Debate and football game will 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 the major double event is expected to cause significant delays and traffic disruptions.

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

“There will be several road closures in the vicinity of the debate and your itinerary may be impacted. Please allow extra time to reach your destination and expect parking to fill up quickly.”

The debate between President Biden and former President Trump will take place Thursday night at CNN’s Atlanta studios. The two will face off in a highly anticipated event that will put them in the same grandstand 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 possibility 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 likely high transit ridership.