KICK FF! ATLANTA HOST COMMITTEE LAUNCHES PLANS FOR THE 2018 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

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Clement Percival Atkinson
6 years ago
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T here were many excited Atlantans at the downtown news conference on Wednesday, April 12, but maybe none with as much enthusiasm as Brad

The college football broadcasting legend danced his way to the lectern and paused for high-fives and selfies with second graders from

Playoff (CFP), divulged plans for the 2018 Championship Campus in downtown Atlanta.

entertained both during the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 8, 2018, and outside the stadium in the days leading

At the news conference, which served to announce key venues associated with the downtown Championship Campus, Nessler, along with

and Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron, set the stage for what will be happening outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium while the teams prepare

2 T here were many excited Atlantans at the downtown news conference on Wednesday, April 12, but maybe none with as much enthusiasm as Brad Nessler. The college football broadcasting legend danced his way to the lectern and paused for high-fives and selfies with second graders from nearby Scott Elementary School, special guests as the Atlanta Football Host Committee (AFHC), in conjunction with the College Football Playoff (CFP), divulged plans for the 2018 Championship Campus in downtown Atlanta. We won t know for some time which two teams will compete for the title, but the AFHC has made it an absolute certainty that fans will be entertained both during the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 8, 2018, and outside the stadium in the days leading up to the big game. At the news conference, which served to announce key venues associated with the downtown Championship Campus, Nessler, along with President of Atlanta Football Host Committee Board of Directors Dan Corso, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Bill Hancock and Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron, set the stage for what will be happening outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium while the teams prepare to battle. KICK FF! ATLANTA HOST COMMITTEE LAUNCHES PLANS FOR THE 2018 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME The biggest college football game ever played in Atlanta will be surrounded by several events and venues that are not only fan-friendly but based inside a compact and walkable footprint. This concentrated area outside the stadium was one of the contributing factors to Atlanta being selected as host. by Knox Bardeen Atlanta s 92.9 The 2 3

championshipevents CHAMPIONSH P CAMPUS College football lovers get ready!

8. The 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship will mark the first time that all fan events and the national championship game take place in a walkable downtown footprint.

CFP National Championship. With three days of outdoor activities, fans will have the opportunity to zip line, participate in free-fall stunt jumps and more.

opportunity to be a part of the CFP National Championship.

AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! (Centennial Park) Saturday, January 6 Monday, January 8 AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! Is the ultimate soundtrack of the CFP National Championship.

3 championshipevents CHAMPIONSH P CAMPUS College football lovers get ready! On April 12, the Atlanta Football Host Committee and College Football Playoff unveiled the weekend of events at Championship Campus leading up to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, January 8. The 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship will mark the first time that all fan events and the national championship game take place in a walkable downtown footprint. Championship Tailgate Plaza (International Plaza) Saturday, January 6 Monday, January 8 Championship Tailgate Plaza is the gathering place for fans who want to experience extreme tailgating at the CFP National Championship. With three days of outdoor activities, fans will have the opportunity to zip line, participate in free-fall stunt jumps and more. Playoff Fan Central (Georgia World Congress Center) Saturday, January 6 Monday, January 8 Playoff Fan Central is a 300,000 square foot interactive experience that gives thousands of fans the opportunity to be a part of the CFP National Championship. The three-day, family-friendly event includes games, clinics, pep rallies, band performances, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! (Centennial Park) Saturday, January 6 Monday, January 8 AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! Is the ultimate soundtrack of the CFP National Championship. The FREE outdoor concert series features a variety of national recording artists, including upand-coming bands and long-time favorites. Media Day (Philips Arena) Saturday, January 6 Media Day is free and open to the public. Fans are invited to watch as both teams and coaching staffs participate in media interviews prior to the national championship game. Attendees can watch their favorite players while listening in on interviews via free headsets and observe more than 1,000 journalists interact with the teams. 4 THEY RE ALL IN. ARE YOU? [CLICK TO PLAY] Extra Yard 5K (Downtown Atlanta) Sunday, January 7 The Extra Yard 5K is the official road race of the College Football Playoff. All proceeds benefit Extra Yard for Teachers, the College Football Playoff Foundation s primary platform that elevates the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering quality teachers. Taste Of The Championship (Georgia Aquarium) Sunday, January 7 Taste of The Championship is a foodie s dream. Ticket buyers will sample gourmet food and beverages from Atlanta s most notable restaurants and breweries while celebrating teachers from across the United States. Extra Yard Teachers Lounge (Georgia World Congress Center) Saturday, January 6 Sunday, January 7 The Extra Yard for Teachers Lounge is a two-day experience specifically designed for current and aspiring teachers to be inspired, pampered and educated as part of the College Football Playoff Foundation s Extra Yard for Teachers platform. Teachers will interact with special guests from both the educational and entertainment communities and receive special prizes and giveaways throughout the event. 5

Favorite Sports Memory of 2016: Atlanta Falcons closing Georgia Dome with convincing win over Packers to reach the Super Bowl. Rarely does that story go according to the script.

years. Early top 5 for 2017: EXCLUSIVE: INSIDE THE HUDDLE 1. Clemson 2. Alabama 3. Florida State 4. Ohio State 5. USC Prediction for 2018 National Championship Game: Southern Cal vs.

4 Favorite Sports Memory of 2016: Atlanta Falcons closing Georgia Dome with convincing win over Packers to reach the Super Bowl. Rarely does that story go according to the script. Looking forward to in 2017: The city taking its first step as the first city in the southeast to host the College Football Playoff National Championship, Super Bowl and Final Four in consecutive years. Early top 5 for 2017: EXCLUSIVE: INSIDE THE HUDDLE 1. Clemson 2. Alabama 3. Florida State 4. Ohio State 5. USC Prediction for 2018 National Championship Game: Southern Cal vs. Florida State, with both teams having a loss. Why Atlanta is a good spot for the National Championship Game: This city has tremendous infrastructure for events like this, and a cooperative effort on so many fronts to make them successful. While we can t control the weather, we can make sure that people who come here for events know that this market is one big team working for the win every time we get a chance to welcome the sports world. 6 with Wes Durham Fox Sports Wes Durham is the play-by-play announcer for Fox Sports football coverage of the Atlantic Coast Conference, as well as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Falcons. 7

ALL IN MOMENT AFHC Surprises Mays High School with $50,000 Donation I n honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Atlanta Football Host Committee (AFHC) and College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation

Mays High School teachers and students took a break from testing to gather in the auditorium for the exciting All In Moment with Principal Richard Fowler, AFHC Executive Director Carl Adkins and

The school was presented with a $50,000 donation which will be used towards the following: Student incentives for participation in college-going culture activities such as FAFSA workshops Teacher

5 ALL IN MOMENT AFHC Surprises Mays High School with $50,000 Donation I n honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Atlanta Football Host Committee (AFHC) and College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation surprised Mays High School teachers and students with $50,000 donation through a special All In Moment. Mays High School teachers and students took a break from testing to gather in the auditorium for the exciting All In Moment with Principal Richard Fowler, AFHC Executive Director Carl Adkins and former Atlanta Falcon Jerious Norwood. The school was presented with a $50,000 donation which will be used towards the following: Student incentives for participation in college-going culture activities such as FAFSA workshops Teacher incentives (funding DonorsChoose.org projects) for promoting a college going culture in their classrooms Computer and software upgrades that support personalized and blended learning Extracurricular support for band and athletics including new uniforms and equipment We are grateful to the Atlanta Football Host Committee for this game-changing support. Our students and teachers work tirelessly all year and rarely get recognized, said Principal Fowler. This is a perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year and to recognize our amazing staff and students who could really use a lift right now. Many thanks to the CFP Foundation as well we re ALL IN! Through hosting the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship we have a phenomenal opportunity to impact Atlanta Public Schools and local teachers, said Carl Adkins, Executive Director of the Atlanta Football Host Committee. Behind every successful We are grateful to the Atlanta Football Host Committee for this game-changing support. Our students and teachers work tirelessly all year and rarely get recognized. - Principal Richard Fowler student, you will find a teacher that has positively impacted and empowered their students to reach the next academic level and our goal is to recognize Atlanta s hardworking teachers and continue promoting further education. The Atlanta Football Host Committee has partnered with Atlanta Public Schools to support schools and provide All In Moments across the Atlanta community throughout the year leading up to the College Football Playoff National Championship in January Through Extra Yard for Teachers and DonorsChoose.org, All In Moments teach the importance of a high school education and emphasizes efforts to extend studies into college. The College Football Playoff Foundation aims to elevate the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering quality teachers. In its first three years, the College Football Playoff Foundation impacted 97,407 teachers through the Extra Yard for Teachers platform as well as over three million students in 12,902 schools across the country. The CFP Foundation and its partners have been responsible for $11.8 million in support to causes impacting the teaching profession. 8 9

MOVING THE CHAINS The AFHC and CFP Foundation are excited to announce a yearlong partnership benefiting local Atlanta teachers.

org, a digital billboard near their school, four (4) Playoff Fan Central tickets and two (2) tickets to the Extra Yard for Teachers Lounge.

In order to be selected, teachers must already have a classroom project uploaded to DonorsChoose.org and currently teach within the Atlanta Public Schools district.

College Football Playoff National Championship on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International s West Crossover Board. Board Size: 27 w x 7.

the airport use this path to baggage claim and ground transportation Tweet pictures of the countdown clock in the airport and use #CFBPlayoff and #ATLChamp2018 to win an ATL hat.

King s classroom will underwrite the costs of a permanent set of four (4) Chromebooks to increase her student s ability to read, write and research. Ms.

Each month, Steak Shapiro and Atlanta Eats will feature must-try restaurants and tips for navigating Atlanta s eclectic food scene. For more Atlanta foodie goodness, visit AtlantaEats.com.

The Wet Deck (The W Downtown) This is one of my favorite spots to soak up some sun in style! Sporting a 14th floor rooftop pool, the W Downtown presents luxury and fun all under one roof[top].

6 MOVING THE CHAINS The AFHC and CFP Foundation are excited to announce a yearlong partnership benefiting local Atlanta teachers. Every month, the AFHC will feature a Teacher of the Month in each Atlanta s All In edition. Each selected teacher will receive $1,000 through DonorsChoose.org, a digital billboard near their school, four (4) Playoff Fan Central tickets and two (2) tickets to the Extra Yard for Teachers Lounge. Please note, Playoff Fan Central and the Extra Yard for Teachers Lounge will take place during championship weekend, January 6-8, In order to be selected, teachers must already have a classroom project uploaded to DonorsChoose.org and currently teach within the Atlanta Public Schools district. FANTASTICFOODwith a 10 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON AT HARTSFIELD-JACKSON (ATL) AIRPORT Local Atlatans and visitors from around the world will now have an opportunity to be a part of the countdown to the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International s West Crossover Board. Board Size: 27 w x 7.5 h Location: Top of the escalators (former location of the notable Spirit of Atlanta mural the girl has been digitized and is aslo in rotation on the board) Impressions: 95% of passengers exiting the airport use this path to baggage claim and ground transportation Tweet pictures of the countdown clock in the airport and use #CFBPlayoff and #ATLChamp2018 to win an ATL hat. MAY TEACHER OF THE MONTH: Ms. King Deerwood Academy The $1,000 donation to Ms. King s classroom will underwrite the costs of a permanent set of four (4) Chromebooks to increase her student s ability to read, write and research. Ms. King s goal is to have a complete class set of Chromebooks so she can integrate technology into her instruction on a regular basis. Each month, Steak Shapiro and Atlanta Eats will feature must-try restaurants and tips for navigating Atlanta s eclectic food scene. For more Atlanta foodie goodness, visit AtlantaEats.com. Put away those coats ladies and gentlemen it s rooftop time! Here are some of our favorite skyline views & food from 5 different rooftops. The Wet Deck (The W Downtown) This is one of my favorite spots to soak up some sun in style! Sporting a 14th floor rooftop pool, the W Downtown presents luxury and fun all under one roof[top]. Skyline Park (Ponce City Market) How can you not love PCM s Skyline Park? Riddled with carnival fare (rides, putt-putt, food & beer!) you get to do it all from a rooftop located in the heart of the city. Six Feet Under Pub and Fish House (West Midtown) A casual spot with stunning Midtown and Downtown views! Andy and I usually jog to Six Feet Under and then head on up to their rooftop to cool down with a beer. The super-chill vibe, craft beer and uninterrupted skyline views make this one of our favorite go-to rooftops. No frills and fancy here just sit back and relax. The Republic Social House (Grant Park) Live rooftop DJ, anyone? Republic Social House not only has a fantastic brunch special & Taco Tuesday there s a live DJ playing every Saturday night! The Sun Dial at the Westin (Downtown) The classic Atlanta rooftop! It s indoors, hella classy, and sports stunning panoramic views of Downtown Atlanta. The restaurant itself rotates a full 360-degrees every hour so there are no bad seats or a single view to miss. 11

ATL ATL HOSPITALITY PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW!

the exclusive sponsorship sales agency of the Atlanta game events. Football Host Committee.

the entire community to successfully host major sporting events like the College Football Playoff National

Later this year, the AFHC will be looking for passionate Atlantans and college football fans to join our

We look forward to having you on Team Atlanta!

7 ATL ATL HOSPITALITY PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW! Trenches Sports and Entertainment has been selected game day, as well as access to season-long and week of as the exclusive sponsorship sales agency of the Atlanta game events. Football Host Committee. Trenches has recently finalized a first-class offering of hospitality packages that can be customized for each partner. Packages include game tickets (suite and regular), hospitality throughout the weekend and JOIN THE TEAM It takes the entire community to successfully host major sporting events like the College Football Playoff National Championship. Later this year, the AFHC will be looking for passionate Atlantans and college football fans to join our volunteer team. Check out the timeline for more information and minimum requirements to volunteer. We look forward to having you on Team Atlanta! 12 The College Football Playoff practices a number of unique sustainability projects to green the national championship game and to encourage others in the college football family to do the same. The AFHC is excited to partner with CFP s Playoff Green to help make our city an even better place to live, work and thrive. Packages are available now so please contact our sales team for availability, Owen Shull at oshull@intersectteam. com and Brad Olecki at brad@trenchesconsulting.com. MAY FACT: 13

BEHIND THE SCENES BEHIND THE SCENES MASTERSOFDESIGN THE ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS AT POPULOUS ARE THE BEHIND-THE- SCENES SUPERHEROES THAT MAKE CFP EVENT WEEK GO F or an entire generation, Mike Brady

Brady sipped from his coffee mug (the contents of which were never made completely clear), sat at his drafting table and seemed to solve more family crisis than create designs.

Mike Brady couldn t have hung with the architects at Populous.

8 BEHIND THE SCENES BEHIND THE SCENES MASTERSOFDESIGN THE ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS AT POPULOUS ARE THE BEHIND-THE- SCENES SUPERHEROES THAT MAKE CFP EVENT WEEK GO F or an entire generation, Mike Brady the unflappable patriarch of The Brady Bunch -- embodied the job of architect. Mr. Brady sipped from his coffee mug (the contents of which were never made completely clear), sat at his drafting table and seemed to solve more family crisis than create designs. Rolled up papers, tucked neatly under his arm before giving Carol a goodbye peck on the cheek, were often the only evidence of an actual work product. Mike Brady couldn t have hung with the architects at Populous. Created by Jerry Anderson in 1985 to help the NFL maximize the limited space in and around Stanford Stadium, the host venue of Super Bowl XIX, the Denver-based group is kind of a mixture of sports marketing firm, special ops unit and The Avengers. Most event companies emphasize production, not design, said Marc Klein, Senior Event Manager & Associate Partner for the firm. We don t do big parties or décor elements. Those are jobs for other very talented groups. Our job is to seamlessly integrate into the existing environment. If we do our job correctly, then from a customer standpoint, we should be invisible. The Populous crew hops the globe, moving from mega event to mega event, applying an architect s eye for space, flow and engineering to the high-leverage world of the College Football Playoff (CFP), the Super Bowl and the Final Four, and internationally, the Olympics and the World Cup. Their mission is simple, take the space they are provided at the stadium and across the host city and configure the existing infrastructure in such a way that competitors, media, spectators and support staff believe the venue had been created specifically for their event. Klein, who takes over the day-to-day CFP duties this year from Tim Larkin, has actually been a part of the event since he and Populous director Anderson originally pitched CFP COO Michael Kelly back in If Populous is the sports equivalent of The Avengers, then Anderson would fill the role of Nick Fury and Klein? How about Tony Stark. A 23-year veteran of the business, Klein s resume includes nine Super Bowls (one more than Tom Brady, he s quick to point out), seven Final Fours and seven Olympics. His specialties include master planning, overlay and operational planning for large venues and villages. For me, the thrill is work leading up to event week, Klein said. As a project manager, we spend 18 months putting plans together. But it s the 6-7 days prior to the event that you start to see it all come to life. For an event like CFP, there are probably moving parts that have to overlap and work in unison for the everything to move seamlessly. That s the biggest thrill. Once you get to actual game day, much of the work for us is done. At that point, everything should simply follow a script. Our job is to seamlessly integrate into the existing environment. If we do our job correctly, then from a customer standpoint, we should be invisible. Klein averages about 100 days a year on the road, a sacrifice he s willing to make for a career he loves, even if some of it came about by accident. Klein began his college career at the United States Air Force Academy. But when he shattered bones in his feet during a parachute drop, he was forced to leave due to the medical injury. He finished his studies at Georgia Tech, where he studied physics. Who knows if I would have been led to the same place without that accident, he said. Can you envision Mike Brady suffering such a brutal injury when jumping from a plane? Probably not. Can you imagine the same happening to Tony Stark? Point made

9 THE PRESS BOX Never miss a moment! Keep up with the AFHC daily on social media. [CLICK ON THE ICONS TO VISIT] ATLChampGame

January 31, Authority Meeting. Partners. Employee. Financial

January 31, Authority Meeting. Partners. Employee. Financial January 31, 2017 Authority Meeting Employee Financial Partners 20-Year Employee Recognition Raymond Crum GWCC Building Services Lateshia Johnson Project & Program Management Cory Waters General Supervisor