Key points:
- • Sports and entertainment districts have become the anchor investment vehicle for downtown revitalization in Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Jacksonville.
- • Executives across all three markets say a marquee sports asset de-risks adjacent mixed-use development.
- • Workforce and community terms are now built into district deals from the start, not added after the fact.
September 2026 — Atlanta’s $5 billion Centennial Yards is leading a regional boom in sports and entertainment districts, proving that pairing marquee venues with mixed-use development can unlock massive private capital and reshape dormant downtowns.
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Atlanta often calls itself the sports capital of the Southeastern United States. Once Centennial Yards is complete, I believe Atlanta can become the sports capital of the world, attracting global visitors and strengthening its ability to secure major international events. We have hosted the World Cup, we are pursuing the Women’s World Cup, and the sky is the limit after that.” Brian McGowan, president of Centennial Yards, said in an interview with Focus: Atlanta…