Media Room

downtownATL.com Relaunches to Welcome the World for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Hyper-local resource amplifies the voices of city center from a resident's perspective

ATLANTA (June 15, 2026) — Today marks the start of another historic summer as Atlanta hosts eight matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the city center. First conceived during the 1996 Olympics — Atlanta's last major moment on the global stage — downtownATL.com returns to roll out the peach carpet.

Three decades in the making, the downtownATL team has unveiled a comprehensive redesign and reboot to meet the needs of a new generation of local, national, and global visitors. The brand relaunch celebrates the ongoing reinvestment in downtown Atlanta as a premier destination for entertainment, dining, living, and working. The platform serves as an insider's guide, sharing "where the locals go."

"The energy surrounding the World Cup is anchored in downtown Atlanta and positions the city center as the premier destination for all," said Erich Starrett, founder of downtownATL. "The site delivers 'lived-here-for-decades' clarity, taking out the guesswork while uncovering hidden gems and helping people navigate getting around safely and efficiently."

More than 520,000 visitors are expected in Atlanta from June 15 through July 15 as Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts the tournament. With an estimated economic impact of $500 million to $1 billion projected for the metro area, fans from around the world will fill the streets of Atlanta's city center. To welcome them, downtownATL provides practical, accessible daily resources for spectators, visitors, enthusiasts, and families.

Featuring "Top Picks" on the homepage and a dynamic calendar for preemptive planning, this refreshed platform amplifies the work of Atlanta's premier tourism and development organizations. It brings a local flavor and a resident's point of view to experiencing the best of downtown Atlanta during the eight scheduled matches.

Key Features of the Relaunch:

• Hyper-Local Focus From A Resident's PoV: A backstage pass to downtown Atlanta's changing infrastructure, dining, and cultural landmarks through a resident's lens.
• "The 30303": Atlanta city center scoop on the weekly from a local's perspective. Subscribe at downtownatl.com/newsletter.
• From Hidden Gems to Not-to-miss City Center Scenes: Up-to-date listings on everything from special events to restaurant openings, live entertainment, unique shopping, pop-ups, and business networking.

A Resource Rooted in Community

Starrett served as the second president of the Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association (ADNA) after mentoring under its first president, Cooper Holland. Built on the DNA of the ADNA, downtownATL carries forward the original mission statement of Holland and the association: "Downtown Atlanta is not merely a business district. It is a neighborhood."

"When the ADNA first took shape, it was about connecting neighbors and building an inclusive identity," Starrett said. "We are relaunching downtownATL.com with a vision to share a new era of reimagined streets, places, and experiences energized by the heart and soul of Atlanta's community."

Authentic Curation and Strategic Amplification

downtownATL greets global visitors, new residents, and daily commuters with genuine Southern hospitality. Starrett first arrived in downtown Atlanta during the 1996 Centennial Olympics and has remained dedicated to the community ever since. All resources are meticulously curated from a local's perspective rather than a generic tourist directory. The site serves as a direct pipeline guiding visitors to deep-dive resources provided by city center leaders, including:

• South Downtown ATL: (Co-owners David Cummings and Jon Birdsong) Updates on the adaptive reuse and revitalization of the SoDo district, including the expansion of Cummings' flagship, The Atlanta Tech Village.
• Downtown Atlanta Inc. (formerly CAP — Central Atlanta Progress + ADID — Atlanta Downtown Improvement District): (Led by A.J. Robinson) Central business district updates and navigation.
• The Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association (ADNA): (Led by Robyn Jackson) Focused on improving the quality of life for residents, amplifying downtown voices, and connecting neighbors.
• Centennial Yards: (Led by Brian McGowan) Insights into the massive development reshaping downtown's center of gravity, including COSM and Rise ATL.
• Showcase Atlanta: (Mayor Andre Dickens' initiative) A regional leadership initiative ensuring major global events equitably benefit residents, neighborhoods, and small businesses.
• Atlanta City Councilmembers: Kelsea Bond (District 2) and Jason Dozier (District 4) for enhanced city center services and legislation.
• Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau / Discover Atlanta: (William Pate / Joanne Hayden Miller) Official citywide hospitality, visitor, and convention resources.

Join the Conversation

To explore the refreshed platform and access destination resources, visit downtownATL.com. The site thrives on community collaboration and invites local curation, updates, and tips from the public on where to watch, eat, drink, stay, work, and play. Suggestions for the site, events, places, or just flat out curiosities can be sent to submit@downtownatl.com. To receive weekly downtownATL news featuring a "Triple Hat Trick" of places, events, and hidden gems, sign up for "The 30303" at downtownatl.com/newsletter or email newsletter@downtownatl.com.