The Daily Dirt, November 2: For Rent

Like it or not, Atlanta United won’t open their inaugural MLS season in their brand new, state of the art, insert more fancy descriptions, billion-plus dollar stadium. Due to issues beyond the club’s control, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will not be ready for use until “summer.”

Instead of putting the team at even more of a disadvantage in their first year, the club’s top decision makers chose to open the season in Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.

While a portion of the Atlanta United fan base may not like it, that’s how it’s played out. This was not an easy decision for the club as it will cost them a pretty penny. The AJC obtained a copy of the agreement between Atlanta United and Georgia Tech. You can get the full details here.

When it’s all totaled up, this decision will likely end up costing the MLS club in excess of $1 million. $45,000 will be the cost of rent per match, with more than $600,000 being paid in full for locker-room accommodations and field maintenance.

It’s not the best of situations for either the club or the fans, but it’s the route they’ve chosen to give the team the best chance to succeed in year one. In the end, that’s the most important thing, right?

Domestic

David Villa won’t face suspension for the second leg of NYCFC vs. Toronto FC (MLS Soccer)

International

Two amazing goals in the Champions League yesterday:

Manchester City finally slayed the beast that is Barcelona (Bitter and Blue)