Atlanta soccer diehards are trading air conditioning for atmosphere on Friday as thousands of fans are expected to pack Historic Fourth Ward Park for a massive Team USA watch party, even while the heat cranks up. The free O4W Kickoff Festival event opens at 4 p.m. and will roll straight into the 9 p.m. kickoff between the United States and Paraguay, with three giant viewing screens, local food vendors and live entertainment. Organizers say they are planning for roughly 5,000 people and have set up water stations and a cooling area to help everyone handle the summer swelter.
According to CBS News Atlanta, the free festival runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., will show the match on three large livestreaming screens and includes pre-match music and DJs. Organizers told the outlet they expect about 5,000 fans. The report also notes that sealed water bottles are allowed, reusable bottles are encouraged, water and a cooling station will be on site, and pets are not permitted.
From the BeltLine to the Park
The Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association says the three-day O4W Kickoff Festival began Thursday along the Eastside BeltLine and shifted Friday’s viewing party to Historic Fourth Ward Park at 680 Dallas Street. The festival schedule lists a 4 p.m. field opening, live music acts and DJ EU before pre-match coverage begins around 8:30 p.m., with the livestreamed match kicking off at 9 p.m., according to the neighborhood group.
Heat and Safety
The National Weather Service office in Atlanta and Peachtree City is warning that heat indices are expected to climb into the upper 90s to low 100s through the start of the weekend, which raises the risk of heat-related illness. Dr. Alex Isakov, an emergency medicine physician with Emory Healthcare, told CBS News Atlanta that high heat and humidity make it harder for the body to cool. He urged fans to hydrate before arriving, take breaks in the shade and go easy on alcohol or caffeine.
Getting There and What to Bring
The Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association’s FAQ points out that street and garage parking near the park is very limited and that ATLPlus will ticket and tow cars that are parked illegally, so organizers recommend walking, using rideshare, taking transit or biking to the event. Security will screen entrances and several items are off limits, including coolers, tents, chairs, grills, weapons, fireworks and portable sound systems, while local restaurants will sell food and beverages on site.
Local outlets have highlighted other fan zones and neighborhood gatherings across metro Atlanta. For a citywide list of watch parties, check the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Fans heading to Historic Fourth Ward Park should pack water, plan transit ahead of time and step into shade or a cooling station if they start to feel dizzy or faint.
