NFL gives Atlanta mayor props as city says so long to Super Bowl

Atlanta city officials on Monday morning accepted thanks from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for successfully hosting Super Bowl 53.

The city received positive reviews from visiting media and NFL officials. Goodell, speaking at a joint press conference with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, singled her out for the good job the city did hosting the game. He noted that Bottoms was sworn into office in January 2018, about midway through the preparations.

“You picked up the ball and really ran with it,” Goodell said.

Bottoms said it was a pleasure to host the event, but seemed relieved that the burden had been lifted.

“We are grateful that it will not be here next year,” Bottoms said.

Although Atlanta officially bid adieu to the big game, officials at Hartsfield Jackson Airport were still dealing with the aftermath. Security lines were more than an hour long Monday morning as the airport was anticpating a record travel day.

Officials from Miami were also present at the Georgia World Congress Center press conference and took a symbolic gold football as the south Florida city gets ready to host next year’s game.

KIRO