Atlanta United fan and Australian resident Nick Punal has started a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to raise enough money to potentially fly from Sydney to Atlanta to attend the scheduled opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 30. The Five Stripes will host Orlando City in the inaugural game at the $1.5 billion stadium.

Some of Atlanta United’s supporter groups are using social media to spread the word of Punal’s efforts.

Punal founded an Atlanta United supporters group in Australia.

He hopes to raise $3,400.

Punal sent this email on Tuesday: “… it’s incredible the amount of support I’ve received from everyone in Atlanta Georgia. It’s like a long lost family I have only just reconnected with!

“If you’d told me 3 months ago this would be happening I would not have believed you!!!

“To potentially have the opportunity to attend the MB stadium inauguration WITH my newfound ATLUTD family is like waking up from a dream! Is it real? Is it happening?

“Just want to say a MASSIVE ThankYou to everyone who will be coming on board for this incredible journey… Literally!!

About the Author

Keep Reading

Dan Merriman (left) accepts the $50,000 check and trophy from Georgia PGA executive director Scott Geary for winning The Drew, Nov. 3, 2026, at East Lake Golf Club. (Stan Awtrey)

Credit: Stan Awtrey

Featured

Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez