The West Ham Summer Series is set to ignite an unforgettable summer adventure as West Ham United readies itself for a thrilling international showcase.
The build-up is in full swing, with Carlton Cole and the iconic Hammerhead landing in Atlanta to kick-start the festivities.
The former Hammers striker has joined his club’s beloved mascot in Atlanta, where the team will lock horns with AFC Bournemouth at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, 3 August.
This marquee fixture is one highlight in a round-robin tournament featuring West Ham, Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Everton, with games set in New Jersey, Chicago, and Atlanta—a true celebration of football on American soil.
Marking exactly 120 days until the Atlanta clash against Bournemouth, Cole took Hammerhead on a spirited tour of the city’s famed landmarks.
Their challenge for locals? To score 120 goals as they explored venues from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Peachtree Street, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Fox Theatre.
The city responded in kind, with Atlantans sporting bucket hats, scarves, and flags in West Ham’s iconic Claret and Blue, demonstrating an infectious passion for the game.
Atlanta, widely regarded as the soccer capital of the United States, lives and breathes football—its energy rivalling that of East London.
In a warm display of reunion and excitement, Cole visited Atlanta United’s training centre on Friday, where he reconnected with former teammate Jonathan Spector (now Atlanta’s Head of International Player Recruitment and Development), alongside striker Xande Silva and former Celtic boss Ronny Delia, now Head Coach of the MLS side.
The action continues this Saturday as Cole and Hammerhead join the Atlanta Ironworks Supporters’ Group at the Brewhouse Café to catch the live London Stadium clash with Bournemouth.
Later, they will bring a slice of east London to Atlanta United’s Tailgate ahead of their evening MLS fixture against FC Dallas at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Cole summed up the day’s excitement, saying, “It was an incredible first day in Atlanta.
“Seeing the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was unbelievable; it’s an amazing stadium, and the boys are going to love playing there in the Premier League Summer Series.
“To bring East London to Atlanta has been special, and it’s been nice to meet the good people of the city, who really love their football. There’s been some great goals scored too!! They are certainly going to bring the energy in August.
“I am looking forward to joining the Atlanta Ironworks on Saturday morning to cheer on the boys at The Brewhouse. Come on you Irons!”
Jonathan Spector added with a smile: “I’ve seen a lot of him recently, more so than in the last ten years,” he smiled. “It’s been great to reconnect with him – we had some fantastic memories on the pitch together, I really enjoyed playing with him and it’s great to see him doing so well at West Ham.
“Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an incredible facility and what’s been impressive to me since being here is how much the city of Atlanta has embraced football, so I think we’ll see a lot of West Ham fans here in August.
“The atmosphere will be good, they’ll be playing in one of the best stadiums in the world, so I think it will be a really good experience for the team.”
Tickets for the Premier League Summer Series are now on general sale. So make sure to secure your seat to witness West Ham, Manchester United, Everton, and AFC Bournemouth battle it out in the United States this July and August.
Join in for a summer filled with passion, pride, and premier football action.
