Debate, football game to block traffic in Atlanta

(NewsNation) — Atlanta officials are warning residents to prepare for traffic jams on the roads Thursday night as the city prepares to host not only the first presidential debate, but also a men’s soccer game at less than three miles away.

Atlanta authorities warn that this double major event is expected to cause significant delays and traffic disruptions.

“If you are planning a night out in Atlanta, for the game, dinner or any of our other offerings, we encourage you to plan ahead and anticipate limited parking and heavier traffic than usual,” said Atlanta police in a notice earlier this week.

“There will be several road closures in the areas surrounding the debate and your route may be impacted. Please allow extra time to reach your destination and plan for parking spaces that will fill up quickly.

The debate between President Biden and former President Trump will take place Thursday evening at CNN’s Atlanta studios. The two will face off in a highly anticipated event that will put them in the same bracket after four years.

The event will not have an in-studio audience, but the Secret Service is expected to order lane and street closures near the studios, with the risk of rolling roadblocks on the Downtown Connector, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority said on its website.

Three hours before the presidential match, the United States men’s national team will face Panama in the Copa América at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

MARTA said it would provide additional rail service Thursday to accommodate the expected surge in transit ridership.