AMBSE News
Spelman College Receives $10 Million Grant from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Spelman College announced a $10 million grant from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to support an on-campus creative hub for young entrepreneurs. The funding will establish the Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab, a campus-wide resource for entrepreneurial ideation, unconventional research, experimental pedagogy and exploratory play.
In addition to cutting edge technology tools, the Lab will house the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, which will guide students through an entrepreneurship curriculum and a number of rich co-curricular activities, that will serve as the foundation for the creation of new businesses and bridge the gap between students with competitive ideas and venture capital firms.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Grants $15 Million To The Cooper Institute
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has granted $15 million to The Cooper Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting life-long health and wellness through preventative medicine, guided by research, education and advocacy. The grant will preserve the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, establish a Prevention Research chair in honor of Dr. Cooper and support research to promote healthy aging.
Atlanta United News
"Forest Kit” Unveiled at the Atlanta United Kit Launch, Presented by American Family Insurance
Atlanta United unveiled its secondary kit, named the “Forest Kit,” in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park at a sold-out event for Season Ticket Members Saturday night. Surrounded by Piedmont Park’s greenery in the Promenade, supporters enjoyed a festival-style event with music entertainment, and activations put on by Atlanta United partners, Mercedes-Benz, Trees Atlanta, AJC, and AT&T. In addition, attendees were able to sample drink products from Atlanta United’s partners, Coca-Cola, Captain Morgan, and Jagermeister.
The Forest Kit serves as a symbol of the club’s commitment to environmental sustainability while paying tribute to Atlanta’s nickname of “a city in the forest.” The event also marked the start of Atlanta United’s partnership with non-profit group Trees Atlanta, which together they will plant up to 1,000 trees across the city.
Atlanta United Block Party
Over 2,000 fans gathered in Pullman Yards to celebrate the start of the MLS 2022 season. Guests enjoyed live music, tailgate games, giveaways, and activations put on by some of our partners, Captain Morgan, AJC, Publix, Coca-Cola, and Heineken. In addition, Lunazul, Deep Eddy, and Jagermeister offered premium cocktails to attendees. The night ended on a high note with a live performance from rapper B.o.B.
Atlanta United Corporate partners were hosted in the VIP tent and platform with the best view of the stage. VIP guests received the new Forest Kit Scarf, an exclusive item that has yet to be released to the public.
Atlanta United Wins Season Opener 3-1 vs. Sporting Kansas City
Atlanta United defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in its 2022 MLS season opener Sunday in front of 67,523 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Luiz Araújo and Dom Dwyer each scored in the first half while 17-year-old Homegrown Caleb Wiley iced the game with a late goal in his MLS debut to give Atlanta the win in its first-ever season opener in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta United 2022 Mexico Preseason
Atlanta United traveled to Guadalajara where they spent two weeks training daily and scrimmaging three Mexican professional clubs, Celaya FC, Chivas de Guadalajara and Tepatitlán FC.
In addition to their on field duties, the team and staff participated in a number of team activities and off-site excursions such as touring the Lunazul Distillery, enjoying the local cuisine and Mariachi music.
Club Atlas and State Department leadership welcomed Atlanta United upon arrival to their facility where the team trained during their time in Mexico. Club President Darren Eales, Head Coach Gonzalo Pineda, and Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra represented Atlanta United, where the two sides exchanged gifts as a ceremonial gesture.
Atlanta United Players Called Up to National Team Rosters
Six Atlanta United players were called up to represent their countries during the international window late January and early February. Miles Robinson and Brooks Lennon were added to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster while U.S. U-20 team called on new first-team signee Caleb Wiley. Josef Martínez and Ronald Hernández started both matches with Venezuela Men’s National Team and Machop Chol represented South Sudan Men’s National Team.
Atlanta United Makes Roster Moves in the Off Season
Four new players were added to Atlanta United’s 2022 roster: Dom Dwyer, Thiago Almada, Ronald Hernandez and Bobby Shuttleworth. Midfielder Ezequiel Barco and forward Erik Lopez were loaned to Argentinian clubs, Atlético River Plate and Atlético Banfield. After four seasons with United, the team has transferred George Bello to Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld.
2022 MLS SuperDraft
With the 19th overall pick, Atlanta United selected forward Erik Centeno out of the University of the Pacific. Centeno is part of the 2022 Generation Adidas class as one of eight highly touted prospects in this year's draft.
At pick number 47, Atlanta United selected Tristan Trager from Air Force. Trager was named Offensive Player of the Year for the Western Athletic Conference and First Team All-WAC for the 2021-22 season.
Atlanta United also selected Daniel Bloyou from Penn State with the 75th overall pick, and University of New Hampshire's Tola Showunmi with the 88th pick.
Atlanta United 2 News
Atlanta United 2 Announces 2022 USL Championship Schedule
The 34-match schedule is an even split of 17 home matches and 17 away matches. ATL UTD 2 will play its home opener on Wednesday, March 16 against New York Red Bulls II at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
Atlanta United 2 Signs Vicente Reyes and Jonantan Villal
Atlanta United 2 announced the signings of two members of Atlanta United Academy’s inaugural classes in goalkeeper Vicente Reyes and midfielder Jonantan Villal.
Falcons News
Atlanta Falcons Fan Henry Ison Named 2021 NFL Fan of the Year
Each year, the NFL shows their continued appreciation for its fans through the NFL Fan of the Year contest, an award presented to a fan with the highest affinity for their team and showcase how football has helped bring family, friends and communities together. Selected by a judging panel of NFL executives, NFL Legends and media personalities, Falcons fan Henry Ison was awarded the 2021 NFL Fan of the Year.
A loyal Falcons fan and season ticket member since 1971, Henry and his family have attended Falcons games for over 50 years, in three different home venues and have traveled across the country for road games. Henry, a Vietnam veteran and community activist, owns a local recycling brokerage company, Ison-Herr Industries. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Henry donated shipping containers through his company, to be modified into make-shift hospitals to treat COVID patients.
Henry was also the 2021 Falcons Fan of the Year presented by American Family Insurance. This combination of Falcons fandom and community commitment elevated him above the other 31 finalists from each club to earn the League’s top title.
Bryant Young Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
Former Falcons defensive line coach Bryant Young was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Young joins Norm Van Brocklin as the only Falcons coaches to be voted into the Hall of Fame. Before coaching in the NFL, Young played 14 seasons after gong 7th overall at the 1994 NFL Draft.
Falcons Donate to Social Justice Organizations in Honor of MLK Day
The players, led by edge rusher Brandon Copeland, chose to contribute to the Rehabilitation Enables Dreams and Foreverfamily organizations on a holiday that celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.'s immense contributions to the civil rights movement in this country.
Falcons Hire Michael Pitre as Running Backs Coach
Pitre comes to Atlanta having most recently served as the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears in 2021. Under Pitre, Chicago’s rushing attack averaged 118.7 yards per game and tallied 13 carries of 20-or-more yards – tied for the seventh-most in the NFL last season.
Falcons name Ryan Pace a Senior Personnel Executive
Pace joins the Falcons after spending the past seven seasons as the general manager of the Chicago Bears where he was named the 2018 Sporting News executive of the year. Prior to his stint in Chicago, Pace spent 15 years with the New Orleans Saints working his way up the ladder from coaching intern to director of player personnel. During his tenure in New Orleans, Pace worked closely with Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot.
Partner News
P&G Lead With Love
The Atlanta Falcons partnered with Procter & Gamble to celebrate the incredible event day staff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Five event day staff members were peer and leader-recognized for their dedication and hard work, leading with love in all they do to create the best fan experiences in the NFL. Each of these honorees received a Falcons gift bag with team merchandise and a $200 Publix Gift Card, courtesy of P&G.
Delta Blood Drive
The American Red Cross, the Atlanta Falcons and Delta Air Lines held a drive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which was a huge success all thanks to the Atlanta community, Falcons fans and employees, and loyal blood donors! There was a goal to collect 100 units of blood and with all the support received, we collected 107 units.
2022 Bally Sports Broadcast Team
Atlanta United and Bally Sports announced it has finalized its broadcast team for the 2022 season. Kevin Egan (play-by-play), Maurice Edu (analyst) and Jillian Sakovits (host/reporter) return for Bally Sports South & Southeast television coverage.
Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast will televise 19 of 34 Atlanta United matches for the 2022 Major League Soccer regular season. In addition, Atlanta United LIVE pre- and postgame shows will air before and after every match on the networks.
"We're excited to welcome back our outstanding TV broadcast crew for the 2022 season" Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. "Jill, Kevin and Maurice formed an exceptional team in their first year together last season and we're looking forward to continuing that momentum as we begin our sixth season."
Gallagher Community Connections
As a community partner, Gallagher celebrates and supports the ongoing improvement of the Atlanta community and to honor those who share our core values.
"When he reached out to me for help I just knew I had to put my life on hold.” Former Atlanta Falcons great Jessie Tuggle interviews mentor/community hero, Zac Hendrix, in the first episode of Community Connections, presented by Gallagher.
New Partner Welcome
AMB Sports + Entertainment Welcomes Our New Partners
Socios.com com is the all in one fan influence and rewards platform, offering fans the ability to influence their favorite sports teams by playing, winning, and trading Fan Tokens. Socios.com has joined the AMBSE family to introduce their brand to Atlanta by showcasing their ability to reward fans with unique and behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Atlanta United signed a multi-year partnership with The Joint Chiropractic, designating them as the Official Chiropractic Partner of Atlanta United. The Joint is reinventing chiropractic care by making quality healthcare affordable for patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness.
Southwire is one of the world’s leading developers, manufacturers, and suppliers of building wire and utility cable, and has joined the AMBSE family to amplify some of their existing community outreach programs, such as Project Gift, as well as serving as the presenting partner of Falcons program, Thank You, Coach.
Atlanta United announced a multi-year partnership with WhistlePig, the Official Whiskey of Atlanta United. In the coming months, fans can enjoy WhistlePig whiskey on the 200 level of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
FLEETCOR and Atlanta United have signed a multi-year partnership, making FLEETCOR the Official Fuel Card of Atlanta United. FLEETCOR creates technological advances in B2C payments and B2B payments.
Upcoming Events
Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Auditions Presented by Orangetheory Fitness
The Home Depot Backyard
March 6 – Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk/Run
March 8 – Fitness on the Field
March 15 – Fitness on the Field
March 25 – REI greATL Urban Campout
March 26 – REI greATL Backyard Festival
Partners Give Back
American Family Insurance Commits $2.5 Million to The Center for Black Excellence and Culture
American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation announced a $2.5 million investment in The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, which is planned to open on Madison’s south side in 2023. The Center will be a three-level, 65,000-square-foot destination and will focus on the areas of health wellness, leadership and innovation, performing and arts visuals, and youth and families. The Center reports the $2.5 million gift further ignites strong momentum that’s building within the corporate community for the project.
Anheuser-Busch Delivers 50,000 Cans of Emergency Drinking Water to Support Wildfire Relief Efforts in Colorado
The donation of emergency drinking water was delivered to Anheuser-Busch wholesaler partner, Eagle Rock Distributing Co. of Colorado in Denver, CO who worked alongside the American Red Cross to distribute the resources to those in need.
Novelis to Build $365 Million Recycling Center
Novelis Inc., the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, announced it will invest $365 million to build a highly advanced recycling center to support North American automotive customers and reduce carbon emissions by more than one million tons a year. The new recycling center will be equipped with industry-leading processes and capabilities, including advanced shredding and sorting technology, as well as energy-efficient innovations to support the company's sustainability goal to reduce energy intensity by 10 percent by 2026.
The Home Depot Foundation Remembers Dr. King Through Community Service and A $1 Million Foundation Grant
In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, The Home Depot Foundation volunteered in cities across the country from Jan. 17-22 to help drive sustainable change and social equity in our communities. In addition, The Home Depot Foundation announced a $1 million grant to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Located in Dr. King’s home city, this investment will support the Atlanta museum’s expansion and increased community education and training programs.
The Coca-Cola Company Partners with The Ocean Cleanup to Tackle Plastic Pollution in Vietnam
The partnership aims to help stem the tide of marine waste by deploying projects to intercept plastic debris in primary waterways before it can reach the ocean. The Ocean Cleanup recently launched its Interceptor Original trash collection system for testing in the Can Tho River in Vietnam, one of 15 major rivers where the solar-powered solutions will be deployed as part of a global partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. The robotic solution – which can extract up to 55 tons of marine trash and debris per day – will become fully operational in Vietnam over the next few months.
Delta Volunteers Serve Their Communities for 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In Atlanta, Delta employees volunteered with Hosea Helps to serve people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness to honor the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Across the company, Delta volunteers participated in a variety of activities to honor Dr. King’s legacy, including virtual learning and celebration events sponsored by The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, virtual reading events with local schools and “Time for Understanding” sessions in stations and engagement centers.
Equifax and Georgia Tech Partnership Accelerates Inclusive Innovation
Developing new ways to reach underserved, underbanked and credit-rebuilding consumers is the basis for a new Equifax and Georgia Institute of Technology research partnership. As part of this initiative, the Georgia Tech Financial Services Innovation Lab will leverage anonymized Equifax data assets to further its innovative research. Equifax data scientists will also provide hands-on data education to speed research time. The goal is to increase consumer access to credit and support growth in fintech entrepreneurship in Atlanta.
Truist Announces Goal of Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050
To further advance the progress towards the net zero goal, Truist will continue to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions from its operations – including investing in energy efficiency projects at corporate offices and bank branches.