Copa America tournament boosts Atlanta metro economy – WSB-TV Channel 2

Another fan came from Panama hoping to see her team win.

“It’s all fun for the family.” My son is a soccer player, so he likes it,” Malu Salcedo said.

Besides the FIFA World Cup, the Copa América is considered the most prestigious and competitive tournament outside of Europe.

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The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce says it is clear the Copa committee has chosen Atlanta and Georgia to host some of the matches.

“We’re becoming the national center of soccer. The American football team is coming here. It’s a major event for the city,” said Dr. Jerry Parrish, chief economist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

Parrish said the chamber has not made any projections about the economic impact of the Copa tournament. But bars, restaurants and hotels in downtown Atlanta are packed with soccer fans.

“Last week we welcomed supporters from Argentina and Canada. It is now the Americans and Panamanians who welcome us. It’s a great event that gives us a taste of the World Cup in two years,” said bar and restaurant owner Jon Parker.

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The Metro Atlanta Chamber says the exposure the city receives on the world stage through events like the Copa will pay dividends in the long run with economic development and more major sporting events at the state-of-the-art Mercedes Benz Stadium.

“When you apply to do a Superbowl, a college football championship or other events, the committees will look at you and say, how many other big events have you done?” Parrish said.

Atlanta will host eight matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including one of the semi-finals.

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