Atlanta's FIFA Fan Festival is open. Here's how to enjoy your experience
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FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta is at Centennial Olympic Park. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios
Atlanta's official gathering spot for FIFA World Cup 2026 opened Thursday, and thousands of people donning the jerseys of their favorite teams ventured to Centennial Olympic Park to kick off the opening ceremony.
Why it matters: Thirty years ago, the city hosted the world at the same location where the 1996 Olympics were held in Atlanta.
- Now, Atlanta is among 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that are doing that exact same thing, Mayor Andre Dickens said.
The latest: The FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta includes places where you can grab some food, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), listen to live entertainment and partake in activities (view the full schedule here).
- The festival, which will be open most days, will also show the eight matches taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- There are also dozens of port-a-potties, hand-washing stations and places where you can refill your water bottle for free.
What they're saying: Dickens said Atlanta has livened up Downtown "for you to be able to enjoy yourself."
- "Whether you live Downtown or you work Downtown, take a long lunch and just enjoy Fan Festival and all of the things happening in the city of Atlanta," Dickens said.
- Gov. Brian Kemp added that "we do not need people to stay away" from Downtown. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime here on the 250th anniversary of this great country," Kemp said.
State of play: Plenty of local, state and federal law enforcement officers — both uniformed and plainclothed — are on the ground observing the festivities.
Zoom in: Axios' Kristal Dixon checked out Fan Festival and has some advice on how to make the most out of the experience.
- First: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before you plan to go to Fan Fest and while you're there.
- Second: Take a break from the sun and seek shade. Wear a hat, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring a hand-held fan or splurge on a neck fan.
- Third: Apply sunscreen before you get there and keep it handy to reapply if you're planning to be there for a while.
- Fourth: Don't drive. But if you do, carpool. It's more efficient to use rideshare or MARTA.
- Fifth: Be patient. You're gonna have a lot of people walking in front of you, suddenly stopping in front of you and posing to take photos while you're snapping pics. Just wait it out.
- Sixth: Be kind and respectful to volunteers. It's too hot for them to deal with rude people.
Go: More detailed directions are on the Fan Festival's website.