Georgia, Atlanta Prepare For National Championship Game

ATLANTA, GA — Happy UGA Football Friday, everybody. Gov. Nathan Deal has officially declared the day, urging everyone to wear red and black as the Bulldogs prepare to take on Alabama in college football's National Championship Game on Monday.

As fate would have it, the Dawgs will have something of a home game, playing the championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.

"In light of several factors," Deal, along with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Fulton County government officials have announced that state and local government offices in metro Atlanta will close early on Monday. City of Atlanta offices will close at 2:30 p.m. and Fulton County and state offices will close at 3 p.m.

Agencies at which workers are able to telecommute are encouraged to let them do so on Monday, as tens of thousands of football fans will flock to downtown Atlanta. More than 100,000 people are expected to pack the stadium for the game.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Transportation is urging Atlanta-area motorists to prepare for heavy traffic this weekend and Monday. Crowds for the game, combined with a forecast that calls for freezing rain and sleet Sunday night and Monday morning, has the department urging folks to stay off the roads if they don't have to use them.

Commuters who work in downtown or Midtown are urge to telework, take transit or carpool on Monday.

MARTA will be offering additional rail service beginning at 5 a.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Tuesday. Rail service will operate on a weekday schedule on Sunday with trains arriving more frequently.

On Monday, all rail lines will provide service with more frequency and additional trains will be added as needed. Commuters are also urged to use GRTA Xpress Bus Service to get into and around the city. The DOT will be waiving construction lane closures on Monday through 5 a.m. Tuesday.

"We anticipate Monday evening’s commute will be a challenging traffic event," said state traffic engineer Andrew Heath. "Because the majority of fans of both teams playing in the national championship are within driving distance of Atlanta, we expect a large influx of vehicles on the roads as fans will likely be driving here to attend events or the game. If you must drive into the city – particularly on Monday – plan ahead by calling 511 for traffic information. Expect delays and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination."
If you're still hoping to get a ticket to UGA's first National Championship game since the '80s, there's a bit of good luck as of Friday. Ticket prices on the secondary market — which were sky-high earlier this week — have flattened out just a little bit.

The cheapest tickets on StubHub Friday morning were still a little over $1,200. But that's down from more than $2,000 earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Police and other law-enforcement agencies were working to make sure everybody's experience at the championship tilt is a safe one.

"The City of Atlanta has excelled at hosting major events throughout the years and we look forward to making sure the CFP National Championship is remembered as yet another rousing success," said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms in a news release. "I’m confident in the leadership of our police and fire chiefs and grateful for the assistance of their fellow first responders on the local, state and national levels. Our ability to collaborate with our partners is critical to our success."

The City of Atlanta will open a Joint Operations Center during the weekend and through Monday’s game to monitor the area, gather intelligence and coordinate any necessary emergency response, using the National Incident Management System structure, the release said. Officers from a number of law enforcement agencies will be highly visible and undercover officers will be deployed.

Atlanta Police offered the following tips for people attending the game and its related festivities:

• Be mindful of your surroundings at all times. Call 911 or notify an officer immediately if you see any suspicious activity.
• Be aware there will be traffic congestion in the area around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and take MARTA to the game or any related events when possible.
• If you drive, do not leave anything of value in your car. Even loose change can be an attractive target for some thieves.
• Be sure to park legally if you must drive. Illegally parked cars are subject to towing.
• A clear bag policy will be in effect for all venues. Avoid bringing backpacks, large purses or coolers with you.
• Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, will be prohibited over venues. Violators may be subject to federal prosecution.

Police also have releaseda list of road closures in downtown Atlanta on the days leading up to, and the day of, the championship game.

If you're lucky enough to have a ticket, or just want to be in the madness outside the big game, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has plenty going on on the days leading up to the game and game day itself.

Centennial Park will feature live musical performances, nightly fireworks, ESPN broadcasts and more starting Saturday.

Performing Saturday will be Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth and Lizzo. The Chainsmokers will headline Sunday night, with opening acts Bebe Rexha and Spencer Ludwig. On game day, Darius Rucker, formerly of Hootie and the Blowfish, will headline pre-game performances, along with opening act Brett Young.
Gates open at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and at noon on Monday.

At 10 a.m., on Monday the Championship Tailgate Plaza opens at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with activities and entertainment for fans.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the pre-game show begins at 7:30 p.m., with kickoff at 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy Gov. Nathan Deal's office