Atlanta police provide travel advice ahead of presidential debate and Copa América match Thursday

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Thursday will be a busy night for Atlanta.

CNN is scheduled to host the first presidential debate of 2024 between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump at its Atlanta studio starting at 9 p.m. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host a match for the Copa América international football tournament starting at 6 p.m.

Atlanta police are urging anyone out Thursday night to plan ahead and “expect limited parking and heavier traffic than usual.”

RELATED: Atlanta debate between Trump and Biden will feature many firsts

They said there will be several road closures near the debate, so your route may be affected if you pass through the area.

Police are urging everyone to “allow yourself extra time to reach your destination and provide parking spaces to fill up quickly.”

RELATED: What you need to know for the Copa América matches in Atlanta

They said they would have additional officers working throughout the city Thursday evening, “ready to respond to incidents or resolve any potential issues.”

Police are asking the public to follow these tips to “make our jobs a little easier”:

• Use MARTA or a ride-sharing service to reduce traffic and parking congestion, “especially if you plan to drink alcohol.”
• If you are driving, avoid leaving valuable items in parked vehicles, including “firearms, purses, bags, jewelry, laptops, and anything that could make your vehicle a target for criminals.”
• Never leave your vehicle running unoccupied and never leave your keys inside.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and if you see anything suspicious, call 911.

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