Photograph by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Starting Saturday, soccer fans will take over Atlanta for our city’s first time hosting Major League Soccer’s All-Star Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where a roster of MLS players—including Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón, Ezequiel Barco, Brad Guzan, Josef Martínez, and Michael Parkhurst—take on Italian team Juventus. While the actual game isn’t until Wednesday evening, the proceeding days will be filled with free concerts and a lot of soccer. Here’s a rundown to what’s happening:
What the heck is the MLS All-Star Game?
Similar to the MLB and NBA versions, it features a roster of top players from the country’s MLS teams competing against Italian team Juventus. The first All-Star game was held in 1996 and they’ve been held against European teams since 2005, with last year’s game against Real Madrid.
What’s already sold-out?
The free 2 Chainz concert in Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Men in Blazers live show at the Tabernacle.
So what else can I do?
Here’s a quick schedule:
Saturday
BeltLine Block Party
Where: Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark
When: 12-10 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: While not a ton of information has been released about this event, what we do know is that it will involve a celebrity soccer game featuring rapper Waka Flocka and Hot 107.9’s DJ Kash (and a live set from DJ Kash as well). Atlanta street artist Greg Mike will paint a live mural, there will be prizes and giveaways, food and drink for sale, and at 7 p.m., they’ll host an outdoor watch party of the Atlanta United vs. Montreal Impact game.
Sunday
Qualifying for the eMLS All-Star Challenge
Where: Southern Exchange (200 Peachtree St.)
When: Check-in from 1-2 p.m.; event from 2-6 p.m.
Cost: Free; but you have to preregister here
What: Fitting for a city where eSports is growing rapidly, anyone who thinks they have mad FIFA 18 skills can register to compete in this 64-bracket, single elimination tournament. Players will use the Playstation 4 version of the game and can only play with MLS teams, among other rules. The winners of both qualifying events (the other is on Tuesday) will compete in a 2 vs. 2 game against other pro players, Atlanta United’s Julian Gressel, and Waka Flocka, not to mention win $500 and a VIP ticket to the All-Star Game.
Monday
MLS All-Star Community Day
Where: Anderson Park
When: 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Target, the presenting sponsor of the game, is building 10 “mini-pitches” in Atlanta in honor of the game, including one at Anderson Park they’ll officially unveil with games and more.
Tuesday
Juventus and MLS All-Stars training
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
When: 10 a.m. (Juventus) and 12 p.m. (MLS All-Stars)
Cost: $10
What: If you can’t go to the game but want a chance to see both teams live, head to this open training session. Juventus will hit the pitch at 10 a.m. and the MLS all-stars at noon. A single $10 ticket gets you into both practices. It’s at Mercedes-Benz, so the typical security applies (clear bags, etc.).
Qualifying for the eMLS All-Star Challenge
Where: Southern Exchange (200 Peachtree St.)
When: Check-in from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; event from 12-4 p.m.
Cost: Free; but you have to preregister here
What: If you missed the first qualifying session (see Sunday’s events) for this FIFA 18 tournament, you can try again for a chance at the grand prize.
Special Olympics All-Star Soccer Game and MLS All-Star Homegrown Game
Where: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground (Marietta)
When: 6 p.m (Special Olympics) and 8 p.m. (Homegrown)
Cost: $15
What: A single $15 ticket will get you into both of these events. First, the Special Olympics game will showcase players from the Special Olympics Unified Sports teams, a partnership with MLS and ESPN that allows players with and without intellectual disabilities to travel and play in professional games. Then at 8 p.m., the Homegrown Game, designed to showcase young soccer talent within MLS, will feature players from the youth U.S., Mexican, and Canadian national teams. Two Atlanta United players will join the MLS Homegrown Team: Andrew Carleton and Lagos Kunga, and the team will be coached by Atlanta United Academy director Tony Annan. They’ll face the Mexican club Tigres UANL’s Under-20 Team.
Wednesday
eMLS All-Star Challenge
Where: Southern Exchange (200 Peachtree St.)
When: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Watch the eSports champs from Sunday and Tuesday’s qualifying face off against pro players and Waka Flocka. This will also be streamed on Twitch and YouTube.
Soccer Celebration
Where: International Plaza (the green space between Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GWCC, and Philips Arena)
When: 3-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Come hang out with fellow soccer nuts in the official fan zone, which will feature games, giveaways, and player appearances.
MLS All-Star Game
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $30+
What: The big game! Allow for plenty of time to get through security. If you have a ticket, you can also go to the live taping of Univison’s pregame show La Barra MLS outside Mercedes-Benz at 6:50 p.m.
Where can I buy official merch?
Target, for one—they’ve had official jerseys and shirts in their stores for weeks. The official pop-up store will also be at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday (it’ll be closed from 1-3 p.m. on Monday) and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on Wednesday. The Hyatt is also home to the Digital HQ, where the public is invited to watch as official MLS crews interview players, coaches, and celebrities. If you want to keep up on who will be where when, sign up for the official Fan Pass. The Digital HQ is open Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Monday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed between 1-3 p.m.); Tuesday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Wednesday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
How can I watch the game if I don’t have a ticket?
The game will air on ESPN beginning at 7:30 p.m. We assume the major soccer bars—Brewhouse Cafe, Hudson FC, Fadó, Midway Pub, Rí Rá, Elder Tree, etc.—will be playing the game, as well as many other Atlanta sports bars. Best advice is to call ahead to make sure.
