ATLANTA -- Arthur Blank stood before approximately 4,000 fans to celebrate the evolving identity of their new team.
Yes, Atlanta, your expansion Major League Soccer franchise, which debuts in March 2017, has been named Atlanta United FC. Your colors are black, red and gold. And your new stadium is under construction.
Nearly everyone gathered at an outdoor west side nightclub already knew the team's name after Sports Illustrated reported it two weeks ago.
The fans, many of whom cheered "Un-cle Ar-thur" as team owner Blank approached the podium, were equally enthusiastic when MLS commissioner Don Garber, team president Darren Eales and technical director Carlos Bocanegra took turns speaking.
The team is already open for business to sell tickets two years before playing its first game at a $1.4 billion stadium rising next door to the Georgia Dome.