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World Congress Center supports funding for sports events; says no FY26 request
Summary
Representatives of the Georgia World Congress Center told the committee they have no new FY 2026 appropriation request but support funding for major sporting events and coordination to showcase Georgia during events such as FIFA and the Super Bowl.
Kevin Duvall of the Georgia World Congress Center told the Appropriations Subcommittee the center has no direct FY 2026 appropriation request but supports the Metro Atlanta Sports Council's ask for funding to stage upcoming major sporting events.
Duvall said the World Congress Center and partner organizations (the Atlanta Sports Council, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and the Metro Chamber) form a local organizing committee that bids for large events. He told the committee the larger events — including World Cup/FIFA events and others — create opportunities to showcase Georgia businesses and to coordinate with the Metro Chamber and local tourism bodies.
He said the World Congress Center will continue to work with the Metro Chamber to leverage major events to attract investment and visitors, and that campus partners are coordinating on security and operational planning. The center's representative thanked the committee for prior support on amended budget items and said the organization will be part of broader regional planning for large events but had no separate appropriation request for FY 2026.
