Atlanta United FC could relocate its practice facilities to Marietta if site preparations at the team's chosen site in DeKalb County run into problems.
The team is continuing to evaluate land in Marietta, but the agreement to build a $35 million soccer complex DeKalb remains in place, and soil testing on 41 acres near Memorial Drive is ongoing, said Elena Cizmaric, a spokeswoman for the team.
“We made the decision to concurrently complete our land due diligence on the Marietta site (started before deciding on DeKalb), but only as a backup in the event that the due diligence process in DeKalb County does not reach a successful conclusion,” Cizmaric said in a statement. “We remain confident that we will build the Atlanta United training complex in DeKalb County.”
The DeKalb Commission voted 4-3 last month to approve a deal that includes about $12 million in incentives, including up to $5 million for land preparation on the site near the county jail.
In exchange, the team will build a corporate headquarters, a 3,500-seat stadium and several practice fields before its inaugural season begins in 2017.
DeKalb spokesman Burke Brennan said land preparation costs are within budget, and any additional expenses would have to be approved by the county commission.
“We’ve got an agreement, we’re proceeding with it, and this is a normal part of the process for a development of this magnitude,” Brennan said. “We’re optimistic that everything will be fine.”
— AJC reporter Doug Roberson contributed to this article.
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