City Overview
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has transformed from Civil Rights battleground to modern metropolis and international business hub.
Home to the world's busiest airport, CNN, Coca-Cola, and a thriving hip-hop scene, Atlanta blends Southern hospitality with cosmopolitan flair.
The city's sports culture runs deep, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium represents its commitment to world-class events.
The Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Capacity: 71,000)
Home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS's Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017 as one of the world's most advanced sports venues. Its distinctive retractable 'pinwheel' roof and 360-degree HD video halo board create an unforgettable experience.
Fan Zones & Public Viewing
Centennial Olympic Park is the official site of the Fan Festival in Atlanta. Other possible locations where fans might gather:
- The Battery Atlanta (Braves stadium district).
- Piedmont Park.
- Atlanta BeltLine areas.
Fans Visiting Atlanta
Atlanta hosts eight matches in total.
- Monday, 15th June - Spain vs Cape Verde.
- Thursday, 18th June - UEFA D vs South Africa.
- Sunday, 21st June - Spain vs Saudi Arabia.
- Wednesday, 24th June - Morocco vs Haiti.
- Saturday, 27th June - FIFA 1 vs Uzbekistan.
- Wednesday, 1st July - L Winner vs 3rd E/H/I/J/K.
- Tuesday, 7th July - Winner 86 vs Winner 88.
- Wednesday, 15th July - Winner 99 vs Winner 100.
Getting There
By Air
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), the busiest in the world, is located about 10 miles (16km) south of Downtown Atlanta.
- MARTA rail: Direct from airport to Five Points, then to stadium.
- Stadium: Blue/Green Line to Vine City or Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena.
- Travel time from ATL to the stadium is around 20-25 minutes .
Accomodation
Where to Stay in Atlanta
- Downtown: Near stadium, convenient.
- Midtown: Walkable, restaurants, Piedmont Park.
- Buckhead: Upscale hotels and dining.
- Virginia-Highland/Inman Park: Trendy neighbourhoods.
- The Battery: Near Braves stadium, entertainment complex.
Eat & Drink
Where to Go
- Sports Bars: Hudson Grille, Stats Brewpub, Taco Macs.
- Southern Food: Mary Mac's Tea Room, Busy Bee Cafe, The Colonnade.
- BBQ: Fox Bros., Community Q.
- Upscale: Bacchanalia, Staplehouse, Canoe.
- International: Buford Highway corridor (global cuisine).
Local Cuisine
Highlights
Southern soul food (fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese).
- Peach cobbler and pecan pie.
- Pimento cheese.
- Sweet tea (the house wine of the South).
- Coca-Cola (invented here; visit World of Coca-Cola).
- Hot chicken variations.
Top Attractions
What to See in Atlanta
- Georgia Aquarium (world's largest).
- World of Coca-Cola.
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
- Atlanta BeltLine (trails and parks).
- High Museum of Art.
- Stone Mountain Park.
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
- Ponce City Market.
- Fox Theatre.
Getting Around Atlanta
Atlanta offers a variety of transportation options to help you navigate the city efficiently.
- MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the backbone of Atlanta's public transit system, operating both buses and trains.
- MARTA trains run on the Red and Gold lines north-south, with free transfers to the Blue and Green lines at Five Points Station; connecting key areas like downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and suburbs such as Sandy Springs and Doraville..
- There is even a MARTA rail station inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- Buses: MARTA operates 91 bus routes covering about 1,000 miles of city streets. The bus and train fare is $2.50 per one-way ride, and you can transfer up to four times within three hours on a single fare.
- Payment is made using a Breeze Card, which costs $2 and can be loaded with credit at MARTA stations.
- Xpress runs 27 regional commuter bus routes connecting outlying cities to downtown and Midtown Atlanta. Universities like Emory and Georgia Tech operate shuttle systems (The Cliff and Stinger Shuttles) serving their campuses and nearby areas.
- Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely used and convenient for getting around quickly.
- Biking and Scooters: Renting e-bikes or scooters is a popular and cost-effective way to explore parts of the city, especially for shorter distances.
- Walking: Many iconic landmarks such as Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca-Cola are easily walkable. The Atlanta BeltLine offers scenic trails like the Eastside Trail, combining urban and natural experiences.
- The Atlanta Streetcar, also known as the Downtown Loop, is a 2.7-mile streetcar line connecting key locations such as Centennial Olympic Park and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
- A day pass costs $3, allowing unlimited rides on the streetcar; for a budget-friendly way to explore downtown Atlanta.
Practical Tips
- Humidity can be intense; stay hydrated.
- MARTA Breeze Card saves money on transit.
- Traffic in Atlanta is notorious; use public transport for games.
- Tipping: 18-20% standard.
- 'Y'all' is the local greeting.
- Legal drinking age: 21.
- Download ATL SkyTrain app for airport.
- Sales tax: 9% added at purchase.
- Stadium has clear bag policy.
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