You've Got Questions, We've Got (Slightly Sweaty) Answers: How Long Does an Atlanta United FC Game Actually Last?
Let's face it, Atlanta. You love your soccer. You love the Five Stripes. You love rocking the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with chants so loud it rattles the windows in Buckhead. But there's one burning question that plagues even the most die-hard fan: exactly how long does an Atlanta United game last?
Fear not, fellow soccer enthusiast! We're here to break it down, with enough sass to keep you entertained longer than a VAR decision.
The Short Answer (For Those Who Want the TL;DR)
An Atlanta United game typically runs for around two hours. This includes:
- Two 45-minute halves (because, you know, soccer isn't like that sport where everyone gets a participation trophy... just sayin')
- A glorious 15-minute halftime (perfect for scarfing down that overpriced stadium food and pretending you understand what the commentators are saying)
- Stoppage time (aka "injury time" for the romantics out there). This is when the ref adds extra minutes at the end of each half to account for, well, injuries, substitutions, and that epic goal celebration that took forever.
So, basically, plan for a two-hour adventure. But hey, with the electric atmosphere, the heart-stopping plays, and the chance to witness Josef Martinez do something magical, those two hours will fly by faster than a Gareth Bale free kick.
The Long Answer (For Those Who Like to Deep Dive)
Now, if you're the kind of fan who likes to know the nitty-gritty, here's a deeper look at the time vortex that is an Atlanta United game:
- Stoppage time can be a real wild card. Sometimes it's a quick two minutes, other times it feels like they're playing an entire extra game. It all depends on how much time is wasted by players taking forever to throw in a ball or that dramatic fake injury that fooled no one (we're looking at you, opposing team).
- Don't forget pre-game festivities! The party starts early at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Factor in some time to grab a beer, sing your heart out to the anthem, and (of course) marvel at the hypnotizing tunnel walk.
- Post-game celebrations (or commiseration) can add some extra time. Let's be honest, who leaves right after the final whistle? You gotta soak up the atmosphere, high-five your fellow fans, and maybe shed a tear or two if we snagged a last-minute victory.
The point is, be prepared to be at the stadium for a good chunk of your day. But hey, isn't that what weekends are for? Surrounding yourself with passionate fans, cheering on the home team, and maybe even getting a selfie with the mascot (we're not judging).
How To FAQs for the Aspiring Atlanta United Fan:
- How to avoid awkward silences during halftime? Brush up on your ATL UTD trivia! Who was the first ever MVP? (Josef Martinez, duh!)
- How to pace yourself for the long haul? Hydrate, people! Those $10 stadium beers are dehydrating.
- How to impress your friends with your soccer knowledge? Learn the difference between a nutmeg and a bicycle kick. Bonus points for using them in a sentence.
- How to deal with a heartbreaking loss? There's always next game! Drown your sorrows in some delicious Atlanta street food (because, let's be real, that's the real win here).
- How to become a true Atlanta United fanatic? Wear your Five Stripes colors with pride, learn the chants (trust us, they're catchy), and be prepared to lose your voice cheering on the boys in red and black.