ATLANTA — Several major sporting events are coming to Atlanta over the next few years. The city is set to host the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and Super Bowl LXII in 2028.
The Atlanta mayor's office is working to ensure businesses benefit when those events and their fans come to town. This initiative aims to ensure that businesses benefit from foot traffic and to help people in the city access employment opportunities.
The staff at Smokey Stallion BBQ said they hope their proximity to The Benz will translate to major opportunities beyond big games.
"We're two years and just... selling barbecue and good vibes," said Indira Gooding, a waitress at Smokey Stallion BBQ.
Despite being off the beaten, Gooding said things pick up on game day.
"We got fans pouring through the doors, lots of bar guests, you know, getting their drinks and wings and burgers," she said.
While things are good now, Indira said they could always be better, and she's hoping an influx of visitors thanks to the major sporting events coming to town will give the place a boost.
Norelie Garcia, with Showcase Atlanta, said the city wants to make sure the experience is enjoyable for more than just the fans.
"The most conservative estimates for the FIFA World Cup put it about $500 million, so our first step with showcases is to give visibility to those opportunities so that we can engage the community," Garcia said.
The initiative aims to connect businesses like the Smokey Stallion.
"Preparing education programs, training programs and certification programs to get out there in the community, ensure that they have the right plan," Garcia added.
Showcase Atlanta is putting together work sessions and a directory of businesses so more of these events can benefit the local economy in Downtown Atlanta.
To learn more about Showcase Atlanta, click here.