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Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons

There's plenty to do this weekend in Atlanta. Check out our list of events happening around town.

Things to Do

Welcome to the weekend, Atlanta! Looking for something to get into? We&#x27;ve got you covered.🎟️ Piedmont Park will host Shaky Knees Festival this weekend. The event is sold out, but you may be able to snag tickets on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resale market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com/seg165/shaky-knees-music-festival-tickets/event/28494" data-vars-content-id="ebd18fa5-c0ef-43eb-b12c-c79828d16879" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com/seg165/shaky-knees-music-festival-tickets/event/28494" target="_blank">resale market</a>. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fri.-Sun." data-vars-click-url="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="ebd18fa5-c0ef-43eb-b12c-c79828d16879" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/" target="_blank">Fri.-Sun.</a>)

Metro Atlanta's future is older

By 2050, 22% of the region could be 65 or older, putting new pressure on housing and transit.

News

Metro Atlanta&#x27;s 65 and up population is projected to boom in the coming decades amid a demographic inversion that&#x27;s expected to deepen well into the future.Why it matters: Aging in place isn&#x27;t easy in the sprawling, car-dependent metro, and regional planners <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="say" data-vars-click-url="https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/aging-services-and-resources/aging-health-planning/age-friendly-atlanta-region/" data-vars-content-id="058fe6eb-1fe5-4e37-8dbe-ced57a20a171" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta&#x27;s future is older" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/aging-services-and-resources/aging-health-planning/age-friendly-atlanta-region/" target="_blank">say</a> action is needed to accommodate a 65 and older population expected to more than double by 2050.

A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa

Great wings and a unique ambiance will make The Bando hard to forget.

Food and Drink

👋🏽 Crystal here.I recently stopped by wing spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bando" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebandoatl.com/" data-vars-content-id="4adfc706-43bf-4f4b-87f1-9db23c9faa77" data-vars-headline="A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebandoatl.com/" target="_blank">The Bando</a> — and I owe our readers an apology.Why it matters: Earlier this year Axios Atlanta ran <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a chicken wing bracket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/02/atlantas-chicken-wing-bracket-voters-have-crowned-a-winner" data-vars-content-id="4adfc706-43bf-4f4b-87f1-9db23c9faa77" data-vars-headline="A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/02/atlantas-chicken-wing-bracket-voters-have-crowned-a-winner" target="_self">a chicken wing bracket</a>, asking readers to pick the best wings in the city.<ul><li>Voters crowned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Local" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/thelocalonponce/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="4adfc706-43bf-4f4b-87f1-9db23c9faa77" data-vars-headline="A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/thelocalonponce/?hl=en" target="_blank">The Local</a>, but not before informing us of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an oversight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/28/vote-in-round-2-of-our-best-chicken-wings-in-atlanta-bracket" data-vars-content-id="4adfc706-43bf-4f4b-87f1-9db23c9faa77" data-vars-headline="A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/28/vote-in-round-2-of-our-best-chicken-wings-in-atlanta-bracket" target="_self">an oversight</a>: The Bando, which bills itself as a chicken wing restaurant and trap museum. Over Labor Day weekend, I finally checked it out.</li></ul>

Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form

Cyvl's technology is attached to government vehicles and scans street conditions.

Transit

The Atlanta Department of Transportation is turning to artificial intelligence to help keep track of which streets, sidewalks and signs are in need of repair.Why it matters: With the guidance and oversight of humans, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyvl&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://cyvl.com/case-studies/atlanta-ga" data-vars-content-id="a90860ba-c01e-4d36-9696-d35fd79c1561" data-vars-headline="Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cyvl.com/case-studies/atlanta-ga" target="_blank">Cyvl&#x27;</a>s technology aims to help ATL DOT identify and repair those dreadful potholes we dodge during our daily commutes.

College football takes over Atlanta this Labor Day weekend

From Georgia Tech's season opener to Auburn-Baylor and the first ATL Labor Day Classic, Atlanta has three straight days of college football.

Are you ready for some football? Because this weekend is a three-day college football festival.Thursday: Georgia Tech <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opens" data-vars-click-url="https://ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/schedule/season/2026-27" data-vars-content-id="42323aa1-fa46-47cb-93bf-c3daf2aa3a57" data-vars-headline="College football takes over Atlanta this Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/schedule/season/2026-27" target="_blank">opens</a> its season against Colorado at Bobby Dodd Stadium at 8pm.<ul><li>Head to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Helluva Block Party" data-vars-click-url="https://ramblinwreck.com/hbp" data-vars-content-id="42323aa1-fa46-47cb-93bf-c3daf2aa3a57" data-vars-headline="College football takes over Atlanta this Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ramblinwreck.com/hbp" target="_blank">Helluva Block Party</a> on Bobby Dodd Way at 4pm or join the ESPN SportsCenter on Campus live broadcast on the top level of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Peters Parking Deck" data-vars-click-url="https://ramblinwreck.com/news/2026/08/28/sportscenter-on-campus-returns-to-georgia-tech-for-football-opener" data-vars-content-id="42323aa1-fa46-47cb-93bf-c3daf2aa3a57" data-vars-headline="College football takes over Atlanta this Labor Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ramblinwreck.com/news/2026/08/28/sportscenter-on-campus-returns-to-georgia-tech-for-football-opener" target="_blank">Peters Parking Deck</a> at 5pm.</li></ul>

Why Wall Street is betting against the Atlanta Braves

Short interest has roughly doubled even as the publicly traded team's stock hits record highs.

Business

A Major League Baseball labor dispute and the prospect of a lockout has Wall Street short sellers betting against the Atlanta Braves, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bloomberg reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-21/mlb-lockout-fears-spur-rush-of-shorts-into-atlanta-braves-shares" data-vars-content-id="4e82e0af-0bcd-4eb6-b7ad-4da1654e48b0" data-vars-headline="Why Wall Street is betting against the Atlanta Braves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-21/mlb-lockout-fears-spur-rush-of-shorts-into-atlanta-braves-shares" target="_blank">Bloomberg reports</a>.Why it matters: The Braves are the only publicly traded professional baseball team in the United States, making the franchise one of the few places where sellers and investors can gain direct exposure to shifts and shake-ups in the sports world.

Dill Dinkers to open second metro Atlanta location in Kennesaw

The company will open its second metro Atlanta location next month in Kennesaw.

Sports

Nearly two years after opening its first pickleball location in Atlanta, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dill Dinkers" data-vars-click-url="https://dilldinkers.com/?doing_wp_cron=1786735787.1229569911956787109375" data-vars-content-id="6a15efd4-de6d-4d2a-aa96-305441efc0c2" data-vars-headline="Dill Dinkers to open second metro Atlanta location in Kennesaw" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dilldinkers.com/?doing_wp_cron=1786735787.1229569911956787109375" target="_blank">Dill Dinkers</a> is setting its sights on the metro area suburbs.Why it matters: Pickleball remains a very popular sport, as several courts and centers have opened across Atlanta <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="within the last five years" 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="6a15efd4-de6d-4d2a-aa96-305441efc0c2" data-vars-headline="Dill Dinkers to open second metro Atlanta location in Kennesaw" 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">within the last five years</a>.

How Atlanta fared after hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup

MARTA, Fan Fest and hotels posted big numbers, but some vendors say the promised boom never came.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="final whistle " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/16/world-cup-england-argentina-semifinal-atlanta-photoes-mercedes-benz-stadium" data-vars-content-id="8c139864-6c27-464c-8220-e46667581180" data-vars-headline="How Atlanta fared after hosting the 2026 FIFA 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/2026/07/16/world-cup-england-argentina-semifinal-atlanta-photoes-mercedes-benz-stadium" target="_self">final whistle </a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has blown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/16/world-cup-england-argentina-semifinal-atlanta-photoes-mercedes-benz-stadium" data-vars-content-id="8c139864-6c27-464c-8220-e46667581180" data-vars-headline="How Atlanta fared after hosting the 2026 FIFA 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/2026/07/16/world-cup-england-argentina-semifinal-atlanta-photoes-mercedes-benz-stadium" target="_self">has blown</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="watch-party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/12/fifa-world-cup-watch-parties-atlanta" data-vars-content-id="8c139864-6c27-464c-8220-e46667581180" data-vars-headline="How Atlanta fared after hosting the 2026 FIFA 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/2026/06/12/fifa-world-cup-watch-parties-atlanta" target="_self">watch-party</a> big screens have been packed away and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown bars" 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="8c139864-6c27-464c-8220-e46667581180" data-vars-headline="How Atlanta fared after hosting the 2026 FIFA 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/2026/06/16/atlantas-world-cup-will-feel-more-like-a-festival-than-a-finale" target="_self">Downtown bars</a> are restocking empty coolers.<ul><li>The 2026 FIFA World Cup is over. So how&#x27;d Atlanta do?</li></ul>Why it matters: Local government, civic and business leaders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spent 18 months preparing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" data-vars-content-id="8c139864-6c27-464c-8220-e46667581180" data-vars-headline="How Atlanta fared after hosting the 2026 FIFA 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/2026/06/10/atlanta-fifa-world-cup-readiness-marta" target="_self">spent 18 months preparing</a> to welcome fans from around the world to enjoy the biggest event to hit Downtown Atlanta since the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Argentina boots England in World Cup semifinal

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

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.

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