Silverbacks Issue Statement on MLS Announcement

Published on April 16, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Wednesday was a big day for the sport of soccer in Atlanta. At an event held in downtown Atlanta, an investment group led by Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank announced its purchase of a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise.

The franchise is set to begin play in 2017, and will play its games in the Falcons' new stadium, which is set to open that same year. Although Atlanta's newest professional team isn't set to take the field for another three years, the Silverbacks organization issued a statement about Wednesday's announcement to address what it could mean for their own team.

"The Atlanta Silverbacks organization would like to congratulate Mr. Blank and his group for securing the MLS franchise that they have been working to acquire. It's always encouraging to see significant investments being made in our sport, especially here in Atlanta, a soccer market that we truly believe can be one of the most successful in the country.

As Georgia's only active professional soccer team, we hope that today's announcement generates a high level of excitement among the city's soccer supporters and helps increase the sport's awareness locally.

At the moment, our organization is solely focused on having a successful North American Soccer League season on and off the field. Whether it's the team defending its NASL Spring Season Championship or the front office continuing to bring sellout crowds to Atlanta Silverbacks Park, we believe great things are happening with our franchise.

We have already met with Mr. Blank's group, and in those discussions, one thing is very clear - we both have an extreme passion for growing the sport of soccer in Atlanta. We look forward to expanding on those preliminary meetings, and speaking with their group further about ways we can achieve that continued growth."

The Silverbacks are set to host the San Antonio Scorpions in their home opener on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. To purchase tickets, call the Silverbacks Ticket Office at 404-969-4900 or visit atlantasilverbacksfc.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from April 16, 2014


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