Busy Atlanta sports weekend expected to boost business as fans pack downtown

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta is preparing for a busy weekend of sports, with the Atlanta Dream, Atlanta United and Atlanta Hawks playing at home Saturday, followed by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

The packed schedule is expected to bring thousands of fans to State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, giving downtown businesses a boost.

The Atlanta Dream will play Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at 1 p.m. Saturday at State Farm Arena. Atlanta United will host a match at 7:30 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, followed by the Hawks’ NBA home opener at 8:30 p.m. at State Farm Arena.

On Sunday, the Falcons will take on the San Francisco 49ers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Local businesses say the surge in sports fans is expected to translate into increased sales.

Hotel Phoenix expects business at its restaurant and bar, Zephyr Southern Brasserie, to increase by 50% to 60% before and after games, according to general manager Martin Wormull.

“The Brasserie is the place to come before kickoff or tipoff, and it’s the place to come after the final buzzer,” Wormull said.

The hotel typically fills up most weekends, but the lineup of games is expected to bring even more customers to the restaurant and bar.

The Fan’s Wear, an Atlanta sports apparel store, also expects a significant increase in business. Manager Donnie McLemore said the store anticipates at least a 30% bump in sales and has already sold out of all Atlanta Dream merchandise.

McLemore said some fans flew into Atlanta specifically for the games and headed straight to the store to buy team gear.

“I had people who were just flying in for the game and they would come straight here, and the hats were just flying off the shelves,” McLemore said. “We started the day with a few different styles, and then at the end of the day we had sold them all.”

With multiple games scheduled across the two downtown venues, fans should expect heavy traffic and crowds throughout the weekend. Officials and businesses encourage visitors to allow extra time when traveling downtown.