U.S. Soccer National Training Center to open in Fayetteville ahead of World Cup

Story Highlights

• The Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center opens in May 2026.
• Arthur Blank contributed $50 million toward the $250 million project in Fayetteville.
• 200-acre campus will house U.S. Soccer's 27 national teams and facilities.

As Atlanta prepares to host eight games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup series, the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center is positioning itself as a long-term driver of the sport's growth. When the 200-acre campus in Fayetteville, Georgia, opens in May, it will be home to U.S. Soccer's 27 national teams, including its senior men's and women's programs.

The training center will include 17 outdoor playing surfaces, multiple indoor training facilities, sport science and high-performance spaces, and dedicated headquarters for U.S. Soccer staff and partners. It aims to encourage competition, education, innovation and community engagement.

Arthur Blank, The Home Depot co-founder and Atlanta United owner, contributed $50 million for the center's construction. The total cost of the project is $250 million. Part of Blank's donation specifically went toward the construction of facilities for U.S. Soccer's nine Extended National Teams, particularly in support of the Cerebral Palsy, Deaf and Power (wheelchair) Soccer National Teams, including the design of locker rooms and training facilities to maximize accessibility for players.

Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center

U.S. Soccer Federation

FAST FACTS

• Project: Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center
• Address: 910 Veterans Parkway, Fayetteville
• Size: 200 acres
• Investment: $250 million
• Timeline: April 8, 2024, to May 2026

"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," said Blank at the groundbreaking for the center.

U.S. Soccer chose Fayetteville for its proximity to a major international airport as well as Downtown and metro area, year-round climate and potential for economic impact.

"The process has been a great example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration, clear communication and a shared commitment to our mission of being in service to soccer," wrote Tom Norton, general manager of the U.S. Soccer Federation, in an honoree survey to Atlanta Business Chronicle.

U.S. Soccer said the purpose of the training center is for philanthropic and commercial partners to create a lasting home for the sport. It also is designed for accessibility and inclusion.

"It will bring together athletes, coaches, referees, members, community leaders, fans and partners in one place strengthening collaboration and creating a shared identity that will help grow the game for generations to come," Norton wrote.

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