The FIFA World Cup has arrived in Atlanta, with the city hosting eight matches, including today’s matchup between Spain and Cabo Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. An estimated 300,000 unique spectators, including 225,000 out-of-state visitors, are expected to converge on the city over the next few weeks.

Economic Impact

The tournament is projected to generate more than $500 million in economic activity across Georgia, according to William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. Atlanta’s transportation access, walkable convention district, and concentration of businesses near Mercedes-Benz Stadium make it easier for visitors to move between matches and other activities during the tournament.

Signs of the tournament are already appearing across the city, with displays welcoming World Cup visitors and highlighting Atlanta’s role as a host city at attractions and gathering places beyond the stadium district, including World of Coca-Cola and Ponce City Market.

Accommodations and Attractions

Atlanta is one of the more affordable FIFA World Cup host cities for accommodations, with midrange hotel rooms typically ranging from about $100 to $150 per night, and higher-end hotels starting around $200. The city’s hotels, such as Signia by Hilton Atlanta and Hotel Phoenix Atlanta, are rolling out special programming and amenities for fans, including rooftop pool events, fan experiences, and internationally inspired food and drink offerings.

Visitors can also explore the city’s many attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park, which is hosting Atlanta’s official tournament fan festival. The College Football Hall of Fame has extended its operating hours and introduced programming tied to the global sports activity, including live match viewing experiences and a specialty exhibit titled ‘Football: One Name, Two Games,’ which explores the global connections between soccer and American football.

Dining and Nightlife

Atlanta’s food culture is closely tied to its sports scene, with popular dishes like lemon pepper wings and Southern comfort food staples like fried chicken, cornbread, and peach cobbler. Visitors can experience the city’s dining scene at restaurants like The Sun Dial Restaurant, which offers a revolving dining room with views of the city, and Mary Mac’s Tea Room, a longtime Southern restaurant with a decades-old atmosphere and menu of classic dishes.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.