Ahead Of World Cup, State Farm Arena Announces Summer Kickoff ATL 2026

With the city on tap to host eight FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, State Farm Arena in Atlanta has already announced a special “Summer Kickoff ATL 2026” that promises concerts with global superstars, world-class experiences and other entertainment in the heart of downtown.

“Every summer Atlanta draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and summer 2026 is expected to peak with more than half of a million visitors,” said Steve Koonin, Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena President and Chief Executive Officer. “We know that no matter where our guests come from, they want to be entertained, and that music is the one universal language that brings people together. State Farm Arena will be the place to enjoy the best shows and entertainment experiences in the city.”

Details and event announcements are promised in the coming months. In 2019 State Farm Arena hosted the inaugural, three-night Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest, which included Lil Baby, Ludacris, Migos, Post Malone, Aerosmith, Bruno Mars and Cardi B.

“Atlanta has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class events that showcase operational expertise, innovation, and the unique culture of our city,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and head of the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee. “State Farm Arena and Summer Kickoff ATL will enhance the experience that Atlanta will be delivering next summer.”

Earlier this year, State Farm Arena hosted the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live as part of College Football National Championship.

“State Farm Arena is at the epicenter of downtown Atlanta and continually provides the finest entertainment and hospitality options in the Southeast,” said Hawks and State Farm Arena’s President of Business Enterprise & Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Saltzman. “We are excited to welcome the world as the spotlight shines on our great city.”

Mercedes Benz Stadium, to be known officially as Atlanta Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026, will host eight matches come summer 2026, including a semi-final showdown. The tournament will total 104 matches between 48 teams across 16 host cities and three counties, the United States, Canada and Mexico. With discussions starting years ago, host venues have been working to meet FIFA’s standards for event, such as having plans to install permanent grass in time for the soccer matches.

Venues taking part include MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, Lumen Field in Seattle, BMO Field in Toronto, BC Place in Vancouver, NRG Stadium in Houston, AT&T Stadium in Dallas and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.