Atlanta soccer transformation: Upgraded streets and tight security welcome fans

Atlanta streets repaved for soccer fans

Downtown Atlanta has transformed into a festive soccer hub with repaved streets, enhanced security and a major influx of visitors, according to local business owners and city guests.  

ATLANTA - The heart of Atlanta has been transformed into a massive soccer celebration as city officials roll out the red carpet for global visitors. Repaved streets, colorful murals and a heavy police presence have turned the downtown area into an electric sports hub.

Downtown Atlanta is buzzing with soccer enthusiasts and international tourists as years of city planning officially pay off. Streets have been repaved, eye-catching murals painted, and a comprehensive security plan deployed to handle the massive crowds. At the intersection of Peachtree Street, visitors are being greeted by a newly painted soccer-themed intersection.

Atlanta soccer transformation

What they're saying:

The atmosphere in the city center mirrors a major holiday, according to attendees.

"It does feel like a holiday," one fan said. "Almost like Christmas, everybody is happy. Everybody's cheerful yeah."

Tourists are traveling from across the country to take part in the festivities. Maria Hernandez, a tourist who traveled from Washington, D.C., praised the city's offerings.

"It's been great," Hernandez said. "I came in from Washington DC. I came for the sightseeing, went to MLK and Tomorrow. I'm going to Jimmy Carter. They're at the game today."

Local residents are also flocking downtown to experience the global energy. Atlanta resident William Holliday and his daughter, Darwin, a soccer player, went downtown just to be part of the excitement that will fill the city for the next month. Holliday noted that they did not encounter any parking problems despite the crowds.

"The energy is beautiful," William Holliday said. "Beautiful, just to see folks that are here from around the world that are coming to enjoy the beautiful game and that's why we're here, as we love the beautiful game."

For local athletes, seeing international soccer icons in person is a dream come true.

"It's like surreal. It was even unreal last year at the club World Cup and just seeing like faces that you know and it's like well like I watch that guy on TV like I watch him do all these incredible things, so just it feels good knowing that it's here like this is literally in my backyard and I get to be a part of it," Darwin Holliday said.