Packed weekend in metro Atlanta has cash registers ringing, roads busy

Downtown Atlanta is preparing for a packed weekend as thousands of people are expected to visit the city for the Georgia-Florida football rivalry, another college football game, Halloween festivities and the WNBA Finals, all while international delegations are in town for the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting.

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For local businesses, the combination of events could mean a significant boost in customers and revenue.

At Rosie’s Café, the preparations are already underway. Lead server Nitosha Phillips said the restaurant had 40 reservations for Saturday alone and had to stop accepting more.

“We are staying here tonight. We are making sandwiches just so we can grab and go sandwiches so people can come out,” Phillips said. “We’re having a bar outside so people can just come up.”

The biggest draw is expected to be the annual Georgia-Florida rivalry, which moves to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this year. The game is scheduled for Saturday, with a sold-out crowd expected.

The football rivalry isn’t the only event bringing people downtown. Georgia State also has a home football game Saturday, while Halloween festivities and the G20 meeting are adding to the weekend’s activity.

For restaurants, bars and other businesses, the influx of visitors could translate into more customers throughout the weekend.

But the increased activity also comes with travel challenges, Channel 2’s Brittany Kleinpeter reports.

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The Georgia Department of Transportation warns some metro Atlanta trips could take an additional 30 to 45 minutes Friday and Saturday as crowds and traffic increase.

The G20 meeting is also bringing additional road closures in Midtown. Portions of Juniper Street, 11th Street and 12th Street are expected to remain closed through noon Sunday.

Drivers heading downtown or into Midtown should plan ahead, allow extra travel time and check for updated traffic information before leaving.

With major sporting events, Halloween and international visitors all converging on Atlanta, businesses are hoping the busy weekend brings a welcome boost to the local economy.

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