HR1681: HR1681 Atlanta World Cup Host Committee; commend

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives formally praises the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its role in getting Atlanta ready to host eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including five group stage games, a round of 32 match, a round of 16 match, and a semi-final. It lays out background facts: Atlanta was chosen in June 2022 as a host city, matches will run from June 15 to July 15, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the state previously extended a sales tax exemption on tickets for major sporting events and approved $25 million for public safety, security, and infrastructure costs tied to the event. The resolution also highlights community efforts such as a new StationSoccer site at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA Station and partnerships with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Georgia in cities across the state. It does not create any new law, funding, or legal requirement; it simply directs the House Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to the Host Committee.

• Formally commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its preparation work ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Atlanta.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send an official copy of the resolution to the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee.
• Recites background facts about the event, including match dates, participating business supporters, and prior state actions like the sales tax exemption and $25 million appropriation.
• Creates no new legal obligations, funding, or regulatory changes; it is a symbolic statement of recognition.

The resolution directly names the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, the Atlanta Sports Council and its partner organizations, the City of Atlanta, and the State of Georgia. It also references businesses like Cox Enterprises and The Home Depot, thousands of volunteers, and community groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Georgia.

While this resolution does not change any law or spend any money itself, it publicly recognizes the organizations coordinating Atlanta's hosting of major World Cup matches in 2026, an event tied to prior state tax and funding decisions and projected to bring significant economic activity to Georgia.

• The resolving clause commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for preparing Atlanta and Georgia to host FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors.
• A further resolving clause directs the House Clerk to distribute a copy of the resolution to the Host Committee.
• The whereas clauses describe Atlanta's selection as a host city, the eight matches awarded, and the June 15 to July 15, 2026 timeframe.
• The whereas clauses reference a prior sales tax exemption on major sporting event tickets and a $25 million state appropriation for public safety, security, and infrastructure.
• The whereas clauses describe community initiatives, including a StationSoccer site at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA Station and Boys and Girls Clubs partnerships in over a dozen Georgia communities.

1. 2026-03-12House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-12House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-12House Hopper (House)

• James Hatchett (R, HD-155)Primary sponsor
• Chuck Efstration (R, HD-104)
• Jon Burns (R, HD-159)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Matthew Gambill (R, HD-015)
• Kasey Carpenter (R, HD-004)

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