Did You Know? Atlanta Facts from 2000 to Present

1. In 2005, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport became the first airport in the world to serve over 100 million passengers annually.

2. The Atlanta BeltLine, one of the largest urban redevelopment programs in the U.S., began construction in 2006 and has transformed unused railway corridors into parks and trails.

3. In 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened as the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, featuring a unique retractable roof design.

4. In 2019, Atlanta United FC won its first MLS Cup, bringing home the city’s first major sports championship in over 20 years.

5. The Atlanta Streetcar, reintroduced in 2014, offers residents and tourists an easy way to explore downtown.

6. In 2021, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport retained its title as the busiest airport in the world for the 21st consecutive year.

7. Tyler Perry Studios, one of the largest film production studios in the U.S., opened its doors in Atlanta in 2006, boosting the city’s reputation as a filmmaking hub.

8. In 2008, Atlanta hosted the NCAA Final Four at the Georgia Dome, drawing thousands of college basketball fans.

9. Ponce City Market, a massive redevelopment of the old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, was completed in 2014 and has become a popular shopping and dining destination.

10. In 2018, Atlanta’s Spelman College was ranked the 1 HBCU in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

11. In 2002, OutKast won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, solidifying Atlanta’s influence in the hip-hop industry.

12. The Center for Civil and Human Rights opened in 2014, showcasing Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.

13. In 2009, the city of Atlanta launched its first Bike Share Program, making eco-friendly transportation more accessible to residents and visitors.

14. The Georgia Aquarium, which opened in 2005, was the largest aquarium in the world at the time, housing more than 100,000 animals.

15. The Atlanta Falcons played in Super Bowl LI in 2017, although they lost in a historic comeback by the New England Patriots.

16. In 2020, Atlanta hosted its largest-ever Pride Parade, celebrating the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

17. In 2018, Emory University was recognized as one of the top 20 research universities in the U.S., further enhancing Atlanta’s reputation in higher education.

18. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which opened in 2014, highlights Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and global human rights advocacy.

19. In 2012, Piedmont Park hosted its first Shaky Knees Music Festival, which has since become a major event in the city’s music scene.

20. In 2014, the Atlanta Braves announced they would move to their new stadium, Truist Park, which opened in 2017.

21. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium was named the most sustainable sports venue in the world in 2018, with its zero-waste initiatives and LEED Platinum certification.

22. In 2021, the Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside Trail opened, further connecting neighborhoods and providing new public green space.

23. In 2001, Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park underwent a major renovation, enhancing its role as a gathering place for events and concerts.

24. In 2019, Atlanta was named one of the top 10 cities for startups by Forbes, reflecting its growing entrepreneurial community.

25. Atlanta United FC set an MLS attendance record in 2018, with over 72,000 fans attending a single match.

26. In 2020, the John Lewis Memorial Mural was unveiled in downtown Atlanta, honoring the late Congressman and Civil Rights leader.

27. The College Football Hall of Fame opened in downtown Atlanta in 2014, drawing sports enthusiasts from around the country.

28. In 2013, the Atlanta Braves held their last game at Turner Field before moving to Truist Park in Cobb County.

29. In 2021, MARTA expanded its public transit services to include more bus routes and bike-friendly options, promoting sustainability.

30. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, one of the city’s oldest annual events, celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2021.

31. In 2007, Piedmont Park was expanded, adding new trails, sports fields, and green space, making it one of the largest urban parks in the Southeast.

32. The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade, first held in 2010, has grown into a celebration of public art, drawing thousands each year.

33. In 2016, The High Museum of Art completed a major renovation, adding new galleries and expanding its collection of contemporary art.

34. In 2019, Atlanta launched its Smart City Initiative, using technology to improve transportation, public safety, and sustainability.

35. The 2021 Peachtree Road Race celebrated its 52nd year, continuing to be the world’s largest 10K race with tens of thousands of participants.

36. In 2015, Truist Park, the new home of the Atlanta Braves, opened its doors, featuring modern amenities and a surrounding entertainment district.

37. The Atlanta Dream, the city’s WNBA team, played in its first WNBA Finals in 2010, raising the profile of women’s basketball in Atlanta.

38. In 2018, the Ponce City Market Rooftop opened, offering stunning views of the city skyline and hosting events year-round.

39. The Woodruff Arts Center, a cornerstone of Atlanta’s arts community, underwent a $100 million expansion and renovation in 2014.

40. In 2021, Atlanta was named one of the best U.S. cities for foodies, thanks to its diverse restaurant scene and innovative chefs.

41. In 2017, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport introduced a $6 billion expansion project, preparing for future growth.

42. In 2005, Zoo Atlanta welcomed its first giant pandas, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, as part of a global conservation effort.

43. The Westside Park, the largest green space in Atlanta, opened in 2021, providing new recreational opportunities for residents.

44. In 2012, SweetWater Brewing Company celebrated its 15th anniversary, solidifying its place as one of the most successful craft breweries in the Southeast.

45. In 2018, Atlanta launched its Zero Waste Initiative, aiming to divert 90% of waste from landfills by 2030.

46. The Chattahoochee Riverwalk, a scenic trail along the river, was expanded in 2017, offering more outdoor activities for Atlantans.

47. In 2020, Atlanta played host to the World Summit on Human Rights, attracting global leaders and activists.

48. In 2004, the CNN Center in downtown Atlanta was renovated, continuing to serve as the global headquarters for Cable News Network.

49. The Atlanta Tech Village, founded in 2012, became a hub for startups and tech entrepreneurs, fostering innovation in the city.

50. In 2011, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Atlanta expanded its programs, contributing to the city’s art and design scene.

51. In 2013, Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre won the Tony Award for Best Regional Theater, showcasing the city’s thriving performing arts community.

52. In 2021, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl continued to be one of the premier college football bowl games, drawing top teams to Atlanta each year.

53. In 2009, Atlantic Station, a mixed-use development in Midtown Atlanta, was completed, providing a new model for urban living in the city.

54. The World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to the history of the iconic beverage, was relocated to downtown Atlanta in 2007.

55. In 2016, Tyler Perry Studios became the first major film studio in the U.S. to be owned outright by an African American.

56. In 2020, Atlanta introduced its first fleet of electric buses as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

57. In 2019, the Atlanta History Center unveiled a new exhibition on the Civil War, offering fresh perspectives on the city’s historical role.

58. The Georgia World Congress Center Authority began a major expansion in 2018, adding more exhibition space and enhancing its role as a top convention center.

59. In 2021, Georgia State University became one of the largest urban research universities in the U.S., with over 54,000 students.

60. In 2014, Atlanta was ranked one of the top 5 cities for filmmakers, thanks to its growing influence in the film and television industries.

61. The College Football Hall of Fame, which relocated to Atlanta in 2014, features interactive exhibits and honors the greatest players and coaches in the sport.

62. In 2016, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium became the first stadium in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of sustainability for buildings.

63. In 2019, Krog Street Market in Atlanta was named one of the top food halls in the U.S., reflecting the city’s burgeoning food scene.

64. In 2010, Atlanta celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement, commemorating pivotal moments like the student sit-ins and Freedom Rides.

65. In 2017, the Atlanta Falcons played in Super Bowl LI, marking one of the most dramatic games in Super Bowl history, although the team lost in overtime.

66. The Atlanta Film Festival, held annually since 1976, continues to be one of the longest-running and most respected film festivals in the country.

67. In 2020, Piedmont Park hosted its first-ever Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, drawing food lovers from across the region to celebrate Southern cuisine.

68. The BeltLine’s Eastside Trail expansion was completed in 2017, connecting more neighborhoods and becoming a popular destination for walking, biking, and art installations.

69. In 2020, Truist Park was ranked among the top MLB stadiums for fan experience, following the Atlanta Braves’ move to the new facility in 2017.

70. In 2015, the Atlanta Streetcar expanded its routes, further enhancing public transportation in the downtown area.

71. In 2018, Atlanta’s Tech Village was recognized as one of the best places in the U.S. for startup incubators, drawing tech entrepreneurs from around the world.

72. In 2021, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta celebrated its 10th anniversary, continuing to promote global diplomacy and education in the city.

73. In 2007, the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta underwent a major expansion, becoming the largest organization in the U.S. dedicated to puppetry arts.

74. In 2021, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport added new runways and gates as part of its $6 billion expansion project to accommodate more international flights.

75. In 2005, the World of Coca-Cola reopened in its new location, offering visitors a deep dive into the history and global impact of the brand.

76. In 2012, Atlanta launched the ELEVATE Art Festival, an annual event showcasing public art installations, performances, and cultural events across the city.

77. In 2019, Atlanta celebrated the 20th anniversary of the BeltLine, marking two decades of urban renewal and green space expansion.

78. In 2006, the Alliance Theatre premiered the Broadway-bound musical “The Color Purple,” which went on to win Tony Awards.

79. In 2021, the Atlanta History Center opened a new exhibition on the history of civil rights, highlighting the city’s critical role in the movement.

80. In 2008, the King Center celebrated what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.’s 80th birthday, drawing thousands of visitors to honor his legacy.

81. The Atlanta Food Truck Park, opened in 2012, became a popular gathering spot for food enthusiasts and a showcase of the city’s diverse culinary scene.

82. In 2016, Piedmont Park hosted its first Music Midtown Festival after a decade-long hiatus, drawing tens of thousands of attendees.

83. In 2021, Zoo Atlanta completed a $50 million renovation, adding new animal habitats and expanding its conservation programs.

84. The 2020 Atlanta Jazz Festival, one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, was live-streamed for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

85. In 2009, Centennial Olympic Park celebrated its 10th anniversary, continuing to serve as a major public gathering space in downtown Atlanta.

86. In 2014, the Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech was renovated, improving facilities for both the school’s football team and major events.

87. The Peachtree Corners Innovation Hub, opened in 2019, became a testing ground for smart city technologies, attracting global attention to Atlanta’s tech industry.

88. In 2013, Atlanta’s SweetWater 420 Fest became one of the largest eco-friendly music festivals in the country, promoting environmental sustainability.

89. The Atlanta Dream, the city’s WNBA team, played its first game at State Farm Arena in 2008, becoming a key player in the league.

90. In 2018, the John Lewis Memorial Bridge was named to honor the late Congressman and Civil Rights leader, reinforcing Atlanta’s commitment to equality and justice.

91. In 2010, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta expanded its exhibits, offering new interactive learning experiences for children of all ages.

92. In 2016, the Delta Flight Museum reopened after major renovations, showcasing the airline’s history and its impact on Atlanta’s economy.

93. In 2021, the Truist Plaza Garden Offices were completed, offering new green space and work environments in the heart of Atlanta’s business district.

94. The High Museum of Art added more than 1,000 works to its permanent collection in 2020, continuing its role as a cultural leader in the Southeast.

95. In 2017, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted its first College Football Playoff National Championship, cementing Atlanta’s role as a key sports city.

96. In 2003, Atlanta was named one of the top 10 cities for young professionals by Forbes, thanks to its growing economy and cultural scene.

97. In 2021, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport became one of the first in the world to implement touchless security screening, enhancing safety and convenience for travelers.

98. In 2010, the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta celebrated its 25th anniversary, showcasing Black art, culture, and history.

99. In 2014, the College Football Hall of Fame relocated to downtown Atlanta, solidifying the city’s status as a premier destination for sports tourism.

100. In 2020, Atlanta was named the 1 city for film production in the U.S., thanks to its thriving movie and television industry, often dubbed the “Hollywood of the South.”