Atlanta United has introduced a new alternate jersey that pays tribute to the 1996 Summer Olympics by incorporating the iconic Centennial Olympic green alongside the club’s trademark gold. The unveiling took place at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, where season ticket holders witnessed the debut of the special kit alongside former Olympians and gold medalists. This launch marks the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Games, a milestone that reshaped the city’s sporting identity.
Commemorating Three Decades Since Atlanta’s Olympic Moment
The timing of this release resonates deeply, as Atlanta prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering another chance for the city to shine on the international sports stage. The design embodies a shared pride that transcends the sport itself, reflecting the significance of representing one’s city and country on such a prestigious platform. Former Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who has played for the United States in both the Olympics and World Cup, spoke about the emotional weight of wearing a jersey steeped in this history.
“You see how excited athletes get when they get to put that on,”
Guzan said.
“Regardless of what it looks like, good, bad, indifferent when you see that pride as an athlete, a fellow athlete, put that jersey on for the first time or in competition it reminds you why you compete, why you sacrifice.”
– Brad Guzan, Former Atlanta United Goalkeeper and U.S. National Team Player
Guzan’s experience highlights the honor and motivation that come with competing under a legacy tied to both Olympic and World Cup traditions, while also having helped Atlanta United secure an MLS championship.
Voices from Iconic Olympians Celebrate Atlanta’s Global Role
Edwin Moses, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and notable hurdler in 1976 and 1984, emphasized Atlanta’s unique position as a hub for international visitors. As a Morehouse College graduate, Moses pointed to the city’s robust public transit system as a symbol of its worldwide reach and diversity.
“All you have to do is look at MARTA,”
Moses said.
“People coming up from all over the place. All over the world, all types of languages. It’s great that Atlanta has that kind of crowd.”
– Edwin Moses, Olympic Champion and Morehouse College Alumnus
The Kit’s Significance for Fans and the City’s Sporting Legacy
For Atlanta United supporters, this green-and-gold jersey is more than an aesthetic choice—it is a tribute connecting those who recall the 1996 Olympics to younger fans anticipating Atlanta’s role in hosting major 2026 World Cup matches. The uniform serves as a visual reminder of the city’s continuing legacy as an international sports destination. Starting with the 2026 season, Atlanta United will don this distinctive kit, highlighting the ongoing story of the city’s involvement in world-class athletic events.
