800,000 people expected to attend Atlanta Labor Day events

September 2,2014

by Carla Caldwell

More than 800,000 people are expected to attend more than 25 events in Atlanta over the Labor Day weekend. Events include college football games at the Georgia Dome and Georgia Tech, Braves games at Turner Field, Dragon Con and Atlanta Black Gay Pride.

Some 300,000 of those people will be visitors to the city, Atlanta Business Chronicle broadcast partner WXIA-TV reported early Friday.

The Atlanta Police Department in partnership with a number of government agencies have a comprehensive security plan in place for the activities, the APD said in a press release. The security plan includes a strong law enforcement presence in the areas of the city with large Labor Day events including the Downtown hotel district, Midtown, Centennial Olympic Park, Turner Field and Piedmont Park. Additionally, mounted patrol and on and off-duty personnel will be available to assist with traffic and security issues, the APD said.

The APD encourages event-goers to plan ahead for increased motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic, as well as possible event restrictions. Other holiday tips from the APD include:

Pack light and check event websites for more information about bringing backpacks, food and other restrictions.
Consider taking MARTA to events, or carpooling, to minimize the traffic volume.
Be mindful of parking only in permitted lots and be sure to pay attention to any “No Parking” signs to avoid citations or fines.
Following the Clean Car Campaign by parking in designated areas and removing all valuables from vehicles such as tablets, smart phones and purses.

Event-goers are encouraged to call 911 or approach a police officer if they see suspicious activity or a suspicious package left unattended.

Several events held Thursday, including the Ole Miss vs. Boise State game at the Georgia Dome, and an Aerosmith concert at Philips Arena, brought a number of visitors to Atlanta.

Events scheduled to draw crowds through Monday include:

* Chick-Fil-A Fan events, Centennial Olympic Park, Friday – Sunday

Atlanta Braves vs. Marlins, Friday - Sunday, Turner Field
Chick-Fil-A Game Fan Fare, Saturday, Georgia World Congress Center, 2 to 6 p.m.
Georgia Tech Football, Saturday, Bobby Dodd Stadium, 12:30 p.m.
Dragon Con parade, Saturday, Downtown, 9 a.m.
Chick-Fil-A Bowl Game, Saturday, Alabama vs. West Virginia, Georgia Dome, 7 p.m.
Atlanta Black Pride, Through Monday, throughout the city
There are also several races and events planned Friday through Monday at Atlanta Motor Speedway just south of Atlanta that will bring people into the city.