New historic marker for 1996 Games unveiled in Centennial Olympic Park

ATLANTA – (October 20, 2016)— The Georgia World Congress Center Authority(GWCCA) will be honored by the Georgia Historical Society with a special commemoration service to install a new historical marker for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The Georgia Historical Marker Program, administered by the Georgia Historical Society since 1998, commemorates the history of the State of Georgia. As the newest honoree in the Georgia Business History Initiative, GWCCA is focusing on the impact the Games had on economic development in Atlanta and the state of Georgia during the last 20 years. Elevating Atlanta to international status and recognition, the 1996 Summer Olympics united the world in friendship and peace while providing avenues for significant growth in the city, with Centennial Olympic Park emerging as the catalyst for surrounding development and the lasting legacy of the Games – and as the site of the historical marker. Each year, the Georgia Historical Society selects iconic companies in the state to be honored through the Georgia Business History Initiative. By showcasing these companies, GHS educates Georgia students, citizens and tourists alike about the pivotal role of Georgia’s leading businesses play in the economic, cultural and social development of the state, region and country. The GWCCA will join other iconic Georgia companies such as Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Southern Company, and Waffle House. WHAT: Historical Marker Dedication- 1996 Centennial Olympic Games WHO:   WHERE: Centennial Olympic Park, Fountain Plaza, 235 Andrew Young International Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30313 WHEN: 11 a.m., November 1, 2016   For more information, contact: Morgan Smith-Williams Centennial Olympic Park | Georgia World Congress Center Authority Phone: 404-550-0641 Email: [email protected] Pattye Meagher Georgia Historical Society Phone: 912-651-2125 ext 153 Email: [email protected] ABOUT THE GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER AUTHORITY Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) now includes Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 3.9 million- square-foot convention center, the 71,250-seat Georgia Dome, and 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park. Additionally, GWCCA manages operations of the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. These public facilities represent the largest combined convention, sports, and entertainment destination in the world. This past year, the GWCCA hosted 555 events and welcomed more than 2.4 million visitors who generated $1.33 billion in economic impact to the State of Georgia. ABOUT GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting, examining and teaching Georgia history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation. To learn more, go to georgiahistory.com ABOUT THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL MARKER PROGRAM The Georgia Historical Society has administered Georgia’s historical marker program since 1998, erecting over 250 historical markers across Georgia on a wide variety of subjects. Now, online mapping tools allow you to design statewide driving routes based on historical markers, while mobile apps give information about markers nearby. Visit georgiahistory.com for more ways to use Georgia’s historical markers and experience history where it happened.