Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Atlanta's Soccer Specific Stadium!

From an email that I received earlier today:

The Atlanta Silverbacks have unveiled plans for a 15,000-seat stadium, reconfirming that Atlanta Silverbacks Park is the premier soccer-specific facility in the region. Atlanta Silverbacks Park, located at Spaghetti Junction (I-85 and I-285), will undergo considerable construction in the coming months.


The four phase construction project will transform the park into the state’s finest soccer facility. The first phase began two years ago when the Silverbacks built two artificial turf fields and one grass field, state-of-the-art lighting and drainage systems, and parking. The rest of the recently unveiled plans call for three additional phases of construction: the second phase (scheduled to open June 3) will include a 3,000-seat stadium and a bar/restaurant; the third phase will include the expansion of the stadium to 7,500 seats, the addition of the health club and all its amenities, along with the relocation of the administrative headquarters for the Atlanta Silverbacks; the fourth phase calls for the addition of an upper deck that will increase the total capacity to 15,000-seats. The Atlanta Silverbacks Men and Women will play all their home games at the new stadium in the upcoming season.


The Director of Atlanta Silverbacks Park, Michael Oki, commented on the new project, “The goal for our long-term construction plan is to create a soccer-specific facility for the public to enjoy. During the first phase we accomplished our goal of creating a top-notch environment for the player, now we want to improve the atmosphere with the spectators in mind as well. With this new phase of development, we hope to create a complex that spectators, players, and coaches alike can enjoy.”


The new stadium will provide an atmosphere few soccer fans in the United States have an opportunity to experience. The world-class stadium will feature: individual seats which merge innovative artistic appearance with functionality; an elevated concourse enclosing the field – offering excellent vantage points; and many more services and facilities specifically created for the soccer fan.


In addition to the fans, the stadium caters to coaches and players as well, providing both with a top-of-the-line FieldTurf field, fully equiped locker rooms and extensive training rooms. With fans surrounding the field and only a few feet from the sidelines, the atmosphere in the stadium will surely provide a unique playing experience for all who step onto the field. Atlanta Silverbacks Park is quickly becoming known as a desired location for soccer organizations throughout the region and beyond, and the addition of the stadium will undoubtedly increase the drive to play at “the park”.


Oki expects the second phase of construction to be completed by June 2006, in time for the Atlanta Silverbacks Men’s and Women’s 2006 seasons. In total, the second phase of development will include the construction of the 3,000-seat stadium and bar/restaurant, the replacement of the grass field with an artificial field turf, and the construction of concessions, restrooms, and additional parking.


Several groups have collaborated on the more than $20-million project: Richard Taylor (Taylor Architecture) – Project Architect; Seth Ellington (Choate Construction) – Project Manager; James White (Breedlove Land Planning) – Civil Engineer; Matt Street (MZA Real Estate Services) - Development Manager.


For more information about the park, visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com/park