Centennial Olympic Park

Lore & Background

The park property had previously been a variety of vacant lots and abandoned or run-down industrial buildings. ACOG's chief executive, Billy Payne, conceived the park both as a central gathering location for visitors and spectators during the Olympics and as a lasting legacy for the city. The park was constructed in two phases: Phase I completed July 1996 at a cost of US$57 million, and Phase II completed in 1998 at a cost of US$15 million. The celebrations were marred by the July 27 bombing which killed two people (one from a heart attack) and injured 111 others. The park sustained minor damage on March 14, 2008, when a tornado tore through downtown Atlanta, blowing down two of the 65-foot-tall light towers. On July 19, 2016, the park held events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 1996 Olympics and Paralympics. On May 29, 2020, the park was the scene of the start of a peaceful protest regarding the murder of George Floyd; a riot subsequently broke out. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park was closed in July 2020 and partially reopened by April 2021. On October 14, 2021, GWCCA officials announced the park would be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting October 18. The park is currently hosting Atlanta's FIFA Fan Festival during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In Their Own Story

The autumn air was crisp in downtown Atlanta, carrying the scent of charcoal from distant tailgates. A sea of black and red moved slowly through Centennial Olympic Park, fans clutching programs for another Sunday showdown at the Dome. The fountain sparkled under the stadium lights that bled over from the adjacent arena. It wasn't the field where legends like Michael Vick or Andre Rison played, but it was where the community gathered to begin the ritual.

Reader's Guide

The park is surrounded by many major Atlanta landmarks: the Georgia World Congress Center, College Football Hall of Fame, State Farm Arena, the CNN Center, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the west side; the Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the World of Coca-Cola on the north side. It is bounded by Marietta Street to the west, Baker Street to the north, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive to the east and south. Andrew Young International Boulevard runs through the southern portion. The Atlanta Streetcar passes along the east side with a stop on Centennial Olympic Drive. A key feature is the Fountain of Rings interactive fountain with computer-controlled lights and jets synchronized to music. The fountain area is surrounded by flags of host countries of each Summer Olympics preceding the 1996 games and eight 65-foot-tall light towers. There are several sculptures, including Gateway of Dreams. A small amphitheatre is at the southern end. Fountain shows occur four times daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. The park also hosts a summer concert series (Wednesday WindDown), the annual SweetWater 420 Fest, and an annual Independence Day concert and fireworks display.

Did You Know?

• The park was built in two phases: Phase I cost $57 million and Phase II cost $15 million.
• The park's Fountain of Rings has 251 jets that shoot water 12 to 35 feet in the air.
• The park was paid for in part by engraved bricks donated by individuals for $35 each.
• The park has attracted more than $2.4 billion in investment since opening in 1996.