ATLANTA (January 14, 2002) - The Georgia World Congress Center played center stage in yesterday's inauguration celebration for Georgia's 81st governor, Sonny Perdue.

Following the governor's inauguration, the Georgia National Guard fired off a 19-gun salute from International Plaza. The cannon salute was broadcast to ceremony attendees inside Philips Arena, located adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center, and on live television.

That evening, an estimated 12,000 attendees danced the night away at the Georgia World Congress Center at the Inaugural Celebration. The very special event featured the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Ray Charles performing "Georgia On My Mind" and local band US Beat.