Atlanta has never been a city that waits for recognition, but I believe it is one that deserves it. Being named the No. 1 city for sports business reflects decades of shared belief, bold decisions and an uncommon willingness to work together. I believe what makes this acknowledgement meaningful is how Atlanta got here. In many cities, progress gets slowed by division; in Atlanta we’ve made a habit of working hard to do the opposite by prioritizing public-private partnerships.
Atlanta changed my life. I believed in it when I moved here in 1979, and 47 years later, I’m in awe of what continues to be achieved here.
This recognition belongs to the business leaders who saw the vision early, the civic institutions that believe sports can be used not just as entertainment, but as a catalyst for economic development, and it belongs to the public servants, on both sides of the aisle, at all levels of government, who understand when Atlanta moves forward together, there is no ceiling to what WE can achieve.
Over my nearly five decades here, leaders across party lines have consistently found ways to align around the shared goal of elevating Atlanta. This honor highlights the work of our current political leaders and the many before them, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and countless others who have demonstrated that bipartisan cooperation is not just possible, but it is very powerful. Even in moments of disagreement, there is a true belief that Atlanta’s long-term success matters more than party divide. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a true reflection of this sentiment.
That spirit extends beyond elected office. It lives in partnerships that have shaped our sports landscape. Leaders like A.J. Robinson and the Central Atlanta Progress, who have dedicated their careers to pushing Atlanta forward, help bring transformative assets to our downtown, reinforcing Atlanta as a destination for fans and families alike. Organizations such as Peach Bowl Inc. have elevated college football on a national stage, while the Southeastern Conference places its confidence in Atlanta to host the biggest games in the sport.
This acknowledgement reflects organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Sam Williams, who led the Chamber when Atlanta was on a steady rise; the Atlanta Sports Council and leaders including Rich McKay, Dan Corso and Katie Kirkpatrick, who bring the business community together; William Pate and his team at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, who have tirelessly positioned Atlanta as a premier global destination; and visionaries like Frank Poe and Kevin Duvall and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, who laid the groundwork for facilities and infrastructure that allow us to continue to compete for and host the world’s largest events. Nothing Atlanta has achieved over the last few decades would have been possible without these extraordinary leaders and institutions.
And, of course, there are the teams themselves. From our own Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United and future NWSL Atlanta 2028 team, to the commitment shown by Tony Ressler and Steve Koonin and the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, to the continued excellence of the Atlanta Braves and Truist Park, and the growth of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, each has played a role in shaping a dynamic, thriving sports ecosystem.
Atlanta has been home to countless major sporting events, from Super Bowl LIII to the NBA All-Star Game, College Football Playoff National Championship, MLS Cup, MLB All-Star Game, SEC Championship Game and Peach Bowl, among many, many others, solidifying the city as one of the premier destinations for major sporting events in the United States.
We continue to build on a foundation that was set nearly three decades ago during the 1996 Summer Olympics. As head of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Billy Payne and his team worked tirelessly to bring the Games to life, and I believe that moment changed how the world saw Atlanta, and, as importantly, how those in Atlanta saw our possibilities. It proved that we could host global events at the highest level, and it gave us the confidence to keep aiming higher — 30 years later, we are back on the world stage with FIFA World Cup 2026.
Since then, we have continued to invest in infrastructure and in vision. From downtown Atlanta revitalization to transit expansions through MARTA, and transformative projects such as Centennial Yards and South Downtown, Atlanta remains focused on staying ahead of the curve.
I believe, in Atlanta, sports business is treated as a collaboration of interests. We’ve created an environment where government, business and community leaders are not just in the same room, but we are on the same team.
Congratulations to all who have worked hard to bring Atlanta to this point, and to the many who continue to work to keep Atlanta thriving. This recognition was earned by everyone who believes in what is possible here, from the most visible leaders to those working behind the scenes, to the sports fans and residents of the city who keep Atlanta flourishing — this honor represents us all. I’m forever grateful to this city, and truly proud to call Atlanta my home.
Arthur M. Blank is owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses.
