Thousands are expected to attend weekend Atlanta events, including Dragon-Con.ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The Atlanta Police Department expects hundreds of thousands of visitors to Atlanta this long holiday weekend for a number of sporting events and festivals. The areas with the highest traffic volumes were expected to include Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown.
Dragon-Con was predicted draw at least 50,000. The annual parade is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 am. Saturday from Auburn Avenue to Courtland Street.
Black Gay Pride events are also taking place as well as the Park Tavern Fall Festival.
Turning to sports, the Braves will host a string of home games at Turner Field. Play begins Friday night against the Phillies at 7:30 p.m.
This weekend also marks the Chick-Fil-A college kick-off game at the Georgia Dome. Friday night Tennessee plays North Carolina State. Saturday it's Auburn vs. Clemson.
Atlanta Police Chief George Turner recommended people utilize MARTA or carpool.
However, if you do take your car, don't leave valuables behind.
"The best advice I can give is for folks to not leave anything of value in their cars," said Maj. Wayne Whitmire. "It's actually a crime where people have a great deal of power to avoid becoming a victim. Leave items of value at home, or take them with you if absolutely necessary. Do not leave them in your car."
GDOT will attempt to ease congestion by suspending construction-related lane closures from noon Friday to 5 a.m. Tuesday.
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