Some students prepared earlier this week to head to the much anticipated Atlanta Classic. One event they didn’t expect to happen earlier this week was severe flooding.
Metro Atlanta experienced harsh floods in which 11 bridges, state-controlled roads and highways were closed, according to the National Weather Service. An 80 percent chance of rain, mixed with thunderstorms, is expected this Saturday.
A recent poll on thefamuanonline.com showed 44 percent of viewers still planned to attend the Classic despite recent weather conditions.
John Grant, the chief executive officer of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta encouraged Rattler and Tiger fans to visit Atlanta and the Georgia Dome for the 21st Annual Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic.
“In light of the recent weather in the Atlanta area and all the images seen in the news, I wanted to reassure all the fans…the game will go on,” Grant said in an official statement.
“Downtown is dry and open for business, as are all the highways leading into Atlanta.” The organization is currently hosting the Florida A&M University football game against Tennessee State.
Although severe thunderstorms filled the Atlanta metro area for the past six days leaving several dead, downtown Atlanta and the Georgia Dome are dry for the Rattler-Tiger game on Saturday afternoon.
Several events are planned for the action packed Classic weekend. The premier event will take place on Friday along with the Bank of America Job Fair. Friday evening, Allstate will host the HBCU Step Showdown.
Saturday morning will feature the Parade of Excellence by Georgia Power. A pre-game concert featuring Trey Songz and Fabolous will be Saturday afternoon. The game kick-off will be at 3:30 p.m. in the Georgia Dome.