Oh, you don't know what it's like, you have to go overseas and watch a Premier League game." Actually, we have the experience right here in our own backyard. Embrace it and show some love for your city!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2237
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1895
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1487
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments