SR942: SR942 Atlanta World Cup Host Committee; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recounts how Atlanta was selected in 2022 to host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including a semi-final, and lists the organizations and public officials involved in preparing for the event, such as the Atlanta Sports Council, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Governor Brian Kemp, and the Georgia General Assembly. The resolution notes a sales tax exemption extension for tickets to major sporting events and a $25 million state appropriation for public safety, security, and infrastructure tied to the World Cup. It also highlights community programs, such as a StationSoccer site at a MARTA station and partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs across Georgia, and cites projected economic impacts of over $500 million. The Senate formally commends the Host Committee and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to it.

• Formally commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its work preparing Georgia to host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send an official copy of the resolution to the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee.
• Recites, without newly enacting, a prior sales tax exemption extension on major sporting event tickets and a $25 million state appropriation for World Cup public safety, security, and infrastructure costs.
• Does not create any new legal requirement, penalty, or funding beyond honoring the Host Committee's efforts.

The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, the Atlanta Sports Council and its partner organizations, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the City of Atlanta, and Georgia communities involved in World Cup related programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs sites and the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA Station area.

While largely symbolic, the resolution documents state-level support tied to hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta, including a referenced $25 million appropriation and tax exemption, and publicly recognizes the organizations coordinating security, infrastructure, and community programs ahead of the matches.

• The resolving clause commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for preparing Atlanta and Georgia to host the FIFA World Cup 2026.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the Host Committee.
• The whereas clauses reference an extension of the sales tax exemption on major sporting event tickets and a $25 million state appropriation for public safety, security, and infrastructure.
• The text lists eight scheduled Atlanta matches, including five group stage matches, a round of 32 match, a round of 16 match, and a semi-final on July 15, 2026.

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
• state appropriations
• tourism and economic development