The public

is invited to tour the GICC, sample refreshments and enjoy local entertainment.

The Community Open House is sponsored by Chick-fil-A, The Coca-Cola Company

and Coca-Cola Enterprises, who will have their large inflatable balloons

on hand, along with the Chick-fil-A Calliope.

The GICC, at

400,000 square feet, is one of the largest convention facilities in Georgia

and its 40,000 square foot ballroom is the largest in the southeast. It

has an impressive, specially commissioned art collection and has already

received positive press for its architecture, design and state-of-the-art

amenities.

"This

is the most significant economic development catalyst that College Park

has had since Hartsfield International Airport was built," said John

Hollis Allen, Chairman of the College Park Business and Industrial Development

Authority. "It's already driving a resurgence of our downtown and

our residential areas, and is taking us out of the shadow of Hartsfield

and into the spotlight."

At approximately

3:15 p.m., there will be a dedication ceremony outside, in front of the

International Ballroom entrance of the GICC, featuring College Park Mayor

Jack Longino and College Park Business and Industrial Authority Chairman

Allen.

Longino and

Allen will speak briefly and will be followed by local storyteller Donna

Buie, who goes by the stage name, Mama Koku. Mama Koku will weave the

story of the genesis of the new GICC into a colorful narrative.

The day begins

at 7 a.m., when runners participating in the annual Army Hooah 10 K race

will depart for this year's race from the GICC.

For more information

about the Community Day open house, please call 770-907-3096.

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