The Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee announced Tuesday a community engagement initiative aimed at creating a lasting legacy from the big game’s visit here next year.
Super Bowl LIII will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Feb. 3, 2019, the event’s third time in Atlanta and first since 2000.
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The initiative, called Legacy 53, reflects “our mission to leave a positive impact” on Atlanta, said Brett Daniels, the host committee’s chief operating officer.
“A lot of times people think Super Bowl and they just think game,” Daniels said. “This will show the economic engine and community impacts a game of this size can have in Atlanta.”
According to the host committee, Legacy 53 will include five pillars:
> A major capital improvement project benefiting Atlanta youth, with details to be finalized and announced later this summer.
> A civil rights and social justice program that will include a conversation series and public art installations across Atlanta, with the aim to “inspire constructive dialogue surrounding social issues.”
> A sustainability program that will include efforts to maximize recycling and repurposing of materials at Super Bowl events, as well as tree-planting and community gardens projects in Atlanta neighborhoods.
> Engagement programs geared toward Atlanta’s youth, emphasizing physical activity, healthy lifestyle habits and nutrition.
> Working with the NFL’s supplier diversity program, Business Connect, to connect more than 200 local minority-, woman-, veteran- and LGBT-owned businesses with contracting and networking opportunities.
The host committee’s partners for various parts of the legacy initiative include the Center for Civil and Human Rights, arts organization WonderRoot, youth wellness organization GENYOUth, the NFL Foundation, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the Falcons and the NFL.
The Super Bowl organization didn’t disclose the total amount it will spend on the legacy program, but Daniels said the capital-improvement project alone will exceed a $1 million investment.
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