MEDIA ADVISORY
June 13, 2024
MARTA, SOCCER IN THE
STREETS HOST WATCH PARTY FOR COPA AMÉRICA OPENING MATCH
ATLANTA – The Metropolitan
Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and Soccer in the Streets will host a
watch party at West End Station to celebrate the start of the Copa América
international men’s soccer tournament. Other event co-hosts include Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier, Atlanta Influences
Everything, and Coca-Cola.
Copa América kicks off Thursday, June 20 with the opening
match between Argentina and Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The match will
feature global superstar and current Major League Soccer (MLS) player Lionel
Messi.
The Copa América watch party is a free, family-friendly,
community event with a jumbo screen for the match, food trucks, music, and
games.
“We’re excited to come together to watch
some of the best soccer players in the world compete,” said MARTA General
Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “Together with our partner Soccer in the
Streets, we plan to host more events like this, especially with Atlanta hosting
eight matches during World Cup 2026.”
“At Soccer in the Streets, we are
incredibly excited about the 2024 COPA America and the 2026 World Cup,” said
Soccer in the Streets Executive Director Elijah Miranda. “Our intention is to
do everything we can to make these experiences accessible to the communities we
serve. This watch party, in collaboration with MARTA and our other partners, is
an example of that effort. We want to bring Atlanta to the World Cup, as the
World Cup comes to Atlanta.”
WHAT:
Copa América Watch Party
WHEN:
Thursday, June 20
7:00
p.m. – 10 p.m.
*Match begins at 8 p.m.
WHERE:
West End Station – south lot near StationSoccer fields
680 Lee St. SW
Atlanta,
Ga. 30310
HOW:
Parking at West End Station is limited. Attendees are urged to take MARTA to
West End Station or park at Oakland City Station and ride the train one stop.
RSVP:
media@itsmarta.com
Soccer has become a big part of the MARTA system since the
launch of StationSoccer in 2016. That year, MARTA and Soccer in the Streets
established a soccer pitch at Five Points Station, the first in the world built
inside a transit station. The successful program has since expanded to West End
(2018), East Point (2019), Lindbergh Center (2020), Kensington (2022), and East
Lake (2023), and will eventually form a ten-station league that is easily
accessible by transit. MARTA also recently announced a brand partnership with
Atlanta United to enhance the gameday experience for soccer fans and visitors.
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