3:45 p.m. update: As the gates prepare to open for tonight's free concert, the temperature is hovering around 40 degrees for the fans out at "Championship Campus," where an array of activities are being held this weekend for the public leading up to Monday night's big game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
If you’re among those planning to see The Chainsmokers tonight as part of AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! at Centennial Olympic Park, be prepared to be bundled up.
The temperature in Atlanta will be dropping to 33 degrees by 10 p.m., said Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan. And just like with the wind chill all day, that means it’ll actually feel like freezing weather.
Gates for the concert are expected to open at 4 p.m. Also on tonight’s lineup: Bebe Rexha and Spencer Ludwig.
A clear bag policy will be enforced, which means bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” Other options are a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar) and small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5 x 6.5, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
The shows are free, and nothing is needed for entry. But it is suggested that patrons be prepared for security checks to ensure the entry process goes quickly.
— Ellen Eldridge and Melissa Ruggieri
12:30 p.m. update: Thousands of people tested their ability to kick a field goal, catch a running pass or climb a rock wall at the fan experience at the Georgia World Congress Center on Sunday in celebration of the College Football Playoff Championship in Atlanta.
The convention center played host to a long list of activities for those in town to watch the big game or wanting to be in the vicinity of Monday’s battle between the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama’s Crimson Tide.
For example, fans could take part in virtual reality play at a Sony electronics booth, bean-bag toss games sponsored by Dr Pepper and a truck pull.
The most popular attraction was the Rose Bowl trophy that went this year to the Bulldogs. Though other Bowl trophies were available for fans to photograph – Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl – it was the Rose Bowl trophy that had attracted hundreds of Georgia fans.
— Leon Stafford
FOR THE FANS: For a map of the "Championship Campus," click here.
11:30 a.m. update: Be prepared for chillly weather at tonight’s show and a freezing Monday morning
If you’re heading to Centennial Olympic Park for a concert by The Chainsmokers this evening, be sure to bundle up.
The temperature in Atlanta will be 33 degrees by 10 p.m., Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said.
Sunday temps started out below freezing before sunrise as runners prepared for the Extra Yard 5K, the official road race of the College Football Playoff. As of 11:30 a.m., temps were still below freezing, although Monahan said temps will rise to a high of 42 degrees today.
And looking ahead to the day of the game, freezing rain and ice could affect the morning commute — and those fans heading out early to "Championship Campus" outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The good news: Ice is not likely to affect traffic to the national college football championship game Monday night between the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide.
“Any showers by that time will be few and far between,” Monahan said.
The possibility of ice comes from road temperatures that are at 15 to 25 degrees across North Georgia, he said.
“This will allow for glazing of ice anywhere we get freezing rain/drizzle,” Monahan said.
— Ellen Eldridge
Credit: John Amis
Credit: John Amis
10:15 a.m. update: 2,000 turn out for Extra Yard 5K
Wind chills In the teens didn’t stop some 2,000 people from running early Sunday in the Atlanta Track Club’s Extra Yard 5K in downtown Atlanta, the official race of the CFP Championship.
Bundled in hats, gloves and scarves — “Bulldog” and “Roll Tide” emblems were in abundance — they took advantage of the sunshine, walking and running briskly around downtown attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium, the College Football Hall of Fame and Centennial Olympic Park.
Rob Mullett, a 2016 Olympian, was the men’s winner, and Bridget Lyons, a former University of Georgia runner who recently qualified for the Olympic Trials, took the women’s trophy.
“Despite the weather, we had more than 2,000 people at the event,” said Jay Holder, the Track Club’s director of marketing and communications. "I think people think of Atlanta as a great football city, but we’re also a great runners' town, too. When we have an event, people show up.”
- Leon Stafford
Atlanta busy on eve of the big game
After fans bundled up Saturday night to catch free concert performances from Charlie Puth, Jason Derulo and Lizzo as part of the festivities surrounding the College Football Playoff Championship in Atlanta, Sunday morning also presented a chilly start for fans with temperatures below freezing.
The day kicked off before sunrise as runners prepared for the Extra Yard 5K, the official road race of the College Football Playoff, with runners hoping to win tickets to Monday’s game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Credit: ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJ
Credit: ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJ
Later in the morning, inside where it was warmer, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and Alabama head coach Nick Saban fielded questions on the eve of the big game. For AJC sports columnist Mark Bradley's take on the coaches' news conference, click here for the myAJC.com report.
We’ll have updates throughout the day at AJC.com on the fan festivities going on today at “Championship Campus” near the stadium and also how the teams are preparing for their bids for the national college football title.
