The ever-changing downtown skyline is dominated by skyscraper hotels and office buildings, perhaps none more impressive than Peachtree Center, which serves the business community in both capacities. Most major chain hotels are represented, including the Ritz-Carlton, the Atlanta Hilton & Towers, the dramatically-sloping Marriott Marquis, and the Westin at Peachtree Plaza, which features the aptly-named, revolving Sun Dial restaurant on the 71st floor.
Many of Atlanta's most prestigious business addresses, such as the world headquarters of Coca-Cola, are downtown. The Georgia World Congress Center, one of the worlds largest convention facilities, plays host to a never-ending string of trade shows and business expos. Nestled in the southern corner of downtown you'll find the golden-domed Georgia State Capitol Building. Built in 1889, its Corinthian columns are closely guarded by many court and government offices. Also peppered about this neighborhood are buildings housing various departments of Georgia State University.
Nearby, take a stroll through Underground Atlanta. Opened in 1989, this enclosed mall of shops, restaurants, and attractions also houses the most comprehensive division of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, which offers information on activities and events throughout the city. Standing near the entrance to Underground Atlanta is the World of Coca-Cola, the soft-drink giants popular interactive museum, where you can relive the history of the worlds favorite beverage and sample Coke products as they are prepared in the four corners of the globe.
A short cab ride to the south will bring you to Turner Field. Built as a multi-use facility for the 1996 Olympics, it is now home to the high-powered Atlanta Braves. If you're lucky enough to visit Atlanta during baseball season, stop by; a large allotment of standing-room tickets are made available for each home game at the low price of $1.
Baseballs not the only game in town, however. On the west side of downtown, you'll find the 71,000-seat Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons and host of the annual Southeast Conference Championship football game each fall. The Georgia Dome is also the site of the annual Peach Bowl, and was chosen in 1994 to host Super Bowl XXVIII. The much-anticipated Phillips Arena opened its doors in 1999, and now features Atlanta Hawks basketball and the National Hockey Leagues newest franchise, the Atlanta Thrashers.
Across the street from Phillips Arena, visit the massive CNN Center, home to cable televisions first 24-hour news network. Tours of the studios are conducted hourly, and free seating is always available for CNNs live current affairs program, "Talk-Back Live." And, just across the street, be sure to visit Centennial Olympic Park, a 21-acre expanse of green commemorating the 1996 Olympics.
Atlanta's downtown area is a bustling commercial district by day, with a wealth of restaurants, department stores and tourist attractions.
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