For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
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Georgia DOT Holding Press Conference to Announce New Sponsor of HERO and CHAMP Programs, Unveiling Newly Branded Fleet
Media also invited to Transportation Operations Briefing Ahead of FIFA World Cup Activities immediately following
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) will host a media event on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to announce the new sponsor of Georgia DOT's Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) and Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program (CHAMP). The event will include remarks from Georgia DOT, HERO and CHAMP representatives, as well as the unveiling of newly-branded HERO and CHAMP vehicles incorporating the sponsor identity. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to roadway safety, mobility and customer service for Georgia motorists.
RSVP PLEASE: [email protected]
Following the outdoor announcement, media will be invited inside Georgia DOT's Transportation Management Center (TMC) for a behind-the-scenes tour of the state's traffic operations center and opportunities to speak with transportation experts about Georgia's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Television news crews will also be invited to remain on site for live shots and standups in advance of midday newscasts.
This is a rain-or-shine event. Media check-in will begin at 9:45 a.m.
WHAT:
Announcement of the new sponsor of Georgia DOT's HERO and CHAMP motorist assistance programs, including the unveiling of newly branded response vehicles.
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Media should plan to arrive by 9:45 a.m.
WHERE:
Georgia Department of Transportation
Transportation Management Center (TMC)
935 United Avenue SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30316
NOTE: The announcement will take place in the parking area outside the Transportation Management Center. Following formal remarks, media will be invited inside the TMC for an overview of Georgia DOT's preparations and planning to host FIFA World Cup games and events, including a simulation of real-time traffic and pedestrian management tools, tactics and strategies.
WHO:
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Georgia DOT leadership
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Sponsor representatives
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HERO program representatives
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CHAMP program representatives
WHY:
The announcement introduces the new sponsor of two of Georgia DOT's most visible customer-service and motorist assistance programs at a time when Georgia is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. HERO and CHAMP play a vital role in maintaining mobility, enhancing roadway safety, responding to incidents and assisting motorists across Georgia's transportation network. The event also provides an opportunity to highlight Georgia DOT's preparations to support safe and efficient travel during one of the largest international events ever hosted in the state.
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VISUALS:
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Newly branded HERO and CHAMP vehicles
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Georgia DOT and sponsor leadership
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Uniformed HERO and CHAMP operators
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Transportation Management Center operations floor
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Traffic management video wall and monitoring systems
ADDITIONAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
FIFA WORLD CUP TRANSPORTATION READINESS BRIEFING
Immediately following the sponsorship announcement and vehicle unveiling, reporters, photographers and television crews will be invited inside Georgia DOT's Transportation Management Center for:
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A guided tour of the TMC operations floor
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Demonstrations of traffic monitoring and incident management systems
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Background information on transportation planning and coordination efforts related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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Interview opportunities with Georgia DOT subject matter experts
Georgia DOT experts will be available to discuss how the agency is preparing to support safe and efficient travel throughout metro Atlanta during FIFA World Cup matches and related events, including:
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Traffic operations and incident management
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Regional transportation coordination
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Real-time traveler information available via 511GA
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Special event transportation planning
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Pedestrian mobility and access management
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Strategies to support both visitors and residents during periods of increased travel demand
The briefing will provide media with an opportunity to better understand the extensive planning and operational coordination underway to help ensure safe and efficient movement throughout the region as Georgia welcomes visitors from around the world.
LIVE SHOT OPPORTUNITIES:
Television stations are encouraged to remain on-site following the event for live standups and reports leading to noon newscasts. Georgia DOT will identify locations suitable for live shots featuring:
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Newly branded HERO and CHAMP vehicles
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Transportation Management Center backdrop
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Traffic operations displays
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World Cup transportation readiness visuals
Subject matter experts may be available for scheduled interviews following the TMC tour.
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING:
The Transportation Management Center is located within the state complex in southeast Atlanta.
From Downtown Atlanta (Eastbound):
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Take I-20 EB.
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Take exit 59A for Boulevard toward Cyclorama/Zoo Atlanta.
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Turn right onto Boulevard SE.
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In 0.5 miles, turn left at the traffic light onto United Avenue SE.
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In 1.1 miles, arrive at the temporary entrance on the right.
From Westbound:
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Take I-20 WB.
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Take exit 60 for US-23 S (Moreland Avenue).
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Turn left onto US 23 S (Moreland Avenue).
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In 1.6 miles, turn right at the traffic light onto United Avenue SE.
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In 0.5 miles, arrive at the temporary entrance on the left.
When arriving at the TMC:
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Present a photo ID to the Georgia State Patrol Officers at the main entrance and inform them you are there for the HERO/CHAMP press conference GDOT TMC.
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Follow the roadway around to the main parking lot.
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The TMC is the large brick building (Building 24), and the press conference will be held in the parking lot adjacent (see map). In case of rain, the press conference will move inside the TMC.
NOTE: Media parking and check-in will open at 9:45 a.m. and will be staffed by Georgia DOT personnel.
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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