As METALCON returns to Atlanta this year, it’s not just the event that has evolved; the city itself has undergone significant transformations since the last gathering in 2013. From architectural marvels to urban revitalization projects, Atlanta has been a hub of innovation and development. Let’s take a closer look at some notable changes that have shaped the city over the past decade.
Growth of the City Skyline
One of the most striking developments in Atlanta since 2013 has been the growth of its skyline. Once known for having the tallest hotel in the Western hemisphere (the Westin Hotel) and the tallest building in the Southeast (Bank of America), the cityscape has been transformed with the addition of several new skyscrapers including the new 725 Ponce Tower, strategically positioned in between the vibrant Ponce City Market and the new Beltline. Manhattan-based Rockefeller Group is currently constructing a 60-story high-rise at 1072 West Peachtree Street that promises to alter Midtown’s skyline like nothing in recent decades. Downtown Atlanta has welcomed the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium along with the 42-story Signia Hotel by Hilton, revitalizing the area west of Centennial Olympic Park and the Convention Center.
Atlanta BeltLine
Probably one of the biggest and most exciting changes over the past decade is the Atlanta BeltLine project. It is touted as one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States, and includes a network of public parks, multi-use trails, transit, and affordable housing along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor. On an esoteric level, the project represents a paradigm shift in urban planning and development and demonstrates the potential of repurposing existing infrastructure to create vibrant, connected, and sustainable communities. It is enhancing Atlanta’s mobility, connecting in-town neighborhoods, and improving economic opportunity and sustainability.
One of the primary goals of the BeltLine is to improve connectivity between Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods. The trail loop connects 45 neighborhoods, providing residents with pedestrian and bicycle access to parks, schools, shopping districts, and public transit hubs. Visit the BeltLine to walk, bike, or hike the multiuse trails and discover restaurants, breweries, local shops, and public art displays along the way. There’s no shortage of things to do — you can find open-air markets, have a meal or drink at one of the many rooftop bars and Atlanta BeltLine restaurants, or simply grab coffee and watch the activity go by.
New Hotel Development
Reflective of the city’s growing popularity as a business and tourist destination. Atlanta has experienced a significant surge in hotel development adding over 5500 rooms to its inventory just in the past 5 years. Numerous new hotels have been constructed, ranging from upscale boutique accommodations to large-scale luxury properties. This expansion is driven by factors such as the city’s booming convention and event industry, the headquarters of major corporations located in Atlanta, and the continuous growth of tourism fueled by attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the vibrant culinary scene.
Most recently, Downtown Atlanta has welcomed the long-awaited Signia by Hilton Atlanta, a 976-room convention hotel, located adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center, in January 2024. Two additional well-known brands have also come to the convention district including Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown, a 200-room hotel complete with an outdoor swimming pool, rooftop bar, and more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space, and Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham, offering resort suites, and a rooftop bar with views of Centennial Olympic Park.
Not to be outdone by its downtown counterpart, just up the road, the artsy and eclectic Midtown area has welcomed the 282-room, dual-branded Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta /Element Atlanta Midtown, the 181-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown, the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown, featuring an indoor and outdoor rooftop bar showcasing Midtown’s Skyline views and the Kimpton Shane Hotel, a 12-story boutique property. And paying homage to the chic culinary scene, the Epicurean Atlanta, a food-focused hotel, features the Reverence restaurant, The Office Bar and a culinary theater.
New Attractions
While it’s hard to top the opening of the largest aquarium in the world, Atlanta has continued to evolve its attraction package by welcoming these mega attractions to the Downtown/Convention district since METALCON last met in the city — The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the spectacular state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Skyview Atlanta, a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel.
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, stands as a premier attraction celebrating collegiate football’s rich history and legacy. Renowned for its immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, it ranks among the top destinations for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Ranked as one of TripAdvisor’s “Top 10 Atlanta Attractions,” the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, also celebrating its 10th anniversary, uses interactive exhibits and cutting-edge technology that enables visitors to find inspiration in each story. To mark its 10th anniversary, they are undergoing a major expansion, adding two wings to the museum.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, replacing the former Georgia Dome, opened in 2017, stands as a modern marvel of sports architecture, boasting a striking design and state-of-the-art amenities. Home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC, it offers fans an unparalleled game-day experience with its innovative features, including the retractable roof and stunning halo video board. If you plan to extend your stay post-show, the Falcons host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, October 31 at 1:00 pm EST!
SkyView Atlanta gives you a one-of-a-kind, thrilling look at Downtown above Centennial Olympic Park from atop a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel while sitting comfortably in luxurious, climate-controlled gondolas. Don’t miss the night-time light show!
METALCON 2024 Registration and Housing is Open!
🥁 Drumroll, please! 🥁
As METALCON returns to Atlanta in 2024, attendees will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the city’s remarkable transformation over the past decade. From its evolving skyline to its thriving cultural scene, Atlanta continues to prove itself as a dynamic and forward-thinking city that embraces change while honoring its rich history.