Anticipation built up over the course of an offseason, and two away matches to start the season, will finally be delivered upon. Atlanta United will play at home for the first time in the 2026 season. For one 5-Stripe, Saturday night will be a particularly special reunion with the 17s.

Head coach Tata Martino will take the touchline as the gaffer of Atlanta United for the first time since 2018. His squad is set to take on Real Salt Lake at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, March 7. 

Tata and the team's return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Much like last season's Home Opener, when Miguel Almirón made his reintroduction in Red and Black with the 17s, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be waiting to welcome an old friend home — on their side of the benches. Martino knows the power of the home supporters at MBS, from both his time with the 5-Stripes and as a visiting coach with Inter Miami. 

Though he's likely thinking about what the Home Opener match will look like for him individually, El Profe acknowledged the moment is much bigger than him

"For the us, for...