Cobb / Braves Huddle Over World Series Safety
Cobb County officials met with Atlanta Braves executives to discuss the “lessons learned” following the team’s World Series games, victory, and subsequent celebrations. The meeting exchanged information on a host of topics including crowd control, traffic management, communications infrastructure, and event logistics.
County Manager Dr. Jackie McMorris praised hard work from her staff as well as the Braves to make sure the entire post-season experience went safely at Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta despite the larger-than-expected crowds. Mike Plant, the President of Braves Development, said the team’s first-ever World Series run at Truist Park and future meetings with county leaders will form a blueprint for handling what they hope will be regular post-season appearances.
The meeting came days before the Board of Commissioners is expected to authorize an additional fund balance appropriation of $105,000 for expenses related to World Series games and celebration. This is above the original $350,000 authorized earlier this year. Most of the additional expenses are for overtime associated with the larger-than-expected crowds, three home World Series games, and the subsequent parade and celebration.
A study of the economic impact of the World Series in Cobb County is expected to show a benefit many times the public safety costs of hosting the event.