Atlanta United Media Policies and Guidelines
Media Services
Press Releases
Media members interested in being added or removed from the Atlanta United media distribution list, please send an email request, outlining your interest to communications@atlutd.com.
In addition, all team-issued releases are posted HERE and can be republished in their entirety.
Interview Requests
Media requesting interviews with any Atlanta United players, coaches or staff must make arrangements with the Atlanta United Communications Department.
When requesting interviews, media must notify Atlanta United what outlet they are representing, what the general focus/purpose of the interview is, as well as notification of any audio or video to be taken. Ultimately, any interview request will be at the discretion of the Atlanta United Communications Department, and the respective player or coach.
Inquiring media are urged to give the club’s communications department ample time to coordinate the interview. All proposed one-on-one interviews should be submitted within at least 24 hours of the intended time.
Media Availability
Each week during the season, Atlanta United communications will distribute a schedule containing player/coach availability for the upcoming week. All dates and times will be subject to change at the discretion of Atlanta United’s communications staff.
Spanish Requests
Any Spanish-speaking media request can be made to Justin Veldhuis.
Audio, Video and Photo Requests
Media are welcome to utilize digital assets captured by Atlanta United Communications staff. Visit atlutd.com/media for more information.
Player/Staff Availability
Per MLS rules, all Atlanta United First Team training sessions are open to credentialed media members. Media availability will be determined on a week-to-week basis with details laid out in the team’s official schedule to be distributed weekly.
Player Availability
Media availability will typically take place during the first 15 minutes of each training session, with interviews to follow the session’s conclusion. Atlanta United players are available to talk on a daily basis; however, media are encouraged to follow the weekly player schedule or contact a member of the club’s communications staff to set up a one-on-one interview.
Head Coach Ronny Deila
Head Coach Ronny Deila addresses the media on a weekly basis, typically two days before each scheduled match. Interview requests outside of that time period can be made through Atlanta United’s communications staff.
President Garth Lagerwey
President and CEO Garth Lagerwey Atlanta United will be made available by appointment only. All requests for the Lagerwey should go through Chris Winkler.
Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson
Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson will be made available by appointment only. All requests for Henderson should go through Chris Winkler.
Assistant Coaches/Technical Staff
Other members of the Atlanta United technical staff are not permitted to talk with media, unless otherwise noted. Special requests can be made through the Atlanta United communications department and are subject to approval.
Match Credentials and Match Day Information
Season Credential
Media applying for a season-long credential must plan on attending at least 13 of the club’s matches. The process typically opens to all media members in mid-January. For special requests, please contact a member of Atlanta United’s communications staff.
In order to ensure space in the press box, all season-credentialed media should confirm match attendance with a member of Atlanta United’s communications staff at least three (3) days prior to the match, via written correspondence.
Atlanta United has the right to approve or deny any requests, in addition to reserving the possibility of terminating a season-long credential, with just cause as outlined under “Club Policies”.
Single-Match Credential
Media interested in applying for single matches can apply at the Atlanta United Media Resources Page throughout the season. The single-match credential window typically opens 7-10 days prior to each home match. An email notification, containing match coverage approval or denial, will be sent back to all requesting media 24 hours prior to the match.
Credential Confirmation
For each match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, all single-game credentialed media members will receive an email confirmation from Atlanta United Communications approximately 24-to-48 hours prior to the scheduled kickoff time. If you have been approved, but do not receive this email, please reach out to communications@atlutd.com.
Parking
Unless otherwise noted, all approved match-day applicants will receive a reserved parking pass from Atlanta United’s Communications staff at least two (2) days prior to each home match.
Season-credentialed media will receive a parking code prior to the start of the season that will cover all matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Credential Pick-Up
Media members will be required to pickup credentials at Mercedes-Benz Media Will Call, which is located to the right of Gate 1 (Northside Drive) alongside general ticket will-call windows. The media will call window is the furthest window on the left and opens two (2) hours prior to the scheduled kickoff time.
Media Access at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground
General
Atlanta United holds weekly media availability sessions with players and staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground. Players and staff will address media following training in the club’s press conference room upon completion of the club’s training ground expansion project. Weekly availability will be communicated by the Communications staff via email at the beginning of each week.
Parking
Media members are required to RSVP with Atlanta United Communications staff prior to their attendance of weekly media availability sessions. Arrival for media availability sessions begins 15 minutes before the scheduled training session.
Reporting
- Reporting on player participation during training is allowed for players on the pitch.
- Reporting on player involvement in the facility or gym is not allowed.
- Reporting on injuries at training cannot include speculation.
- Reporting of direct quotes overheard at training is not allowed, however, paraphrasing is allowed.
- Videos posted on X (Formerly known as Twitter) have to be 10 seconds or shorter.
Workstations
Upon completion of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground expansion project, workstations for external media members will be available in the press conference room.
One-On-One Interviews
In addition to players made available during the week, media members are welcome to submit one-on-one interview requests to the communications staff with at least 24 hours notice. The communications staff will determine where the interview will be conducted on-site.
For media not in-market, virtual interviews over Zoom are also available to be requested.
Media Access at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Media are allowed to enter Mercedes-Benz Stadium two (2) hours prior to kick-off via the stadium’s Media entrance, located at Gate 1.
Press Box
All seats are assigned. Media members can find their seat assignment by referring to any of the posted seating charts throughout the press box.
Field-Level Photo Work Room
The photo work room at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located on the field level concourse, closest to Tunnel 2.
Post-Game Press Conference Room
The home team press conference for Atlanta United matches is located on the field level concourse, on the North side of the building, closest to the Delta Sky Club.
Locker Room
Per league rules, the Atlanta United locker room will be open to all credentialed media 15 minutes following the conclusion of the match.
Field Access
Field access is restricted to media members carrying all-access or photography passes. Photographers must check-in with the head photo marshal, stationed inside the Field Level Photo Work Room, to receive the proper media vest that ensures field access.
Broadcast non-rights holders are only allowed to shoot the first 15 minutes of each half.
Other Club Policies
Conduct
Media credentials are issued with the purpose to produce Atlanta United-related content due to specific field and locker access. Pursuant the MLS Media Access Policy, media members guilty of the following actions may result in seizure of credential and/or ejection of its wearer from the stadium or training facility:
- Requesting autographs at any time.
- Taking photographs with players/coaches
- Using credential for family or friends of working media members
- Conducting unauthorized interviews
- Unprofessional behavior (Cheering in the press box, consumption of alcoholic beverages, failure to abide by posted rules, etc.)
In addition to the above, still-use cameras are prohibited within the club’s locker room, unless given prior approval.
Use of the press box is designated for working media. Members are not permitted to use that access to take in the game as a supporter. In addition, cheering is not permitted in the Atlanta United press box and will be subject to removal from the area.