With a backhoe and some shovels officials broke ground Tuesday on Marietta's Franklin Gateway Sports Complex.

To Marietta’s soccer fans, it could mean a home. The city doesn’t have a soccer facility.

It cost about $3.9 million to buy and raze the Preston Chase apartments that once stood on the land, and about $7 million to build the complex.

The master rendering for the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex in Marietta.

Credit: City of Marietta

icon to expand image

Credit: City of Marietta

The money to buy the apartments came from a 2009 bond. There will be three turf fields.

This complex will be down the road from the Atlanta United training facility that broke ground earlier this year.

Team owner Arthur Blank has said he hopes Atlanta will become a top destination for soccer in America.

On Tuesday, October 18, 2016, Marietta held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the future home of Franklin Gateway Sports Complex. Photo courtesy the City of Marietta.

Credit: Lindsey Wiles

icon to expand image

Credit: Lindsey Wiles

The city was given a $45,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation for lighting at the new complex in April.

The groundbreaking capped a busy couple of days for soccer, as Atlanta United earned the top pick of the Major League Soccer expansion draft with the flip of a coin.

Check out more pictures from the groundbreaking event and watch  a short video, both from the city of Marietta:

Franklin Gateway Sports Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony

Posted by City of Marietta, Ga., Government on Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Like Cobb County News Now on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The shooting happened at a home on Daventry Crossing off Alabama Road on Sunday, officials said.

Credit: Henri Hollis

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC