Kolkata: The City of Joy, Kolkata and inarguably the bastion of rich footballing history embraced the joy of beholding the Brazilian Football Legend, also known as ‘The Black Pearl’, Pele, after 38 years, since he last played and charmed nearly a lakh spectators at the Eden Gardens against Mohun Bagan Club for his team New York Cosmos in the year 1977.

Heralding the years gone by, the three time World Cup winner for Brazil, Pele, will be the guest of honour at defending champions Atlético de Kolkata's first home match at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on October 13, against last year’s finalists Kerala Blasters FC. Besides enthralling and enchanting the world with his suave moves and skills and widely regarded as the greatest footballer to have played the game, 74 year old, Edson Arantes do Nascimento or Pele cast his spell on all football aficionados in the City with his vision of inspiring the champions of tomorrow.

“We at Atlético de Kolkata were impatiently waiting for the greatest footballer of all time Pele. His inspiration will definitely be a boost for the entire team prior to our first home match against Kerala Blasters FC.We have started our campaign this season with a thumping win and played equally well after being reduced to 10 men against FC Goa and I am sure the excitement will only soar in the forthcoming matches where we hope to perform even better. With some attractive pricing of the tickets and with the presence of ‘Black Pearl’ Pele at the stands we promise it would be an unforgettable evening at the ground and want all football lovers of Kolkata to be present at the Stadium on 13th October and all other Atlético de Kolkata matches to cheer for Kolkata’s own team,” Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman RP- Sanjiv Goenka Group, Co-owner, Atlético de Kolkata, said.

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, Former Captain Indian Cricket Team and Co-owner, Atlético de Kolkata, said, “As a sportsman it is perhaps one of the greatest moments of my life to be able meet a legendary personality like Pele. I have fond memories of watching Maradona play for Argentina but meeting the world’s greatest footballer in Kolkata is a matter of true pride for all football lovers like me. Atlético de Kolkata is all set to charge in our first home match at the Salt lake Stadium and nothing can beat the experience of footballers and fans watching the legend Pele at the stands cheering for the game.”

Keeping up with the ongoing Football fever which has gripped the Country as the second season of Indian Super Leaguekicked off on 3rd October in Chennai, the Champions of the inaugural edition, Atlético de Kolkata began their title defence with a win against last year semi-finalists Chennaiyin FC and then salvaged a draw against FC Goa. The team is all set to face the finalists of last year Kerala Blasters FC at Atlético de Kolkata’s home ground Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 13thOctober, a match of epic significance as legendary Brazilian Footballer Pele will be at the stands cheering for the home team.


Atlético de Kolkata also launched their mobile application today, which will available on Android based platforms for the time being so that fans can get all details regarding the team, players, schedules, live scores, book the match tickets and also can buy merchandise. Through the convenient and easy to use app, fans can read through the news articles of the team featured worldwide, exclusive interviews of the players, access the best of the images from the gallery, notifications during the ATK matches, instantly updated standings and also feature of ATK for #fanATK.

The match day tickets are currently available on Bookmyshow.com, at theSalt Lake Stadiumbox office (Gate 1&4), Barasat Stadium, Vivekananda Athletic Club ( Birati), Quest Mall Basement, City Centre 1, Spencer’s ( South City Mall, Dunlop, Mani Square, Avishar Mall), Café Coffee Day ( Sector V) ,Au Bon Pain ( Park Street),Willow Tower ( Behala) and Bazaar Kolkata ( Gariahat).The tickets have been priced at – INR 100, INR 150, INR 200, INR 250, INR 400, INR 1,250, INR 5,000. Tickets will have holograms, bar codes ensuring low or no infiltrations or even crossing over the blocks inside the stadium.

Fans of Atlético de Kolkata can access all details regarding their favourite team from the official website www.atleticodekolkata.com and also explore information about player’s profile, match schedules, news and updates, pictures from the matches, interviews and many more. The website also provides easy accessibility through a direct link to the bookmyshow.com page for ticket bookings.

Atlético de Kolkata also received phenomenal response from the fans once the FAN ATK registration programme was announced on social media fan pages. Atlético de Kolkata, have already enrolled almost 4000 fans for the first year and they will be offered non-transferable season tickets along with the official jersey, team flag, wrist bands and access to a special fan zone created at the Salt Lake Stadium, a part of the stand which will be earmarked only for the red and white brigade.