Centennial Olympic Park Wins 2016 Central Atlanta Progress Marcus Downtown Economic Impact Award

Atlanta, GA (March 31, 2016)-   Today, Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), the primary organization focused on Downtown Atlanta’s continued growth, honored Centennial Olympic Park with its Marcus Downtown Economic Impact Award, recognizing the profound impact the Park has had on the development of downtown Atlanta and the tourism industry. In 2008, CAP introduced the Downtown Economic Impact Award to recognize individuals, companies or projects that have stimulated revitalization efforts that strengthen and advance the community at large.

The Marcus Downtown Economic Impact Award is one of CAP’s most prestigious awards and is publicly presented every March during the CAP/ADID Annual Meeting. The Park, built as part of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, has been an enduring part of the Games’ legacy, as well as a catalyst for economic development around it.

“We’re extremely pleased Centennial Olympic Park has received this high honor, and grateful for Central Atlanta Progress’ recognition,” said Frank Poe, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which owns and operates Centennial Olympic Park. “It is validation of our commitment to preserve the Park’s heritage of the ’96 Olympics, as well as our strategic initiatives to spur investment and development surrounding the Park. What was once underutilized parcels of land is now a thriving urban oasis – the crown jewel of downtown Atlanta.”

Since the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park has attracted $2.2 billion of new development to Downtown Atlanta – including nine hotels, seven residential towers, and attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, Center for Civil and Human Rights, the College Football Hall of Fame, and SkyView Atlanta- with an additional $1.5 billion of development planned for the future.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Morgan Smith-Williams, PR Specialist
Centennial Olympic Park | [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.