Heavy traffic expected as sports fans mix with afternoon commuters

By Mike Morris

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Heavy traffic is likely in downtown Atlanta later today as sports fans head to Turner Field and the Georgia Dome during the latter stages of the afternoon rush hour.

According to the state Department of Transportation, an estimated 55,000 soccer fans are expected at the Georgia Dome for the 7 p.m. World Football Challenge match between AC Milan and Club America.

A short distance from there at Turner Field, the first pitch in the Braves' game against the San Francisco Giants is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

The Georgia Dome event is the third stop in the four-team, six-match World Football Challenge that began with matches earlier this week in Palo Alto and Pasadena, Calif. The tournament continues Friday in Baltimore before wrapping up on Sunday with matches in Foxborough, Mass., and Arlington, Texas.