The Golden Spike Tradition -
The Golden Spike Tradition - Arthur Blank

On Matchday, an Atlanta tradition is born.

90 minutes before Atlanta United take the field, the players arrive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to sign the Golden Spike, followed by the club's faithful supporters (everyone is invited to sign it). Then, just minutes before the players walk out for kickoff, a select number of Atlanta United supporters march and carry the Golden Spike through the supporters section and to the platform fronting it. Join the supporters, join the movement, this is a relic signed by all, as a symbol of unity and strength.

The Golden Spike is then hammered into the railroad platform by a chosen ATLien with the stadium chanting…. A-T-L with every strike, a sound ringing true to our hearts.

After the final whistle, a smaller Golden Spike is awarded to a player, an honor voted on by the fans (via our app). In addition, he is also given one to keep as reminder of his performance, and the experience with the fans that he can cherish forever.

Be early, stay late, and be part of a culture driven by tradition and rooted in the ATL. Find out who's had the honor of hitting the Spike in each of our home matches below!

Spike Hitter: Nick Colley

October 5, 2024 vs. New York Red Bulls

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Cancer survivor

Spike Hitter: Offset

September 18, 2024 vs. Inter Miami

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Atlanta-native rapper Offset had the honor of hitting the Golden Spike ahead of Atlanta United's draw 2-2 vs Inter Miami.

Spike Hitter: Rhyne Howard

October 2, 2024 vs. CF Montréal

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Atlanta Dream shooting guard and Bronze Olympic medalist Rhyne Howard hit the Golden Spike vs CF Montréal

Spike Hitter: Kyle Pitts

July 20, 2024 vs. Columbus Crew

Spike hitter Kyle Pitts prior to the match against the Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on Saturday July 20, 2024. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta United)

Atlanta Falcons' tight end Kyle Pitts hit the Golden Spike before Atlanta United beat Columbus Crew 2-1.

Spike Hitter: Ronald Acuña, Jr.

September 14, 2024 vs. Nashville SC

Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball's National League MVP, Ronald Acuña Jr. hit the Golden Spike to kick off the Latin Heritage Month celebrations.

Spike Hitter: Cam Kirk

June 29, 2024 vs. Toronto FC

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Atlanta visionary and Morehouse alumni Cam Kirk hit the Golden Spike vs Toronto FC.

Spike Hitter: Derrick Hayes, Jr.

July 17, 2024 vs. New York City FC

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Atlanta's cheesesteak king Derrick Hayes Jr., founder and CEO of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, hammers home the Golden Spike.

Spike Hitter: Miss Lawrence

June 2, 2024 vs. Charlotte FC

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Actor, singer and former Real Housewifes of Atlanta star Miss Lawrence, hit the Golden Spike vs Charlotte FC.

Spike Hitter: Coy Dumas Jr.

June 15, 2024 vs. Houston Dynamo

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Coy Dumas, Jr., MARTA bus operator for 50 years hit the Golden Spike of Atlanta prior to our match vs Houston Dynamo.

Spike Hitter: Clint Capela

May 11, 2024 vs. D.C. United

Atlanta Hawks center and huge soccer fan Clint Capela hit the Golden Spike as Atlanta United hosted D.C. United.

Spike Hitter: Renee Montgomery

May 25, 2024 vs. LAFC

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Renee Montgomery, former basketball player and VP & part-owner of the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA hit the Spike vs LAFC.

Spike Hitter: Kirk Cousins

April 20, 2024 vs. FC Cincinnati

Atlanta United welcomed Kirk Cousins, NFL and Atlanta Falcons' new star quarterback to hit the Golden Spike in the match vs FC Cincinnati.

Spike Hitter: Andruw Jones

May 5, 2024 vs. Minnesota United

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Atlanta United welcomed former Atlanta Braves player Andruw Jones to hit the Golden Spike in the match vs Minnesota United.

Spike Hitter: Brandon Butler

March 31, 2024 vs. Chicago Fire

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Influencer, activist and founder of Butter.ATL, Brandon Butler, hit the Golden Spike as Atlanta United defeated Chicago Fire 3-0.

Spike Hitter: Killer Mike

April 4, 2024 vs. Philadelphia Union

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Grammy multi-award winner, rapper, producer, activist and actor Killer Mike hit the Golden Spike of Atlanta for Atlanta United draw vs Philadelphia Union.

Spike Hitter: Big Boi

March 9, 2024 vs. New England Revolution

Georgia native rapper, singer, record producer, actor and member of Outkast, Big Boi, hit the Golden Spike vs New England Revolution for Atlanta United's 2024 Home Opener.

Spike Hitter: Leah Edmond

March 17, 2024 vs. Orlando City SC

Atlanta Vibe Outside Hitter professional volleyball player Leah Edmond hit the Golden Spike, prior to our home match vs Orlando City SC, where we debuted the Resurgens Kit.

Click below to find out who else has hit The Golden Spike in previous years!