Soccer Stays
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G.P. “Bud” Peterson and Valerie H. Peterson Professor, College of Engineering
Michelle LaPlaca is a Georgia Tech biomedical engineering professor specializing in traumatic brain injury, concussion, and neuroengineering. Her research focuses on injury biomechanics, diagnostics, and cognitive assessment tools, including sideline testing for concussions. Her work supports efforts to better detect, manage, and prevent head injuries in high-impact sports, informing player safety protocols during global events.
Professor, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
Kirk Bowman is a Georgia Tech professor and expert in Latin American politics and global development whose research explores the intersection of soccer, society, and international affairs. A Fulbright scholar and award-winning educator, he studies how the sport shapes political narratives and social outcomes across regions. His work provides context for understanding the World Cup’s global impact on governance, cultural identity, and international relations, particularly in soccer-centric regions like Latin America.
Professor, College of Engineering
Michael Hunter is a Georgia Tech professor and transportation systems expert whose work focuses on traffic operations, adaptive signal control, and corridor design. He leads major research initiatives on digital twins, AI-driven signal optimization, and connected infrastructure. His work modeling real-time traffic in cities like Atlanta directly applies to managing large-scale events, where efficient traffic flow, transit prioritization, and smart city coordination are critical to moving crowds safely and reducing congestion.
Lecturer, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts
Declan Abernethy is a Georgia Tech scholar specializing in the history and sociology of sport, with a focus on soccer’s cultural and social impact. His research examines fan communities, gender equity, and the role of technology in shaping modern soccer. His work provides insight into how global events like the FIFA World Cup influence identity, fandom, and community dynamics in host cities and beyond.
Director of the Exercise Physiology Laboratory, College of Sciences
Mindy Millard-Stafford is a Georgia Tech professor and leading expert in exercise physiology, specializing in thermoregulation, hydration, and performance in extreme heat. For more than 30 years, she has led research on how the body responds to heat stress and fatigue, with applications for athlete safety and performance. Her research informs strategies to protect athletes from heat, optimize hydration, and maintain performance during physically demanding matches in high-temperature conditions.
Georgia Tech | World Cup Activities
Activities During the 2026 FIFA World Cup
While Atlanta welcomes the world’s biggest sporting competition, there will be plenty of fun, family-friendly activities at and around Georgia Tech. Global and local visitors can enjoy technology demonstrations, events, and exhibits between soccer match days and discover our campus within the vibrant host city.
Transport | Transform | Transcend: Innovations in Materials and Movements
This Atlanta airport exhibition showcases the groundbreaking work of artists and researchers at Georgia Tech who merge science, technology, and design to reimagine traditional notions of movement, materiality, and meaning.
Atlanta Airport
Monday,
June 1,
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Centennial Summer: Georgia Tech’s Olympic Legacy
Explore photos, artifacts, and stories from the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta during the Library’s special exhibit, open daily.
Georgia Tech Library | FREE
Monday,
June 1,
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Soccer Stays
Soccer Stays Summer Lodging is available to any adult (18+) seeking accommodations who is attending, volunteering, or working with soccer-related activities in Atlanta this summer.
North Avenue Apartments | $178.00 nightly
Monday,
June 1,
9:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Club and Country Colors Day
Celebrate Tech’s global reach and kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Club and Country Colors Day, Wednesday, June 10. Wear the jersey or colors for your nation or favorite soccer club and come together on Tech Green at 1 p.m. for giveaways, photos, and soccer-centric fun.
Tech Green | FREE
Wednesday,
June 10,
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Atlanta Opera and Georgia Tech Arts Presents: 'Water Memory'
Presented by the Atlanta Opera and Georgia Tech Arts, Water Memory (Jala Smirti) by composer Kitty Brazelton and librettist Vaibu Mohan tells the story of Janani, a South Asian woman navigating the early stages of dementia. The opera explores memory, family, connection, and the ways in which artificial intelligence can be a vital tool for sustaining these human bonds in a deeply moving work.
Ferst Center for the Arts | opera performance | $35 public / $10 students
Friday,
June 12,
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Atlanta Opera and Georgia Tech Arts Presents: 'Water Memory' (Second Show)
Presented by the Atlanta Opera and Georgia Tech Arts, Water Memory (Jala Smirti) by composer Kitty Brazelton and librettist Vaibu Mohan tells the story of Janani, a South Asian woman navigating the early stages of dementia. The opera explores memory, family, connection, and the ways in which artificial intelligence can be a vital tool for sustaining these human bonds in a deeply moving work.
Ferst Center for the Arts | opera performance | $35 public / $10 students
Sunday,
June 14,
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Bites of Science | Science and Tech Demo Day
Grab lunch from nearby restaurants and discover the research shaping our future at Bites of Science. Stop by demonstration tables throughout Tech Square to meet Georgia Tech researchers, learn about innovative science and technology projects, and explore the work happening across campus. Enjoy a casual opportunity to connect with the people and ideas driving discovery at Georgia Tech.
Tech Square | Free
Wednesday,
June 17,
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Paella in the Plaza
Join two-Michelin star chef Luis Valls, accompanied by chef Ismael Fernández, for a live paella demonstration and tasting as they share the traditions, techniques, and ingredients behind one of Spain's most iconic dishes. Watch paella prepared on-site, learn about the evolution of the dish from classic recipes to modern interpretations, and enjoy a lively discussion and Q&A throughout the demonstration.
RSVP is requested. Samples of freshly prepared seafood and chicken paella will be available for the first 50 attendees. George | Scheller Tower Courtyard is located at the intersection of West Peachtree and Fifth Street.
George | Scheller Tower Courtyard | Free
Thursday,
June 18,
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Drone Soccer and Drone Racing Competition
Witness the speed and excitement of competitive drone racing and drone soccer, as the RotorJackets Club and Georgia Tech host the MultiGP Regional Qualifier races at Couch Park Field. Competitions will take place from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Couch Park Field | FREE
Saturday,
June 20,
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Watch Party at Georgia State University
Georgia Tech will join the festivities at Georgia State University's watch party for the tournament Round of 32 match Wednesday, July 1. Wear your Georgia Tech gear and take MARTA to the Georgia State Station; the GSU Convocation Center is a 0.7-mile walk.
GSU Convocation Center | FREE
Wednesday,
July 1,
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Guide for Employees
Human Resources | Preparing for World Cup
Review information on commutes, campus events, and activities from Human Resources. This page includes guidance for supervisors.
Summer Stinger Bus Schedule and Hours
The Stinger shuttles will operate on a reduced summer schedule, with fewer buses running on campus.
MARTA passes are available at the Parking and Transportation Services Customer Service Center, located at 770 Spring Street in the Tech Square Hotel parking deck. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.