Atlanta, GA

• Soccer in Atlanta
• About the Georgia Dome
• About Atlanta, GA

In 1996, soccer fans in Atlanta watched the U.S. Women's National Team win the gold medal the first time women's soccer was an Olympic sport.

But soccer history in Atlanta -- home of Atlanta FC and Saturn FC of the NPSL -- extends well beyond the landmark '96 games.

In 1968, the Atlanta Chiefs faced off against Manchester City - at the time considered one of the best teams in the world - in the first ever meeting between a top foreign team and an American professional team. The Chiefs shocked the soccer world by beating Manchester City - twice! Manchester City manager Joe Mercer is reported to have said, "Atlanta is the most soccer-wise city in the states."

Most recently, Atlanta hosted AC Milan vs. Club America as part of the World Football Challenge. More then 50,000 fans attended the match.

Atlanta is the birthplace of USMNT defensive midfielder Ricardo Clark.

Completed in 1992, the Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in downtown Atlanta.

With a seating capacity of 71,250, the stadium has played host to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) since 1992. In addition, the Georgia Dome serves as the annual host to the Southeastern Conference Football Championship Game, the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and the FIRST Robotics World Championship.

Since 1994, the Dome has hosted two Super Bowls and has also been host to both the Men's and Women's NCAA Final Four Basketball National Championships and several SEC and ACC basketball championships.

The Dome is accessible by rail via MARTA's East-West and Proctor Creek lines, which service the nearby Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center and Vine City stations.

Atlanta features a unique mix of big city and southern hospitality which has helped the city become known as the capital of the South and an excellent city for travelers.

In Atlanta, visitors can experience a diverse and thriving cultural scene at the city's many theaters, museums, galleries, concert halls and family attractions. To enjoy Atlanta's present, one must experience the city's past. From Atlanta's role in the Civil War to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, the city's historical attractions promise a day filled with education and entertainment.

Recently, Atlanta added the Georgia Aquarium and New World of Coca-Cola to the ring of attractions around Downtown's Centennial Olympic Park. They join Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta, Inside CNN Atlanta Tours and the soon-to-be relocated National Museum of Patriotism, all within walking distance of the Georgia World Congress Center.

Atlanta's neighborhoods are another dimension, so be sure to explore Buckhead for upscale shopping, dining and nightlife; Virginia-Highland for laid-back restaurants, boutiques and pubs; plus edgy Castleberry Hill; West Midtown where you'll find Atlantic Station; and Little Five Points for a true bohemian experience. Visitors can use Atlanta's rapid rail and bus system to explore everything Atlanta has to offer. With more than 745 hotel properties and 92,000 rooms, Atlanta hotels can accommodate any budget.