While the Copa America Centenario kicked off in a sour fashion last night for the United States, the same cannot be said for the support shown by the city of Atlanta. American Outlaws Atlanta hosted a watch party at Red Brick Brewing Company for the opening match and it was a complete and utter success.
A source tells DSS that more than 400 people showed up at the modestly sized venue and packed the place. So many showed up that people were actually turned away at the door because of capacity issues.
#AOAtlantaFamily ❤️⚽️ @AmericanOutlaws pic.twitter.com/ubraguCGHO
— American Outlaws ATL (@atlantaoutlaws) June 4, 2016
Songs were sung as the crowd cheered the USA during their 2-0 loss to Colombia. More than $700 was raised by AO Atlanta for local non-profit soccer organization Soccer in the Streets. Those proceeds will help fund the supporter group's team in the upcoming ATL Nations Cup in July.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6594507/IMG_0070.0.PNG)
Seriously impressive turnout at @RedBrickBrewing tonight. Great job to everyone involved! #USAvCOL #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/C5YY1fS3rW
— Terminus Legion (@TerminusLegion) June 4, 2016
The majority of the Atlanta United brass, including Darren Eales, Richard Money and the owner himself Arthur Blank, were in attendance as were all of the team's individual supporters groups.
If there was any doubt beforehand, this event proves that Atlanta is soccer crazy and 2017 cannot get here soon enough.