1996 Summer Olympics

From July 19 through August 4, 1996, Atlanta hosted the Centennial Summer Olympic Games, the largest event in the city's history. In 1990, the International Olympic Committee chose Atlanta over five other cities, with attorney Billy Payne and Mayor Andrew Young as the prime architects of the winning bid. Preparations had an estimated economic impact of at least $5.14 billion as civic leaders built new sports venues, created park space, improved sidewalks and streets, and altered housing patterns. During the Olympics more than 2 million visitors came to Atlanta, and an estimated 3.5 billion people around the world watched on television. For the first time, all invited nations sent athletes, with more than 10,000 competitors from 197 nations. The 1996 Olympics promoted Atlanta's image as an international city, positioning it to play an important role in global commerce.

Atlanta, Georgia · United States