CLEMSON, S.C. — Gary Stokan, the CEO and President of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl made it clear final week that it was not his group’s concept to shut off the higher deck of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta when No. 4 Clemson performs Georgia Tech on Labor Day evening as a part of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Traditional.
On Saturday, when No. 3 Georgia performs 11th-ranked Oregon, 71,000 individuals are anticipated to promote out the identical venue within the different Chick-fil-A Kickoff Traditional recreation. Clemson followers alone would have executed the identical in its recreation, however the people at Georgia Tech made positive that didn’t occur.
Why?
Based on Stokan, Georgia Tech needed to have the identical expertise and ambiance for the Clemson recreation because it had final 12 months when the Yellow Jackets closed off the higher deck previous to their upset of then-No. 20 North Carolina.
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I name hogwash!
Tech closed off the higher deck of final 12 months’s UNC recreation as a result of they weren’t going to come back near promoting 71,000 tickets in that stadium, particularly with the Yellow Jackets program being down. When the Tar Heels performed at Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2019, attendance was 45,044, almost 10,000 lower than its 55,000-seat capability.
Georgia Tech capped final 12 months’s UNC recreation at Mercedes-Benz at 42,500, attributable to a scarcity of curiosity in Geoff Collins’ program. So, from a beauty standpoint, it made sense to shut off the higher deck.
Based on the Atlanta Journal-Structure, this time final 12 months, Tech officers deliberate to maintain the capability for the Clemson recreation to 71,000.
What modified their thoughts?
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Clearly, there’s a lack of curiosity from the Georgia Tech facet, however not at Clemson.
Tech’s common dwelling attendance final 12 months was 37,333, its lowest dwelling attendance since 1989. Clemson, then again, has bought 55,000 season tickets for the upcoming 2022 season, 60,000 should you depend the 5,000 season tickets bought by the scholars.
Additionally, contemplate this: Clemson has a big alumni base within the Atlanta space and Clemson followers are recognized for touring effectively, particularly when a recreation is just some hours up the street from the Upstate of South Carolina.
In my view, the rationale Tech is capping the sport at 42,500 is easy. The Yellow Jackets need to preserve Clemson followers out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Clemson obtained an allotment of 4,300 tickets from Georgia Tech to promote to its followers, per ACC tips. Tiger followers absolutely snatched up extra by means of the secondary market, like they all the time do once they go to Georgia Tech.
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Not counting 2020, when Bobby Dodd Stadium was capped at 11,000 attributable to COVID restrictions, the Clemson video games of 2016 (53,932) and 2018 (50,595) have been the Yellow Jackets’ largest crowds in every of these revered seasons. In each instances, there was a powerful Clemson presence within the stadium.
This isn’t the primary time Georgia Tech has tried one thing like this. In 1977, after seeing Clemson was turning the nook with its soccer program, then Yellow Jackets’ head coach Pepper Rodgers backed out of his deal to play Clemson in 1978 and discontinued the sequence altogether.
After all, this led to the delivery of Clemson’s $2 invoice custom.
George Bennett, left, former Govt Secretary of IPTAY and long-time Clemson supporter, talks with former Clemson Sports activities Info Director Tim Bourret after a Clemson College soccer press convention on October 22, 2019. Bennett is the person liable for beginning Clemson’s $2 invoice custom, which started with Clemson’s journey to Georgia Tech in 1977.
Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY Sports activities Community
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On the time, IPTAY’s Govt Secretary, George Bennett needed to indicate the companies and the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce how a lot of an impression the Clemson fan base and alumni made on the native financial system once they got here to city.
“We weren’t going to any bowl video games at the moment, so this was our large recreation of the 12 months,” Bennett recalled. “We’re going to Atlanta, and we’re going to have a great time.
“We have been taking 15,000 to 17,000 individuals down there for that weekend and our individuals would go down there on Wednesday and the wives would store and all this sort of stuff and keep at these fancy motels and all of that. We actually loved happening there.”
That’s when Bennett got here up with an concept that has become one of many extra distinctive traditions in faculty soccer … Clemson’s $2 invoice custom.
“I acquired the thought and went to (then-Clemson head coach) Charlie Pell and mentioned, ‘Here’s what we have to do whether it is okay with you. We’re going to take two-dollar payments down there and we’re going to present the individuals in Atlanta how a lot cash they’re lacking by doing this.’ We publicized, wrote letters about it, put it within the IPTAY Report and advised them to take two-dollar payments with them,” Bennett mentioned.
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The Clemson followers didn’t let Bennett down. Tiger followers lined the town with $2 payments. They paid for his or her lodge rooms with $2 payments. They shopped utilizing $2 payments and so they paid for all their meals with $2 payments. It turned such a narrative, The Atlanta Journal-Structure wrote a number of tales about it, whereas native tv stations reported on it as effectively.
The $2 invoice was first commissioned in 1862, and so they haven’t been issued since 2003. When one makes its approach right into a enterprise, the store, restaurant or lodge proprietor goes to note. It’s going to depart an impression.
“The waitresses within the motels and eating places have been speaking about it. Cab drivers, bellhops, and all of that,” Bennett mentioned whereas laughing. “Pepper Rodgers advised me in Memphis a number of years later that was the perfect promotion that he had ever heard. He mentioned, ‘You actually acquired your level throughout to the individuals in Atlanta and to Georgia Tech and the way a lot cash they have been going to be lacking.’”
It looks like on Labor Day, Clemson followers must fill the town of Atlanta with $2 payments, simply to let the town know the way a lot cash Georgia Tech has value them as soon as once more.
Word: Excerpts from Will Vandervort’s ebook, Hidden Historical past of Clemson Soccer, have been used on this story. Should you want to buy this ebook, you will discover it right here.
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There’s an absolute nightmare scenario brewing on the horizon for the Atlanta Braves. If New York Yankees superstar Juan Soto signs in the National League East, either with the New York Mets or Philadelphia Phillies, the Braves will need to match that signing with a blockbuster move of their own.
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FanSided’s Christopher Kline pointed this doomsday scenario out this week, noting three moves the Braves could make to combat this potential nightmare signing. At the top of Kline’s list, he wrote, “Alex Bregman is the Braves infield solution nobody is talking about.”
That’s right. Kline is recommending the Braves sign the projected $119 million Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman while they already have an All-Star at the hot corner.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 21: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves turns a double play at second base against Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros in the third inning at Truist Park on… ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 21: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves turns a double play at second base against Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros in the third inning at Truist Park on April 21, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Alex Slitz/Getty Images
“The best front offices in the MLB are creative. On the surface, Alex Bregman isn’t a fit for Atlanta. He’s a battle-tested third baseman and the Braves already have an All-Star at the hot corner in Austin Riley,” Kline wrote. “That said, what if Bregman takes over second base and Albies moves to shortstop, a position he frequented before his ascent with Atlanta’s big-league squad?”
This idea is intriguing. There are likely better options out there for Atlanta if it wanted to pursue something like this though. Signing Willy Adames would be a better move. Signing Gleyber Torres would be a much more cost-effective one, though not as impactful.
But, if the Braves can lure Bregman away from Houston, they would have the ability to play either Albies or Bregman at shortstop. It’s not the worst idea. It’s a very interesting thought to put into your brain as free agency continues.
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With the Eastern Conference playoff bracket thrown into a blender after Round One, fourth-seed Orlando City now have a dream path to the MLS Cup final.
They must first get through Atlanta United in the second conference semifinal on Sunday, with the seven seed having stunned the regular season champions Inter Miami two weeks ago.
Lionel Messi’s Herons were not the only top team in the East to be sent packing early, as the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati were also forced to exit early, leaving Orlando as the highest remaining seed left in the field.
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It’s now or never for Oscar Pareja, but a matchup against Atlanta, who will be flying high and full of confidence after springing an all-time upset, presents its own problems.
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United live stream, TV channel
All MLS Cup playoff matches are available to watch exclusively on MLS Season Pass from Apple TV.
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With the home stretch in view, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is being offered at its lowest price of the season. Fans can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for just $9.99 to catch the remainder of the 2024 season, including the MLS Cup playoffs. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the 2024 season and playoffs.
What time is Orlando City vs. Atlanta United kickoff?
This Eastern Conference semifinal match kicks off from Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday, November 24 at 3:30 p.m. local time in Orlando, FL.
Here’s how that time translates across the time zones in North America:
Date
Kickoff time
Eastern Time
Sun, Nov. 24
3:30 p.m.
Central Time
Sun, Nov. 24
2:30 p.m.
Mountain Time
Sun, Nov. 24
1:30 p.m.
Pacific Time
Sun, Nov. 24
12:30 p.m.
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United lineups & team news
The international break was good to Orlando City, who are now nearly at full strength for the stretch run of the postseason.
Backup goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar is the only player still nursing a fitness issue, as he is done for the year after a broken leg back in June. Playmaker Facundo Torres is in great form, having scored twice in Round One, including Orlando’s 100th-minute equalizer in game three which saved their season.
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Orlando City projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Gallese (GK) — Thorhallsson, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos — C. Araujo, Cartagena — F. Torres, Ojeda, Angulo — Enrique.
Atlanta United picked up a few fresh injury concerns in the last few weeks, including a few not yet shaken.
Defender Brooks Lennon dislocated his shoulder in the playoff opener and is out for the remainder of the postseason run, while Edwin Mosquera had knee surgery earlier this month and is unlikely to return unless Atlanta United reach the final.
Atlanta United projected starting lineup (4-4-2): Guzan (GK) — Hernandez, R. Williams, Abram — Lobzhanidze, Slisz, McCarty, Muyumba, Amador — Thiare, Miranchuk.
Orlando City vs. Atlanta United prediction, betting odds & lines
Score prediction: Orlando City 2-2 Atlanta United
Atlanta United proved a thorn in the side of Inter Miami all season long, but they still have to prove they are more than just a matchup problem for one top MLS side. Thankfully for them, they may also be a matchup issue for their next opponent, having beaten Orlando both meetings this season — the third match of the year and the final match of the regular season.
Orlando are in good form, but needed a penalty shootout win over Charlotte to advance to this position. There should be chances for both sides to take hold of this game, and that should result in an entertaining affair, even if it ultimately cancels out.
It is a gloomy morning in Atlanta, but for Brad Guzan, it feels like a warm, sunny day. The veteran Atlanta United goalkeeper could have been planning his offseason, gone fishin’ for a few weeks while he waited for news of what the team will look like in 2025. Instead, he’s in his normal routine. He’s working. He’s preparing for a match. And he’s happy.
“It feels that much better when you’re training with a real purpose, hopefully for MLS Cup,” Guzan said to ESPN.
His stops on Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and the rest of Inter Miami’s superstar squad earned him the right to keep working. Atlanta won the second two matches of a three-game series in Round One of the MLS Cup playoffs.
Even in the first game, the 40-year-old Guzan looked like a goalkeeper in top form. He made eight saves in the defeat, then one in the home victory and nine in the critical clincher, a 3-2 win at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale that vanquished one of the best MLS teams of all time and sent Atlanta into the next round.
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Guzan and Atlanta United now are preparing for the Eastern Conference semifinal against Orlando City, three steps away from lifting MLS Cup.
“We’re probably not as shocked as people on the outside that we’re in this position,” Guzan said.
Not as shocked, but maybe still a bit surprised. After all, Inter Miami didn’t just have a lot of stars. The team put together the best-ever MLS regular season, earning 74 points to set a record for most points in a campaign.
And Atlanta United didn’t just have a rocky season. They fired manager Gonzalo Pineda after winning just four of their first 16 matches. They fired technical director Carlos Bocanegra after the summer transfer window. Even before Bocanegra’s departure, the team had started to strip the roster for parts, preparing for a winter overhaul with a new general manager and a new coach giving their input about the right players to bring to the club.
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Standout attacking midfielder Thiago Almada left for Botafogo for what the club said was a league-record fee. Consistent forward Giorgos Giakoumakis joined Liga MX side Cruz Azul. Atlanta also let go of homegrown product Caleb Wiley, who moved to Chelsea.
The Five Stripes received $42 million in combined transfer fees for the trio. The soccer-valuation site Transfermarkt assesses what’s left of Atlanta United’s squad at little more than $36 million.
The team wasn’t left entirely to fend for itself. Russian forward Aleksei Miranchuk arrived from Serie A and was an important part of Atlanta’s three playoff wins so far. They also added left back Pedro Amador, who has impressed and registered four assists in the playoffs.
Incoming players must beat out the existing players, though, something Guzan knows well. After an inconsistent 2023, the team signed Josh Cohen, a goalkeeper with UEFA Champions League experience after several seasons starting at Maccabi Haifa. Yet, Guzan kept the No. 1 job despite competition from the younger player.
“I’ve always said I don’t need an external motivator for me to go into work and train and ultimately go into games,” Guzan said. “I’m my biggest critic. I fully expect a club of Atlanta United’s level to bring in players to challenge at all positions — not just goalkeeper — and I’m not naive to think I’m going to play forever. But I do think I’m able to offer something to the group that is beneficial.
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“Obviously, last year wasn’t ideal from an individual standpoint, so it was a moment I wanted to try and rectify.”
Guzan should be able to consider it forgiven by Atlanta’s passionate fan base, one that has come to expect success since the team won MLS Cup in 2018, its second season in existence.
Since then, expectant fans have largely been disappointed. Atlanta returned to the Eastern Conference final in 2019 but hadn’t won a playoff series until their upset of Miami this month.
This year didn’t look like it would be the year that changed that, but the team started gathering momentum late in the year under interim manager Rob Valentino. They lost just once in their last six and secured victories over the New York Red Bulls and Orlando City in the last two weeks of the season to reach the postseason. Once there, they fought CF Montreal to a 2-2 draw with Guzan making a save in the penalty shootout to set up the first-round showdown with Inter Miami.
A May win in Fort Lauderdale, plus a September draw with the Herons in Atlanta helped boost belief that the Five Stripes could hang with the top seed.
“They had a great season, they set the point record and obviously have big-name players, but we went into it with confidence,” Guzan said.
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Some of that confidence came from Guzan. A goalkeeper who has been in big moments for the U.S. national team and with Aston Villa in the Premier League, it was evident early on in the series that Guzan wasn’t going to go quietly in the series. From the saves he made to the viral moment in which he ended up stuck in the net after a shove while Miami tried to chase the match, Guzan set the tone for the rest of the Atlanta team.
“I think he has an intense focus, almost a look in his eyes that ‘this is go time,’” Valentino told ESPN. “When the team can see something like that, I think it’s infectious.
“He makes a save, and he’s got some aura about him almost. It bleeds through the team. His voice alone is something the team feeds off of, and he’s been huge in this run of games.”
As the lowest seed left in the playoffs, Atlanta United now go on the road again to face Orlando City. The team will need to look to Guzan’s example — plus get performances from field players like the ones they got against Miami — if the journey will continue. Yet, there once again is internal belief that they can secure an upset.
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“Ultimately, what I’ve been telling the group is that it doesn’t matter what anybody said on the outside — good or bad,” Valentino said. “It wasn’t me fostering [confidence], it was us fostering it together and having internal belief in ourselves and what we can do on the field. The way we operate on a day-to-day basis? People can’t see that.”
While very few people expected Atlanta to get to that point, and even some on the inside had to be doubting their chances, the team feels they now have a clear goal — one that they are three wins away from securing.
“It has to be MLS Cup,” Guzan said. “It’s about trophies. It’s about winning, especially at this point in the season.”
It’s a goal that would keep him working well into December, keep the cold winter feeling plenty pleasant and would continue to shock just about everyone, maybe even Atlanta United themselves.
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