(ATLANTA – Sept. 28, 2006) This weekend, the Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park will host a variety of events that are sure to provide fun and entertainment for everyone. From the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome and surrounding events at the Georgia World Congress Center to the ALS Walk at Centennial Olympic Park, downtown is sure to be busy this weekend.

The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic is the Super Bowl of Black college football. This year’s Classic Weekend is indeed a family affair. The football game puts the Florida A & M Rattlers and Tennessee State Tigers at the Dome Saturday, Sept. 30. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. and kick off is at 3 p.m.

The 100 Black Men of Atlanta organization has cultivated this event to offer a little something for everyone. A variety of events associated with the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic begin Friday at the GWCC with a Collegiate 100 Debate, the Celebrate Health Celebrate Living Fair and the Job Fair all in Building C. Additionally, the Tyson Foods Atlanta Classic Band “JAM”boree begins at 8 p.m. for the first time ever at the Georgia Dome on Friday night. Saturday, the Georgia Power Parade of Excellence will start on Peachtree Street at Ralph McGill Blvd. at 10 a.m. There will also be lots of fun and entertainment at The Verizon Wireless InZone Corporate Corner in the Orange Lot across from the Dome, Falcons Landing will be running throughout the day on International Plaza and the State Farm College Fair will be in full swing in Building C of the Georgia World Congress Center. Tickets to the game are still available through TicketMaster or the Dome Ticket Office by calling 404.223.8427.

Sunday, Oct. 1 Atlanta Falcons fans will be headed to the Dome for a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals. Falcons Landing begins on International Plaza at 10 a.m. and runs to kickoff. Please visit www.gadome.com for more information regarding the Falcons game, Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic and surrounding activities.

On Saturday morning, join the ALS Association of Georgia, Inc. (ALSAGA) at Centennial Olympic Park from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for Walk To D’Feet ALS. ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a motor neuron disease first brought to national attention by Lou Gehrig. Walk To D’Feet ALS, launched in 1999, is designed to raise money to find a cure for ALS and to increase awareness of the disease. Since its inception, Walk To D’Feet ALS participants have made this event Georgia’s most powerful and effective response to the ALS. To register for the walk, please visit, www.alsaga.org

Adding to the downtown excitement, the Thrashers take on the Nashville Predators during a preseason game Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Philips Arena. www.philipsarena.com

With thousands of attendees expected downtown this weekend, officials are encouraging all fans to take MARTA and to “Make it a Breeze” fans should purchase two one-way Breeze tickets at the beginning of their trip to avoid long lines after events. The Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station serves the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. Access is also available from Peachtree Center and Vine City stations. Fare is just $1.75 each way and extra trains will be running this weekend. Remember, if you are attending a football game pack lightly and leave large bags, video cameras and coolers at home. With so much going on this is sure to be a fun weekend downtown. www.gwcc.com

A lasting legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park has become a performing-arts venue, community gathering-space and an anchor for downtown development. The Georgia World Congress Center Authority operates the 21-acre Park, as well as the Georgia Dome and Georgia World Congress Center. The three state-owned facilities are one of the largest combined sports, entertainment and convention center facilities in the world.