1996.
For some, it was just another year. Not for Atlanta.
The Centennial Olympics was a monumental time for a city built to shine. Welcoming the world, Atlanta played host to athletes and fans from all over the globe to witness excellence.
Thirty years later, all eyes are back on us.
Spirit of ’96 is Atlanta United’s new kit for the 2026 season, paying homage to the 30th anniversary of Atlanta hosting the Centennial Olympics Games. A kit just as memorable as the moments that inspired it.
“‘Spirit of ‘96’ bridges the 30-year gap between Atlanta’s defining moments on the global sports stage and pays homage to our city’s history of innovation and rising to the moment,” said Skate Noftsinger, Atlanta United Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer. “We’re home to the world’s busiest airport, we've birthed globally iconic brands and we’ve hosted the Olympics. This kit will honor Atlanta’s next moment on the world stage each time we sport it on the pitch.”
Launched on February 10, the jersey will serve as the club’s community kit for the 2026 season. It will make its debut at Mercedes-Benz Stadium March 21 when Atlanta United takes on D.C. United.
The elements of Spirit of ’96 are stitched with unity and crafted by triumph. Each feature is intentional in its honoring of 90s culture, the Centennial Olympics, Atlanta and more:
- The color scheme, reminiscent of the palette of the ’96 games, brings on that wave of nostalgia. The iconic green symbolizes the canopy that engulfs Atlanta. The prominence of gold cements the club’s presence on the world stage. A modern spin on the unforgettable, these colors are as true to the city today as they were 30 years ago.
- The crest, star-studded and entirely gold, resembles a gold medal, the pinnacle of Olympic success. The badge represents the club’s commitment to that same goal, and as always, sits over our heart.
- The sash, a streak of green down the front of the jersey, pins down the ’96 aesthetic. Within it lies a tapestry of leaves, multicolored to represent internationality.
- Inside the collar, the roman numerals MCMXCVI (1996) and MMXXVI (2026) are listed, celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Olympic Games coming to Atlanta and the connectivity of global sporting moments in Atlanta.
- The back of the neck features our city’s initials ATL, framed by a laurel wreath symbolizing victory and athletic achievement.
Spirit of ’96 is a reflection of the ambition that Atlanta possesses and the southern hospitality it radiates. The threads of the kit tell that story, one of welcoming folks from all around the world, one of athletic and sporting greatness.
Atlanta sits on the precipice of once again being the world’s focus, with eight 2026 FIFA World Cup matches coming to Mercedes-Benz Stadium over the summer. It’s only fitting that Atlanta United’s 2026 kit reflects the city’s propensity to earn the world’s attention. We don’t seek the spotlight, it follows us.
“‘Spirit of ‘96’ celebrates Atlanta’s debut as a global sports town while simultaneously shining a light on the big moments that will take place this year — before, during and after the World Cup,” Noftsinger said. “Our club will proudly wear the new Community kit as we look to entertain and unite Atlanta with exciting and inspired play in 2026 and beyond.”
Made from history and crafted for those who carry our spirit forward, Spirit of ’96 will be available to purchase beginning 11 a.m. tomorrow, Feb. 11. Check back here or at atlutd.com/spirit-of-96 to get yours.
