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Ludacris to headline free World Cup festival at Piedmont Park

The festival includes a screening of the final World Cup game.

Things to Do

Atlanta will host the last of its eight matches for the FIFA World Cup next week, and the city will close out the weekslong event with a free festival at Piedmont Park.The latest: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Celebration of Soccer &amp; Sound" data-vars-click-url="https://showcaseatlanta.com/celebration" data-vars-content-id="4c323fee-501a-4ef8-a49a-49a53a3a2ea6" data-vars-headline="Ludacris to headline free World Cup festival at Piedmont Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://showcaseatlanta.com/celebration" target="_blank">Celebration of Soccer &amp; Sound</a> runs from 11am to 8pm Sunday, July 19, at the park.

Island Ford's revamped trails make a favorite hike even better

Island Ford now offers 6.4 miles of trails, new bridges and better access while protecting the riverbank.

One of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/02/chattahoochee-river-parks-open-but-tread-lightly" data-vars-content-id="fe2a6aef-a712-443d-8bfc-4ee492ca197d" data-vars-headline="Island Ford&#x27;s revamped trails make a favorite hike even better" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/02/chattahoochee-river-parks-open-but-tread-lightly" target="_self">Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area&#x27;s</a> best spots for fly-fishing and shaded, summertime walks has a reimagined trail system.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top-to-bottom overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area-announces-reopening-of-island-ford-trails" data-vars-content-id="fe2a6aef-a712-443d-8bfc-4ee492ca197d" data-vars-headline="Island Ford&#x27;s revamped trails make a favorite hike even better" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/chattahoochee-river-national-recreation-area-announces-reopening-of-island-ford-trails" target="_blank">top-to-bottom overhaul</a> of Island Ford&#x27;s trail system in Sandy Springs is part of a multiyear effort to improve the roughly 7,000-acre recreation area&#x27;s hiking paths.

Mableton moves forward with police department despite criticism

The City Council approved a new tax that would generate the roughly $21 million needed to create the city's own police department.

Public Safety

Despite opposition and lingering questions from residents, Mableton leaders are moving ahead with standing up the city&#x27;s own police department. Why it matters: Mableton&#x27;s elected officials say breaking up with Cobb County will allow it to have better control over how police services are allocated in the city.

The next Atlanta traffic fight is over the curb

As deliveries surge, Atlanta is rethinking who gets priority at the curb and when vehicles can stop.

News

Some of Atlanta&#x27;s most contested real estate at the moment might just be the curb.Why it matters: Delivery vans, package trucks and food delivery drivers turning on their hazards and creating gridlock on major streets has become one of the top resident and business complaints, elected officials and civic groups tell Axios.<ul><li>The congestion raises a complex question: Who gets to use a limited stretch of curb, when and for what purpose?</li></ul>

Argentina boots England in World Cup semifinal

Downtown showed its best for the final match hosted in Atlanta.

Sports

Tens of thousands of fans packed Downtown Atlanta on Wednesday as Argentina defeated England, capping the city&#x27;s whirlwind run as a World Cup host.Why it matters: Argentina&#x27;s dramatic semifinal victory brought some of the biggest crowds yet and marked the city&#x27;s final World Cup match before Sunday&#x27;s tournament finale festivities.

Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today

Packed hotels, pricey tickets and watch parties await as soccer powerhouses meet Downtown.

Atlanta plays <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup host" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" target="_self">World Cup host</a> one more time this afternoon when England battles Argentina to decide which country heads to the tournament&#x27;s final.Why it matters: The match-up between two of the world&#x27;s soccer powers is drawing fans and VIPs from across the globe and sending Downtown hotel room rates past the $1,000 mark, according to Kayak.Zoom in: The match kicks off at 3pm ET. Streets adjacent to the stadium and around the official Fan Fest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed yesterday" data-vars-click-url="https://atldot.atlantaga.gov/traffic-advisory/fifa-fan-festival-road-closures-and-delivery/" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atldot.atlantaga.gov/traffic-advisory/fifa-fan-festival-road-closures-and-delivery/" target="_blank">closed yesterday</a> in preparation for the semifinal.Where to watch: General admission tickets to Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park are sold out. There are watch parties aplenty in South Downtown, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Underground Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watch-party-atl-week-5-tickets-1991428080998?aff=oddtdtcreator" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watch-party-atl-week-5-tickets-1991428080998?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Underground Atlanta</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Decatur" data-vars-click-url="https://decaturwatchfest26.com/" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://decaturwatchfest26.com/" target="_blank">Decatur</a> — basically anywhere with a TV.Zoom out: The semifinal is one of the tournament&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most high-profile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c621y75w2x2o" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c621y75w2x2o" target="_blank">most high-profile</a>, and the two countries have a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tense relationship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c17y75qd8e4o" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c17y75qd8e4o" target="_blank">tense relationship</a> dating back to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1982 Falklands War" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/cold-war/falklands-conflict" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/cold-war/falklands-conflict" target="_blank">1982 Falklands War</a>.Follow the money: Tickets in Mercedes-Benz Stadium&#x27;s upper levels will cost you roughly $3,600, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ticketmaster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/world-cup-semifinals-england-vs-argentina-atlanta-07-15-2026/event/Z7r9jZ1A743pZ" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/world-cup-semifinals-england-vs-argentina-atlanta-07-15-2026/event/Z7r9jZ1A743pZ" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a>. Seats closer to the pitch start around $4,600.Threat level: Atlanta police said in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantapd.org/Home/Components/News/News/8335/17" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantapd.org/Home/Components/News/News/8335/17" target="_blank">statement</a> that &quot;additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.&quot;What&#x27;s next: This may be this tournament&#x27;s last one in Atlanta, but the local festivities continue with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Piedmont Park watch party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2026/07/09/is-piedmont-park-world-cup-final-watch-party-free-ludacris-to-perform/90844977007/" data-vars-content-id="b0815f4b-0a9f-494b-8fea-0dd2af189596" data-vars-headline="Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/worldcup/2026/07/09/is-piedmont-park-world-cup-final-watch-party-free-ludacris-to-perform/90844977007/" target="_blank">Piedmont Park watch party</a> for the Sunday final.

Atlanta's first footgolf course opens in Candler Park

Play the links with your legs at Candler Park, where Atlanta is testing a new all-ages sport during the World Cup and beyond.

Footgolf, an all-ages sport blending the strategy of golf and the accessibility of soccer, has arrived in Atlanta.Why it matters: The Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation&#x27;s 9-hole <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="footgolf course" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cityofatlantagolf.com/footgolf-at-candler-park/" data-vars-content-id="1f54885c-774e-4580-b349-7297934dd162" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first footgolf course opens in Candler Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cityofatlantagolf.com/footgolf-at-candler-park/" target="_blank">footgolf course</a> in Candler Park is the first inside the city limits.<ul><li>The pilot program, which launched May 16, is part of Atlanta&#x27;s effort to capitalize on soccer&#x27;s growing popularity ahead of the 2026 FIFA <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/16/atlantas-world-cup-will-feel-more-like-a-festival-than-a-finale" data-vars-content-id="1f54885c-774e-4580-b349-7297934dd162" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s first footgolf course opens in Candler Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/16/atlantas-world-cup-will-feel-more-like-a-festival-than-a-finale" target="_self">World Cup</a> and introduce more people to the sport. Or in this case, sports.</li></ul>

Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America's next arena sport

A new league plans to bring seasons, rankings and arena events to the centuries-old sport.

Two media executives with long careers in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports entertainment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/media-trends-membership/2026/06/13/live-sports-streaming" data-vars-content-id="65941089-58e4-4279-b24e-2384a9d46fde" data-vars-headline="Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America&#x27;s next arena sport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/media-trends-membership/2026/06/13/live-sports-streaming" target="_self">sports entertainment</a> and live events say sumo wrestling is ready to become an American arena sport.Why it matters: The Atlanta-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sumo Championship League" data-vars-click-url="https://sumochampionshipleague.com/" data-vars-content-id="65941089-58e4-4279-b24e-2384a9d46fde" data-vars-headline="Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America&#x27;s next arena sport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sumochampionshipleague.com/" target="_blank">Sumo Championship League</a> wants to import Japan&#x27;s centuries-old national sport to North America and beyond at a time when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="niche and startup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/02/pickleball-craze-slows-but-still-strong-in-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="65941089-58e4-4279-b24e-2384a9d46fde" data-vars-headline="Atlanta startup wants to make sumo America&#x27;s next arena sport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/02/pickleball-craze-slows-but-still-strong-in-atlanta" target="_self">niche and startup</a> sports are booming.

Atlanta's World Cup will feel more like a festival than a finale

Crowds will surge around matches, then ebb before building again as Fan Fest and events continue.

Atlanta&#x27;s World Cup experience is expected to arrive in waves, with major match days driving the largest spikes in visitors and activity.Zoom in: Expect peaks and valleys as excitement builds for the group-stage matches, before hitting a fever pitch during the semifinal match.

Atlanta's World Cup opener delivers drama and surprise

Underdogs Cape Verde held soccer powerhouse Spain to a draw before nearly 68,000 fans in Atlanta.

Atlanta&#x27;s turn on the world soccer stage kicked off Monday with a tense draw between the tiny African island nation of Cape Verde and Spain, a favorite to win soccer&#x27;s biggest tournament.Why it matters: Years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup planning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" data-vars-content-id="25de669c-992f-4e2b-9bdb-200c6a396cb1" data-vars-headline="Atlanta&#x27;s World Cup opener delivers drama and surprise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" target="_self">World Cup planning</a> and months of nonstop construction have reshaped the area surrounding Mercedes-Benz Stadium — known for the next five weeks as Atlanta Stadium, per FIFA sponsorship rules — into a haven for soccer and hospitality.

"It's officially here, y'all": Atlanta says it's ready for World Cup

The first match in Atlanta will be at noon Monday between Spain and Cabo Verde.

Four years ago this month, Atlanta <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was named one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/06/16/fifa-chooses-atlantas-world-cup-bid" data-vars-content-id="bfad9ab3-cd2b-4baa-808f-47767fdaf684" data-vars-headline="&quot;It&#x27;s officially here, y&#x27;all&quot;: Atlanta says it&#x27;s ready for World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2022/06/16/fifa-chooses-atlantas-world-cup-bid" target="_self">was named one</a> of 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that would host 2026 FIFA World Cup games. Why it matters: After years of meetings, readiness exercises, drills, planning and training, all eyes will soon be on Atlanta when it hosts the first of eight matches that will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta

The city has 73 pickleball courts, or 1.4 courts for every 10,000 residents, according to the Trust for Public Land.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self">pickleball</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" craze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self"> craze</a> — so hot in the pandemic and immediately afterwards — may be cooling off. Don&#x27;t tell that to Atlanta players, however.Why it matters: America&#x27;s one-time fastest-growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/24/pandemic-sport-pickleball" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/02/24/pandemic-sport-pickleball" target="_self">sport</a> is also possibly one of the most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="polarizing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/1lzr8aw/why_is_there_such_an_immense_hate_stigma_on/" data-vars-content-id="3ad5e58a-000c-4c61-9345-9a7310496925" data-vars-headline="Pickleball craze slows, but still strong in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/1lzr8aw/why_is_there_such_an_immense_hate_stigma_on/" target="_blank">polarizing</a>.

Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games

Between 20 and 30 food trucks will be stationed along Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street on game days and a day before each match.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food Truck Association of Georgia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodtruckassociationofgeorgia.com/" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodtruckassociationofgeorgia.com/" target="_blank">Food Truck Association of Georgia</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Showcase Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://showcaseatlanta.com/" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://showcaseatlanta.com/" target="_blank">Showcase Atlanta</a> is joining forces to bring dozens of food trucks to residents and visitors flocking to Downtown for the World Cup. The latest: The pedestrian food truck corridor called Global Grub Alley <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is expected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15738/1338" data-vars-content-id="3016d0d1-0955-43d8-8a6d-41178a22fdcc" data-vars-headline="Atlanta to host food truck alley during World Cup games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15738/1338" target="_blank">is expected</a> to feature 20 to 30 food trucks along Walton Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Broad Street.

How to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in Atlanta

Fans can visit The Home Depot Backyard for soccer experiences Friday and Saturday.

Fans of soccer and shiny gold objects will have an opportunity this weekend to see the FIFA World Cup trophy in person.Driving the news: The Coca Cola-sponsored Trophy Tour will make a stop at The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Friday and Saturday from 2-9pm.

Sports 🏅

Argentina boots England in World Cup semifinal

Atlanta hosts England-Argentina World Cup semifinal today

Atlanta hosts Argentina-Egypt knockout match

Atlanta's first footgolf course opens in Candler Park

Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium is getting a glow-up