Visitors to Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome, Centennial Olympic Park should expect well-attended events; Taking MARTA best bet to avoid traffic

    ATLANTA (Dec. 5, 2001) - The Georgia World Congress Center Authority's campus is gearing up for a busy weekend of festivals, meetings and sporting events at all three facilities, beginning Friday, Dec. 7.
Here is a look at each event, so you can plan accordingly and make proper arrangements for your commute.

    The Festival of Trees will be in Hall A of the Georgia World Congress Center through Sunday at 6 p.m. Visitors can stroll through 150,000 square feet of decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, specialty shops and children's activities. The hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

     The SEC Football Championship Game will be held at the Georgia Dome Saturday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. Tennessee will battle LSU to determine who will rank number one in the Southeastern Conference. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. SEC FanFare , a pre-party with activities and attractions, will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Halls B and C Friday from 2 to 10 p.m., and prior to the game Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The game is sold out.

     Sunday, the Atlanta Falcon's will host the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m., in the Georgia Dome. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. The Falcon's Birdsnest , a free-admission pre-game party, will be held on International Plaza from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There are still tickets available for the game.

     To avoid traffic during your commute to and from these special events, we encourage you to take MARTA to the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center or the Vine City stations. For more information on MARTA, call (404) 848 5000.