Atlanta Gears Up for International Soccer...and Summer Heat

The next couple of months are going to be exciting in Atlanta, as we welcome soccer players and fans from around the world for a major international tournament. It’s a big moment for our city, and the energy is already ramping up.

Along with the excitement, Atlanta’s summer weather will be a real factor on and off the field. Heat and humidity are part of daily life here, and while many of us are used to it, visiting athletes and fans may feel the impact more strongly.

For anyone with asthma, humid air can make breathing more difficult, especially in the early mornings and late evenings when moisture levels are highest.

Our summer heat can also take a toll. When high temperatures combine with intense physical activity, the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness increases.

Fortunately, international soccer matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (referred to as Atlanta Stadium during the tournament) will be played with the roof closed, creating a climate-controlled environment that will help reduce the impact of extreme summer heat.

And the only international team training in Atlanta is Uzbekistan, based at the Atlanta United Training Centre in Marietta.

For Soccer Fans Coming to Atlanta

For soccer fans traveling in, this will be an unforgettable experience, but it’s worth planning for the weather as much as the events themselves. Visitors will likely spend more time outdoors than they’re used to in a hot, humid climate - whether they’re walking between venues, exploring the city, or spending time in crowded areas. Lightweight clothing can provide some relief, along with taking breaks in the shade throughout the day. It also helps to pace activities rather than trying to do everything at once in the heat.

For those with asthma or other chronic lung conditions, it’s especially important to be mindful of triggers like heat, humidity, and air quality. They should keep their rescue inhalers on hand and be sure to stay well hydrated.

Key Reminders for Soccer Athletes and Fans in Atlanta

• Stay consistently hydrated throughout the day

• Watch for early signs of heat exhaustion or overheating

• Plan recovery, travel, and activities around weather conditions

• Treat humidity as an environmental factor that affects both performance and comfort

Atlanta knows how intense summer weather can be. For many visiting players, and fans, adapting to it will simply be part of the experience.

Want to better manage your asthma or COPD better?

Ngozika Orjioke, MD, FCCP, is a board-certified physician in Pulmonary and Critical Care in metro Atlanta. With more than 30 years of experience, she is devoted to helping her patients in treating lung-related illnesses, such as asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, tobacco use disorder, HIV-related lung disease and more. She is committed to improving the health of her community, and provides exceptional and culturally sensitive care to every patient. She appears on the American Lung Association’s list of Trusted Organizations in the Black Community, and is ranked in the top 25 by U.S. News among 358 pulmonologists in Atlanta. She is affiliated with Southern Regional Medical Center.