(Atlanta—January 24, 2008) It’s going to be another exciting weekend downtown. The 6th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands Celebration tour spotlights the excellence of 42 Historically Black College and University Marching Bands, and the unique academic experience at America’s HBCUs. Gates open at the Georgia Dome on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m. and the performances begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the Georgia Dome Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information please visit www.hondabattleofthebands.com.

On Sunday, Jan. 27 the Georgia Dome welcomes the Cheersport Atlanta Grand Nationals. Squads from all over the country come to compete on the Nationals stage and perfect the performances before moving on to the Grand Championship. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. and competition begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information please visit www.cheersport.net.

In addition to the Dome events, Philips Arena is hosting the 2008 NHL All-Star Weekend. The 56th Annual All-Star game is Saturday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. Other events include concerts, a fan celebration, a trading car and memorabilia show, a superskills challenge and youth hockey tournaments. For a full schedule of events please visit http://thrashers.nhl.com.

As you make your way downtown, the Georgia Department of Transportation is advising motorists in Northwest Georgia of a traffic shift on I-75 southbound between Exits 278 and 269.Traffic on the southbound lanes of that stretch of the Interstate will be shifted into the inside lanes and shoulder to allow for the concrete paving of the two middle lanes. Three lanes will be open to traffic at peak times and two lanes will remain open all the time. This traffic shift is expected to stay in place until the completion of construction on the middle lanes around the end of 2008.

The Georgia DOT seeks to provide information to the traveling public about traffic interruptions on Georgia’s interstates and state routes. It urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about road/lane closures or construction projects. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, construction, and delays due to bad weather. Callers can also reach live operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. Motorists can also check www.georgia-navigator.com for construction alerts, accidents and other traffic interruptions.

With thousands of attendees expected downtown this weekend, officials encourage the use of MARTA. 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. With so much going on this is sure to be a fun weekend downtown.

For more information please contact

Ashley Grubbs

Georgia Dome Public Relations

404.223.4203

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