(GPB News) – Atlanta World Cup organizers held their first monthly meeting to discuss local preparations leading up to the games. They’re removing all corporate branding from Mercedes-Benz Stadium to comply with FIFA regulations.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be temporarily called Atlanta Stadium for the World Cup. Organizers are working to take down nearly 2,000 corporate logos in and around the stadium before the games to comply with FIFA’s Clean zone regulations.
The stadium includes a modular roof that can open and close. It’s made of eight lightweight inflated plastic pedals they call pillows. Stadium Operations Vice President Adam Fullerton said the pillows are a challenge.
“There’s a really, really nice Mercedes-Benz emblem that’s built into those pillows”, he said. “So it’s a white pillow system with a black emblem on it and the emblem’s literally built into the material. So we’ve got to go out on those pillows and actually cover up the emblem and make that kind of kind of disappear.”
The roof of the stadium will remain closed for the duration of the tournament. Fullerton said it’s a security measure, but also to prevent any heat-related health issues for players or fans during the games.
“We are climate controlled; we will be nice and cool inside our venue and, of course, rain-free,” he said. “Water stations across the city are a big topic. So we will do our best to make sure that everyone is safe and hydrated and has an opportunity to get some shade and some cool temperatures prior to getting into the venue.”
Signage at MARTA stations will also be updated ahead of the World Cup to reflect the temporary names of branded buildings. The downtown CNN Center station will become the Sports, Entertainment, and Convention District Station, or SEC District Station.
Logo removals will begin in full during the Atlanta United season break starting May 25. The first World Cup game in Atlanta kicks off June 15.
