Atlanta has risen to prominence as a top destination for major sporting events. From hosting the 1996 Olympics to Super Bowls and soon the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city is a global sports hub.
With every event, Georgia’s economy thrives, creating job opportunities and boosting local businesses. Atlanta’s robust infrastructure and its passionate sports community make it a prime location for these global spectacles, benefiting residents and elevating the city’s global stature.
The College Football Playoff National Championship returns to Atlanta
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, marking the second time the city has been chosen for this honor. B
Atlanta has a track record of delivering world-class sporting experiences, and was the first city to host the CFP title game twice. This milestone reinforces Atlanta’s standing as a premier destination for prestigious events.
Hosting the National Championship isn’t just about football; it’s a significant economic driver. The 2018 game generated over $100 million for the local economy, and the 2025 event is expected to exceed that, with an influx of fans boosting tourism, local businesses, and infrastructure development. Atlanta’s hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues will benefit immensely from the surge of visitors.
Olympics, Super Bowl, and World Cup – Atlanta’s unique feat
Few cities can boast hosting the Summer Olympics, Super Bowl, and FIFA World Cup, but Atlanta joins Los Angeles in achieving this rare distinction. Each event highlights Atlanta’s ability to handle large-scale, international sporting spectacles while generating economic growth and strengthening its global reputation.
The city’s infrastructure plays a critical role in its success. State-of-the-art facilities like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, along with world-class transportation options, make Atlanta an ideal host. Investments made during the 1996 Olympics continue to pay dividends, with venues like Centennial Olympic Park serving as iconic symbols of Atlanta’s sports legacy.
Olympic spotlight: the centennial legacy
The 1996 Summer Olympics forever changed Atlanta, injecting an estimated $5 billion into the economy and cementing the city’s place on the global sports map. The event not only showcased Atlanta to the world but also spurred lasting infrastructural and business developments that continue to benefit Georgia today.
The Olympics provided more than just a temporary boost; it reshaped the city’s landscape. Venues built for the games, such as the Olympic Stadium (now Turner Field), continue to serve the community, and the international attention put Atlanta on the map for future events like the 2002 NBA All-Star Game and the 2008 NCAA Final Four.
Atlanta’s Super Bowl legacy: more than just a game
Atlanta has been a frequent host for the Super Bowl, having held Super Bowl XXVIII, XXXIV, and most recently, Super Bowl LIII in 2019. Each of these events contributed millions to the local economy, with Super Bowl LIII alone bringing an estimated $400 million, drawing 500,000 people, including 150,000 out-of-town visitors.
There were also community benefits from Super Bowl LIII. Beyond the immediate economic impact, the NFL funded a $2.4 million renovation of John F. Kennedy Park, providing lasting benefits to Atlanta’s residents. This emphasizes how these events are not just about sports; they are about community development and legacy-building for future generations.
The World Cup dream: Atlanta’s global soccer moment
In 2026, Atlanta will host matches of the FIFA World Cup, an event expected to be the largest ever, spanning the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This event will solidify Atlanta’s place among elite global sports cities.
FIFA’s selection process and Atlanta’s winning bid were noteworthy. Out of 11 U.S. cities chosen, Atlanta stood out after meticulous planning, presentations, and facility tours. The city’s readiness, supported by the Atlanta Sports Council, ensured its spot as a host city. Hosting World Cup games will bring a tremendous influx of tourists and billions in economic benefits to Georgia.
The soccer wave: Atlanta United FC’s phenomenal impact
Atlanta United FC has been a beacon of success for soccer in the U.S. With record attendance and a rabid fanbase, the 5-Stripes have been critical in boosting local economies and bringing attention to Georgia’s soccer scene.
Attendance records at soccer games, plus the economic impact of soccer, has been noteworthy in Atlanta. Atlanta United FC’s average fan attendance of 47,353 in 2022 was the highest in Major League Soccer. These massive gatherings don’t just fill the stands; they translate to millions in revenue for local businesses, from hotels to restaurants. The club, valued at $855 million, is a testament to the city’s soccer fervor.
College Bowl Game extravaganza: 3 major match-ups at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The excitement of the College Football Playoff reaches new heights as teams battle for a chance to be crowned national champions. With every game, the stakes grow higher, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Sportsbooks roll out special offers during bowl season, allowing fans to take full advantage of the best sportsbook apps to add extra excitement to any game.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Celebration Bowl
12 p.m. | ABC
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Peach Bowl (College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Game)
1 p.m. | ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, Georgia
Monday, January 20, 2025
College Football Playoff National Championship Game
7:30 p.m. | ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s sporting rankings: testament to the city’s sports fervor
Atlanta has some of the most passionate sports fans in the nation, evidenced by attendance numbers across various leagues, plus economic boost.
In 2022, Atlanta ranked:
- #1 in MLS fanbase attendance with Atlanta United FC (average attendance of 47,353)
- #4 in MLB fanbase attendance with the Braves (average attendance of 33,461)
- #3 in NBA attendance growth, with the Hawks drawing 719,787 fans for the season.
These figures reflect not just fandom but an active economic engine that powers the city through ticket sales, sponsorships, and more.
The Georgia Bulldogs and their economic contribution
The back-to-back national championships won by the Georgia Bulldogs have ignited the state’s economy. From ticket sales to tourism, the Bulldogs have provided immense financial benefits, including a financial windfall from championships.
The Bulldogs’ success has driven huge demand for merchandise and increased tourism as fans flock to see their team. Sponsorship deals with major platforms like BetMGM Georgia further inject funds into the state, with the team’s success bringing in millions through broadcasting and sponsorship revenue.
Atlanta’s sporting legacy as an economic catalyst
Atlanta’s rise as a sporting epicenter continues to generate significant economic growth for the state. Every major event from the Olympics to the World Cup leaves behind more than memories – they create jobs, boost tourism, and foster long-term community development. There is a bright future for Atlanta’s sporting scene.
With a thriving sports culture, premier facilities, and a proactive sports council, Atlanta will continue to attract marquee events. The economic benefits extend far beyond the playing field, ensuring a prosperous future for Georgia’s residents.
