SR 942: Atlanta World Cup Host Committee; commend

This is a commendation resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a law that changes anyone's rights or duties. It praises the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its work getting Atlanta and Georgia ready to host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including a semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The resolution recounts background facts: Atlanta was chosen in 2022 as one of 16 host cities, will host eight matches between June 15 and July 15, 2026, and the state provided a sales tax exemption on tickets and a $25 million appropriation for public safety and infrastructure. It also notes community programs tied to the event, like a StationSoccer hub at a MARTA station and Boys and Girls Clubs partnerships across the state, and projects over $500 million in economic impact. The Senate directs a copy be sent to the Host Committee.

• Formally commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its preparation work ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee.
• Documents state actions already taken, including a sales tax exemption extension on major sporting event tickets and a $25 million appropriation for security and infrastructure.
• Recites community and economic details, such as a new StationSoccer site at a MARTA station and partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs in over a dozen Georgia communities.

The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, the Atlanta Sports Council and its partner organizations, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia communities hosting related youth programs, and Georgians anticipating the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related economic activity.

While the resolution itself creates no new law, it formally recognizes and publicizes the state's role in hosting FIFA World Cup 2026, a major international event expected to bring visitors, investment, and over $500 million in economic activity to Georgia.

• The resolution recites that Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches between June 15 and July 15, 2026, including a semi-final.
• It notes a state sales tax exemption extension on major sporting event tickets and a $25 million state appropriation for public safety, security, and infrastructure.
• It highlights partnerships, including a StationSoccer hub at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA Station and Boys and Girls Clubs programs in over a dozen Georgia communities.
• The resolving clause commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its preparation efforts.
• A further resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the Host Committee.

1. 2026-03-12Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-03-10Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)Primary sponsor
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)

• FIFA World Cup 2026
• Atlanta sports
• economic development
• tourism
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium