(Atlanta—March 12, 2008) Downtown Atlanta will be full of activity this weekend with several exciting events taking place. On the Georgia World Congress Center campus, the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament will be at the Georgia Dome and the Spring Atlanta Home Show will be at the Georgia World Congress Center. Additionally, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Winter Jam 2008 will make downtown a destination this weekend.
The Southeastern Conference is back at the Georgia Dome celebrating its 75th anniversary. The SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament action is Thursday, March 13 through Sunday, March 16. All 12 teams hit the hardwood on Thursday and Friday with tip off times at 1 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. both days. The semi-final games will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Fans can enjoy all the SEC excitement and get geared up for the games at the DrPepper FanFare located in Building C of the Georgia World Congress Center. FanFare is an opportunity for basketball fans to partake in the many interactive games and attractions while meeting their favorite SEC legend. The 2008 event is set for Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The 100,000-square-foot attraction is just a short walk across the West Plaza from the Dome. The weekend of champions concludes on Sunday with the championship game tip off at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.gadome.com.
The 30th Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show will be at the Georgia World Congress Center Thursday, March 13 through Sunday, March 16 in Building C. The Atlanta Home Show is the largest and longest running home show in Georgia. Chefs, architects, designers and TV personalities will be present to give live demos and special appearances. Tickets range from Free for seniors and children under 5 to $10 for Adults. Tickets can be purchased at the show box office in the main entrance of Building C. For additional information call the Atlanta Home Show 24-hour Information line at 770-798-1997 or visit www.atlantahomeshow.com.
Additionally, the Georgia World Congress will host a private tradeshow and several smaller private events this weekend.
Downtown will also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this weekend with Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Parade. The parade is on Saturday, March 15 and will begin at noon at the intersection of Ralph McGill Boulevard and Peachtree Street. The route is 1.1 miles and after making its way through downtown the parade will end at Underground Atlanta.
Philips Arena will host the Winter Jam 2008 Tour Spectacular, Christian music’s largest annual musical tour, on Saturday, March 15 at 6 p.m.
With thousands of attendees expected downtown this weekend, officials are encouraging everyone to take MARTA. To “Make it a Breeze” fans should purchase two one-way Breeze tickets at the beginning of their trip to avoid long lines after events. The Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station serves the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. Access is also available from Peachtree Center and Vine City stations. Fare is just $1.75 each way. Recommended parking for the SEC Basketball Tournament and the Atlanta Home Show are the GWCC’s Blue and Yellow Lots on Northside Drive. For travel info, including road closures due to construction, please visit www.511ga.org.
With so much going on this is sure to be a fun weekend downtown.
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