Atlanta, Georgia, and the 1996 Olympics

By: Jim Warren



As the Summer Olympics come to the southern state of Georgia, Atlanta has spruced up in anticipation. With the many people that want to see the Olympics and the select few that will compete there flood into the city, the city has braced itself for the impact. There are various ways to survive this time in one piece.

Transportation
MARTA (Metropolitan Area Rapid Transit Authority) System
Limousine Service
Hartsfield International Airport





MARTA (Metropolitan Area Rapid Transit Authority) System
Pictures used with permission from MARTA.

MARTA is the local transit authority for Atlanta, Georgia. It includes a rail and a bus system that transverse the city from as early as 5 AM to as late as 2 AM. It includes stops near assorted Olympic stadiums, the airport, the Olympic village, and other places throughout the city. For the aspiring Olympian on a budget, this presents an economical option for touring.

In preparation for the Olympics, MARTA has been making improvements in their facilities and vehicles to improve the quality of transportation during the games. They are expanding and building multiple stops to improve the flow of traffic. They have plans to overhaul 54 rail cars by the time of the Olympics.

MARTA Homepage
MARTA System Maps
Transportation: Table of Contents





Limousine Service

Within Atlanta, Georgia, there is a limousine service. To arrive at the games in style, a limousine is the ticket.

Transportation: Table of Contents





Hartsfield International Airport

* Hartsfield International Airport is located near Atlanta. It accommodates both domestic and international flights, making it a crossroads for many going to the Olympics. It consists of five concourses, one international, and four that handle domestic flights:

1. International Concourse: This is a controlled concourse that only persons with a

ticket are allowed into. It is closely monitored and controlled by customs, assuring
passengers safety.

2. Concourse A: Concourse used by Delta Airlines. First concourse after

the security checkpoint.

3. Concourse B: Half this concourse is used also by Delta Airlines, the other half

by assorted other airlines. Second stop after security checkpoint.

4. Concourse C: Third stop after the security checkpoint.

5. Concourse D: Final concourse, farthest from security checkpoint.

* There are three ways of getting around Hartsfield International Airport, all within their Transportation Mall:

1. Walking: Walk off some stress and some pounds as you travel the long distances

between concourses. Sensible option if you have a long layover.

2. Moving Sidewalks: Faster then the walking, this is a more sensible option for

getting to your plane on time. Unfortunately, these do not go throughout all the
concourses.

3. Westinghouse Concourse Train: Trams stop at stations every two minutes and

cover all concourses and the baggage claim. The way to get to your gate on time.

* From the airport, there are various ways to get into Atlanta. MARTA, buses, cabs, limousines, and rental cars are all available at the airport.

Transportation: Table of Contents
Airport (Hartway International Airport Page)




Tickets:

Tickets went on sale May 1, 1995. Order forms were available at retail locations such as McDonald's and places that sell Coca-Cola products. Order forms are also available through the ACOG (The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games). If tickets for an oversold event were ordered before June 30, 1995, all orders will be placed in a lottery to determine who receives the tickets. Though this is unconfirmed, there is a rumor saying that people that donate large sums of money, $50,000 or more, to the ACOG, may receive tickets. To just be at the Olympic Games and have cheap tickets to prove it, some of the less common events are much cheaper than many of the large ones. ACE Ticket Service is another option for purchasing and selling tickets to Olympic events. They bought all available extra tickets and can sell them through licensed ticket brokers. The ACOG is the first place to go for tickets, but ACE ticket service is a strong second option.


Bibliography

 Back to the Gallery of Olympians

Jim Warren, Ligon Middle School, Raleigh, North Carolina.