It’s going to be a busy weekend in Atlanta, with several events planned that are expected to draw nearly 400,000 visitors to downtown Atlanta and the Midtown neighborhood.
Elton John is headlining two concerts at State Farm Arena this Friday and Saturday. Concertgoers at Saturday’s performance should expect heavy traffic, because the SEC Championship football game between the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama is expected to wrap up around that time at the Mercedes Benz Stadium nearby.
Kickoff for the SEC Championship game is 4 p.m. Saturday. Fan rallies are also happening at the Georgia World Congress Center on Friday and Saturday.
The annual Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade is also happening Saturday morning, kicking off at 10:20 a.m. at Peachtree and 16th Street. The parade is expected to end at Peachtree and 5th Street.
Roads will be closed during the parade. Atlanta Police expect all roads to reopen by 12:30 p.m. A list of street closures can be found here.
On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons host the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes Benz Stadium, with kickoff at 1 p.m.
Fox Theater, Georgia Tech, Tabernacle and Georgia World Congress Center are all hosting events as well.
Atlanta Police warn drivers to expect heavy traffic throughout the weekend and encourage people to use MARTA, carpool or rideshare.
Police officers will be highly visible throughout the busy weekend to protect the public and ensure traffic safety.
“Atlanta Police officers will be visible and alert,” said Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields, in a press release. “We want everyone to have a great time celebrating the holiday season and feel comfortable knowing we are on the job.”
Police warn people attending large events to be mindful of their surroundings and remove valuables from vehicles.
People who carry firearms must secure it in a gun safe or lock, attacked to a secured part of the car that keeps it out of view. Atlanta Police said leaving firearms in a glove compartment, floorboard or middle console could lead to gun theft.