When you have a beard like Pete Fisher’s, the Santa comparisons come naturally.
“We always joked about me being a Santa when I retired, maybe in the malls here in Atlanta. I get along with kids really well, it’s really fun to see the smiles on their faces. That’s really what has drawn me to it.”
But Pete never took the plunge and embraced his inner elf until Atlanta United came around. It gave Pete a community, as well as an outlet and platform to give back to the city through the sport he loves.
“We saw it as a way to get more involved in the community. We want to be connected to the team and help keep it growing.”
So Pete waited for a special occasion – the opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in September – to mark the debut of Santa United.
“I didn’t know what to expect but the people that came up to me, talked to me or followed me on Instagram or something was almost immediate."
"It was flattering and humbling and amazing.”
Pete’s story is a common one among Atlanta United fans this year. He’s lived in Atlanta on and off for more than 20 years – he says every time he left it was the diversity and warmth of the city’s people that made him come back – and despite following soccer for years, never felt the connection like the one you can have with a hometown club. So when the opportunity came, they jumped right in as Founding Members.
“When Arthur Blank’s involved, you know he’s going to do it right – and he has. He’s shown ambition on the field and made the matchday experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium incredible."
"I’ve been to other events there and when people ask if it was louder at Atlanta United games, I say there’s just no comparison.”
And in his own way, Pete – or Santa United – contributed to Atlanta United’s inaugural season story. Just like the chef at the tailgate or the capo orchestrating the crowd, he added another layer to the multi-faceted Atlanta United support that took the league by storm in 2017.
“I work in sales and I tell my customers around the country about Atlanta United. Maybe it brings them to a game in Atlanta when they come on their travels or they might make it a destination to come. But at least it’s brought them into the periphery, and helped them get just what’s going on down here with the movement.”
While Santa United says the on-field product is already breathtaking – “I wouldn’t mind an MLS Cup,” he says with a wink – he’s most looking forward to the lasting impact the team is already making in the community.
“I think they’re already doing an amazing job in the community getting people involved. Station Soccer at the MARTA station downtown is amazing, and they are getting more and more kids involved.”
And as the club continues to help shape the city of Atlanta, Pete says he’s ready to help in whatever way he can to help his beloved Five Stripes grow.
“Seeing the smiles makes this outfit totally worth it."
"I had a whole family of kids come up to me and they were all jumping on me and high-fiving. Just seeing the smiles on their faces was probably my favorite moment so far. I’d love to be someone that’s out there in the neighborhoods, doing charity work and spreading the word about Atlanta United.”
© 2026 Atlanta United FC
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