Sustainability and state-of-the-art technology will be top of mind during construction of a first-ever national training center in Fayette County, Ga., for the U.S. Soccer Federation.
The project, pegged at more than $200 million, will include more than 200,000 square feet of high-performance facilities, locker rooms, meeting rooms and headquarters space. The federation is including energy-efficient systems and water reclamation projects into the facility to achieve LEED certification.
The venue will serve as headquarters for the soccer federation and create a central hub for the entire soccer community, including coaches and referees, so they can access best-in-class training, technology and infrastructure to promote successful and sustainable playing environments.
“We believe it is our responsibility to leverage the national training center as a home for soccer for all who participate in and love the game,” explains U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone. “We expect the site to act as a destination for specific membership, fan and community needs, such as professional development, training, experiences or meetings.
“Ultimately, we believe this project will be an overall net benefit to the entire landscape, allowing the U.S. to drive more investment into the ecosystem.”
The center is being built on more than 200 acres of land in Trilith, a master-planned community in Fayette County. The site was chosen because it is accessible and near Atlanta’s major international airport as well as downtown. The climate is also conducive to year-round programming.
A groundbreaking was held at the site recently and attended by politicians, dignitaries and representatives of the U.S. Soccer Federation. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp was on hand for the event. The venue is set to open in 2026.
Renderings of the complex show a U-shaped, two-storey office building with a large entranceway, flat roof and large floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by soccer fields.
The facility will be called the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in recognition of a $50-million contribution made to the project by Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of Atlanta United Football Club of Major League Soccer.
Part of the funds will specifically go toward construction of facilities for U.S. Soccer’s nine extended national teams, particularly in support of the Cerebral Palsy, deaf and wheelchair national teams, including thoughtful design of locker rooms and training facilities to maximize accessibility.
The facility will include full ADA accessibility for visitors and players not only within the building but also throughout the training ground. In addition, sustainability will be at the forefront of the design process and, as part of the LEED certification process, surrounding natural habitats will be protected.
The new training center will enable countless young men and women to chase their dreams, says Blank.
“This facility will be more than just a place to play soccer, it will be a hub that will serve as a beacon of joy and opportunity for the surrounding community, and for all who walk through its doors.”
Coca-Cola Company is also a founding partner. In July 2023, the company and U.S. Soccer entered into a long-term partnership agreement that included a $5-million grant to fund the training center’s youth and workforce development programs called A Journey to a Better Life.
Gensler is the architect and interior designer of the project. The firm has designed some of the world’s most remarkable corporate office spaces and iconic sports facilities and was recently named designer of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Stadium premium spaces ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Developer is Four Stones Real Estate.
Colin O’Brien, regional managing principal at Gensler, says the firm is thrilled the Greater Atlanta area was chosen for the new center.
“Our sports experts at Gensler are at the forefront of the industry, implementing innovative amenities and technologies that revolutionize athlete health and performance. With this project, we look forward to incorporating these state-of-the-art features and supporting the next wave of soccer athletes for generations to come.”
The site for the new center was chosen after looking at nine different locations within the wider Metro Atlanta area.
The complex will include more than a dozen soccer fields and over 100,000 square feet of indoor courts for all 27 U.S. Soccer national teams, including senior men and women, youth teams and extended national teams.
The training center will create an estimated 400-plus new jobs.
According to Cone, the center will directly support each element of the federation’s strategic vision, most notably growing the game and developing winning teams.
“At U.S. Soccer, we know our responsibility for a national training center is one of stewardship. We feel a deep sense of responsibility to leverage such an incredible asset to help everyone across the soccer ecosystem thrive and find a home in this sport for life.”
Atlanta is one of 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will include 48 teams and 104 matches under a new expanded format, making it the largest World Cup in history.
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