SR942: SR942 Atlanta World Cup Host Committee; commend

26 LC 112 3867 Senate Resolution 942 By: Senators Echols of the 49th, Ginn of the 47th, Dixon of the 45th, Halpern of the 39th, Anderson of the 43rd and others A RESOLUTION Commending the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, in June 2022, Atlanta, Georgia, was selected through a highly competitive bid2 process to serve as one of the 16 host cities across three diff erent countries for the FIFA3 World Cup 2026, one of the world's most prestigious international sporting events; and4 WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will occur over a month in Geo rgia, with the first5 group match in Atlanta on June 15, 2026, and the semi-final match on July 15, 2026; and6 WHEREAS, Atlanta, Georgia, was awarded eight FIFA World Cup 202 6 matches, the7 second highest number of matches, which includes five group stage matches, a round of 328 match, a round of 16 match, and a semi-final match; and9 WHEREAS, this summer, Atlanta and the State of Georgia will welcome Cabo Verde, Haiti,10 Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Uzbekistan, European Play-Off D Winner, and11 Intercontinental Play-Off 1 Winner; and12 WHEREAS, The Atlanta Sports Council spearheaded the bid to host the FIFA World Cup13 2026 alongside its partners in the community and state, including the Atlanta Convention &14 S. R. 942 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3867 Visitors Bureau, Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment, Georgia World Congress Center15 Authority, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Ci ty of Atlanta, and the16 State of Georgia; and17 W H E R E A S , t h e G e o r g i a G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y a n d G o v e r n o r B r i a n P . K e mp championed18 Georgia's ability to host major sporting events with the extension of the sales tax exemption19 on tickets for major sporting events and a $25 million appropri ation to facilitate public20 safety, security, and infrastructure costs for hosting FIFA World Cup 2026; and 21 WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted at the world-cl ass Mercedes-Benz22 Stadium, the home of Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons; fu ture home of Atlanta's23 National Women's Soccer League (NSWL) team; and the future host of multiple major24 sporting events, including Super Bowl 62 and the NCAA Men's Final Four 2031; and25 WHEREAS, Cox Enterprises, Georgia-Pacific, The Home Depot, NAPA Auto Parts, and26 Southern Company signed on as official Atlanta World Cup Host City Supporters to provide27 business community support for our city and state's ability to host this prestigious28 international event; and29 WHEREAS, over 3,000 volunteers from Georgia, the Southeast, and the world have stepped30 forward to serve as ambassadors, offering the first impression for guests and showcasing our31 first-class hospitality for national and international visitors across the event's footprint; and 32 WHEREAS, the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee will support the development of a new33 StationSoccer location at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA Station in partnership with34 Soccer in the Streets, creating a community hub for youth progr amming, transportation,35 education, and a public space to foster community support; and36 S. R. 942 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3867 WHEREAS, the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee is committed to c reating lasting,37 statewide impact through a strategic partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Georgia38 in local communities, including plans in Albany, Athens, August a, Columbus, Dalton,39 Fayetteville, Gainesville, Macon, Rome, the Savannah/Statesboro area, Valdosta,40 Thomasville, Brunswick, and the Blue Ridge region; and41 WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has catalyzed development all across our state,42 spurring over $5 billion in private development occurring in Do wntown Atlanta and over43 $100 million in infrastructure investments improving Atlanta's preparedness for residents and44 visitors from around the world; and45 WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to generate more than $500 million in46 economic impact for the State of Georgia from spending by out-of-state attendees throughout47 its duration.48 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body49 commend the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its efforts to prepare Atlanta and the50 State of Georgia to welcome national and international visitors for the FIFA World Cup51 2026.52 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed53 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Atlanta World54 Cup Host Committee.55 S. R. 942 - 3 -