In a move that cements Georgia’s growing reputation as a national hub for innovation and sport, U.S. Soccer has selected Fayetteville as the future home of its new national headquarters and training facility. The $250 million project – officially named the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center – promises to be a game-changer, not just for American soccer, but for the local community as well.
Following the site announcement in 2024, construction swiftly began on Veterans Parkway. The decision to anchor U.S. Soccer’s future in Fayetteville was not made lightly. According to Chelle Adams, Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Soccer, the choice came after a comprehensive feasibility study, conducted with support from Deloitte, which evaluated over 100 data points to assess potential regions across the country.
Adams states Fayetteville “became the clear choice by meeting key criteria,” including climate, community diversity, and long-term economic potential. She elaborates that the proximity to important community amenities and infrastructure, like hotels, restaurants, schools, and housing seen in the continually growing Town of Trilith, as well as to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport makes the location an appealing and easy access point for players, referees, coaches, U.S. Soccer members, and the entire soccer community across the country.
The facility will mark a historic milestone for the U.S. Soccer Federation. While many top soccer nations have long benefited from centralized, state-of-the-art training centers, this will be the first such facility of its kind in the Federation’s 100+ year history. Adams calls the new site “the heartbeat of our Federation,” a home base that will elevate the development of U.S. Soccer’s 27 National Teams and serve as a national gathering space for players, coaches, and referees alike, fostering collaboration, education, and development under one roof. “We see the National Training Center as the hub of knowledge and resources for players, coaches, and referees,” Adams says.
The benefits of the project are already rippling through the community. Adams emphasizes the Federation’s commitment to making a meaningful local impact – not just for soccer, but for Fayette County’s residents. “We truly believe this project will benefit not only U.S. Soccer and players across the country but also the residents of Fayette County, Metro Atlanta, and the state of Georgia—both economically and culturally.”
A prime example of this local investment can be seen at McCurry Park South. In partnership with Fayette County and the Fayette County Youth Soccer League, U.S. Soccer has funded enhancements to five soccer fields there. These upgrades provide a high-quality training environment for the Federation’s youth and extended national teams, while also creating long-term value for local families and players who will continue to use the fields for years to come.
Beyond the game itself, the broader economic impact is substantial. The one-time economic infusion from construction is expected to reach $250 million. Once fully operational in 2027, the National Training Center is projected to generate $107 million annually for the local economy and produce $2.9 million in state and local tax revenue. The development will also bring more than 1,200 construction jobs to the region, and once open, the facility will host a daily campus population of over 250 U.S. Soccer staff, welcoming more than 215,000 visitors each year.
Spanning 200 acres, the facility will include 17 outdoor soccer fields, indoor courts, locker rooms, classrooms, high-performance training areas, dining spaces, and the new U.S. Soccer headquarters. It will host training camps for the full range of national teams, including Senior, Youth, and Extended, along with coaching and referee certification clinics, member gatherings, and community events open to the public.
Adams believes the center will become a powerful symbol of unity and aspiration. “We believe the National Training Center will be a source of inspiration for the millions of children and adults involved in soccer across the country,” she says. “The National Training Center will provide a unified location for all of our National Teams to train and develop, promoting synergy and collaboration.”
Construction remains on track for a spring 2026 opening, led by the renowned architectural firm Gensler and general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie. In the meantime, the U.S. Soccer staff is already immersing itself in the local area, exploring new opportunities for outreach and connection.
“From our Wednesday night kickball team to showing up at local career fairs, we’re excited to be the newest neighbors in Fayette County,” Adams says with a smile.
As U.S. Soccer looks to the future, its presence in Fayetteville signals more than just the building of fields and offices. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, one rooted in access, development, innovation, opportunity, and national pride.
To stay informed on the progress of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, go to ussoccer.com or follow @ussoccer on social media.
"...we’re excited to be the newest neighbors in Fayette County”