GEORGIA, USA — An estimated one million visitors are expected in Atlanta this Super Bowl week which culminates tomorrow with the championship game between the AFC’s New England Patriots and NFC champion Los Angeles Rams.

Super Bowl 53 kicks off at 6:30 pm in the new state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

Mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms said Atlanta is hosting a series of activities for Atlanta communities, residents and visitors throughout the week leading up to the big game. “The events throughout Atlanta will bring the festivities into the heart of all of our communities,” she said.

Security

The Super Bowl is billed as a 10-day sports festival with events stretching from January 26 until February 4, and the Atlanta Police Department is the lead agency when it comes to the Super Bowl’s security procedures.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said over 1,000 DHS officials, including TSA, Secret Service, and Coast Guard officers are assisting with security for the Super Bowl.

Atlanta has been the site of terrorist activity at sports events in the past. In 1996, a man set off a pipe bomb at the city’s Olympic Village.

NFL on Medical Marijuana

At a press conference Wednesday, National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell responded to questions concerning the use of medicinal marijuana by players. NFL players are banned from using marijuana for pain management and a player who tests positive for cannabis use can face heavy fines and suspensions.

While NFL players treat pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and powerful prescription painkillers, advocates contend medical marijuana offers a safer, healthier alternative. But Goodell told reporters he will rely on the league’s medical advisers to provide guidance on the potential value of medicinal marijuana for players.

Premium Prices

While 104 million TV viewers are expected to watch the Super Bowl, fans inside the stadium would have paid from a minimum US$2,300 for one seat in the upper-level corner sections of the stadium to over US$17,000 for a 50-yard-line club seat.

Seven-time Grammy-winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Atlanta’s own Gladys Knight, will sing the national anthem and Maroon Five, Tavis Scott and Big Boi will perform for the Half-Time Show.

Atlanta has twice been home to the Super Bowl — in 1994 and 2000.