Atlanta says it is ready to host Super Bowl LIII

ATLANTA - More than a million visitors are expected in Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII in just over 100 days.

"We have been in training since last August. We have had more than 70 ticketed events and 4 million people inside the Mercedes Benz Stadium. 10,000 hotel rooms in walking distance," AMB Group CEO Steve Cannon exclaimed.

Mercedes Benz Stadium Management, Super Bowl Host Committee members, and city officials say Atlanta is ready to transport, house, and entertain the crowds over the 10-day celebration.

"When you put the story together, from the busiest airport in the world that has direct flights for 280-million people, easy in and easy out to the stadium being located centrally in downtown, the MARTA service and 10,000 hotel rooms within walking distance, it's just incredible," ANN Group CEO Steve Cannon exclaimed.

Atlanta's police chief says her department has undergone an unprecedented level of preparation since a lot has changed since the last time we hosted the Super Bowl in 2000.

"We did not have drones, we didn’t have people running over people with vehicles, we didn’t have snipers shooting people from rooftops. So, there is a level of planning, unlike anything this city has experienced," Police Chief Erika Shields remarked.

MARTA President and CEO Jeffrey Parker says the transit system will run 24 hours for Super Bowl weekend.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport General Manager John Selden has only been on the job three weeks but says the airport is ready and will feature 1,800 volunteers to get passengers through the world's busiest airport.

NFL Executive Jon Barker has been truly impressed with Atlanta and all its charm.

"This is why major events are coming to Atlanta because you have this ideal footprint with wonderful transportation with MARTA and then this campus and its ability to bring 100,000 people in and give them a world-class experience. It's just nowhere like it, Mr. Barker noted.

"The retractable roof runs efficiently. It opens and closes in about eight minutes. It may be open for the big game in February. We will do whatever the NFL wants," bragged Mercedes Benz General Manager Scott Jenkins.

The only wildcard is the weather. Back in 2000, Atlanta was crippled by a huge ice storm.

"That is the only thing we can't control. We have to hope for the best.," Mr. Barker said with a smile.

Super Bowl LIII is Feb. 3, 2019, with a week-long festival leading up to the big game.