The presidential debate in Midtown and the Copa América match in Downtown is expected to bring more traffic headaches than usual to Atlanta on Thursday, June 27.
“We are expecting a busy evening this Thursday,” an Atlanta Police Department (APD) news release said. “If you are planning an evening out in Atlanta, for the game, dinner or any other of our offerings, we encourage you to plan ahead and anticipate limited parking and heavier than usual traffic.”
Copa América will be back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the U.S. Men’s National Team will face Panama for each team’s second Group C game. Gates will open at 4 p.m. and the match will begin at 6 p.m.
A few miles away, President Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off at 9 p.m. in the first 2024 presidential debate at CNN Studios in the Warner Bros/Discovery complex at 10th Street and Techwood Drive. Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion at the corner of 10th and Fowler streets is being used as a media staging area.
Speaking of Georgia Tech, it’s hosting the Atlanta Swim Association Championship at the campus aquatic center on Ferst Drive starting at 4 p.m.
Due to security surrounding the debate, the biggest traffic impact is likely to be felt in Midtown. Georgia Tech Police released this list of street closures for Thursday in Midtown:
- 10th Street will be closed all day Thursday from State Street to Spring Street.
- Fowler Street will be closed all day Thursday from 6th Street to 10th Street.
- I-75/85 will have rolling roadblocks for Biden and Trump escorts Thursday evening.
APD will have additional officers working throughout the city, but urged people to use MARTA or ride share services to cut down on traffic.
MARTA said in a media statement that it will provide additional rail service to get fans to and from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Before the match, MARTA said it will run a shuttle train between Five Points and GWCC/CNN Stations to accommodate the increase in ridership and after the match, provide extra rail service with trains arriving every 7 to 10 minutes.
