Written by Natalie Bradin for Atlanta Business Chronicle.
A new multimillion-dollar structure will greet passengers as they pass through Atlanta’s airport, just in time for the FIFA World Cup.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) unveiled a 14-foot-tall, LED sphere in the atrium of the domestic terminal on Tuesday, less than two weeks before Atlanta’s World Cup matches kick off on June 15. The structure cost $3.26 million, and building permits obtained by Atlanta Business Chronicle note that no federal money was used.
The glowing sphere, otherwise known as “Atlas,” will display airport messaging and advertising. This structure will serve as a new welcoming landmark for ATL passengers and the roughly 300,000 additional visitors the airport is expected to see for the World Cup matches, according to an estimate from the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
“The scope of this project consists of the installation of the Digital LED Sphere which is a standard 14.8-foot-diameter, full-motion digital asset that will enable ATL to deliver immersive storytelling, campaign messaging, and sponsored content in a high-visibility location,” Jorge Cortes, director of architecture at the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation, said in the plans. “The Sphere features ambient light sensors and remote CMS integration.”
Atlanta-based New South Construction Co. built the sphere, and electrical work was conducted by Atlanta-based Cleveland Electric. Georgia-based architectural-signage firm Capital Signs designed the structure.
*Image: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport