Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival: Hours shortened in expectation of major storm

FIFA Fan Festival closing early due to weather

FIFA Fan Festival organizers have announced that it will end early on Thursday because of the anticipated severe weather. Today's hours will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

ATLANTA - The FIFA Fan Festival will operate on a shortened schedule Thursday and will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to organizers. No guest entry will be permitted after 2 p.m. Guests holding GA+ and VIP tickets for Thursday will receive refunds. Additional information regarding the refund process will be provided directly to ticket holders.

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW

A massive crowd of soccer fans is packing Centennial Olympic Park for the ongoing FIFA Fan Festival, but a looming threat of soaking weather is forcing organizers and city officials to confront potential safety shutdowns. 

Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in downtown Atlanta, though severe afternoon storms could disrupt the outdoor celebrations.

Pumping Music at Centennial Park

What we know:

The energy is high inside Centennial Olympic Park as the FIFA Fan Festival continues. 

Families and lifelong soccer fans are gathering under sunny skies to listen to music, secure coveted FIFA fan bracelets, and watch matches on giant screens. 

Heather Anderson, who attended the festival with her sister and children, noted that the event spaces, music, and screens completely exceeded her expectations. 

Thousands of people plan to attend upcoming matches rain or shine, including an upcoming match between South Africa and the Czech Republic. 

Over the weekend, however, safety concerns forced officials to shut down the fan festival earlier than scheduled. 

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