The Atlanta City Council passed an ordinance Monday night creating a public World Cup entertainment district across a large portion of downtown. The district takes effect June 11 and runs through July 19, covering Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, the World of Coke, and the Georgia Aquarium.
Within the district, cruising is prohibited and people cannot give away or sell free commercial products on the street. Councilmember Antonio Lewis worried the street sales ban would unfairly target "Waterboys" and other residents who have made the downtown sidewalk economy their own.
The original plan included a provision to let fans drink in public, but Councilmember Jason Dozier removed that portion before the final vote. Dozier said he wanted more time to talk with people living in the downtown and Castleberry Hill communities about what an open container district would mean for them. Dozier said he thinks the open container rule will eventually pass at a later date.
The district sits alongside other World Cup moves the city has been making, including airport staff trafficking awareness training, E-911 upgrades for global callers, and Airbnb host incentives. Eight FIFA matches are coming to Mercedes-Benz Stadium between June 13 and July 15.
