Local

Atlanta hosts big events this weekend

ATLANTA — Transportation officials are expecting traffic jams around Atlanta because of several major events in the area this Labor Day weekend.

Channel 2's Jeff Dore was in downtown Atlanta Friday, where crowds were already gathering and hotels in the area were sold out.
 
"Well, this is crazy. We're here for a football game," a West Newton football fan told Dore.

Sports events this weekend include three Braves games at Turner Field, two college football games at the Georgia Dome and an Atlanta Dream women's basketball game at Philips Arena. South of the city, it's a big race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

There's also the annual Dragon Con convention for fans of science fiction, fantasy movies and comic books. Dore ran into fans dressed in elaborate costumes.

"I was walking out of my hotel room, and people were just looking at me, and I'm just normal. I promise," said Erica Alduino, dressed as Midna from the Legend of Zelda.

The Melia Hotel in Midtown is also hosting Atlanta Black Pride Weekend. Beyond the city, the AJC Decatur Book Festival will take place on the square in downtown Decatur, and the Powers Festival will be held at the Powers Pavilion on Ga. 34 outside of Newnan.

Click here to monitor traffic on WSBTV.com. It may be easiest for drivers to use MARTA transit in light of the weekend's events.