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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 31 > Entry
Franklin tips off festivities
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Special Final Four edition of Peach Buzz!
When it came time to officially open Hoop City, the family-friendly Final Four activities center at the Georgia World Congress Center on Friday afternoon, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was surrounded by game players and politicos in loud plaid suits.
Just another day at City Hall.
“Atlanta is thrilled to have the Final Four back,” herzzoner told the assembled, sporting a red bloom in the lapel of her black business suit. “It reaches limits I can’t describe.”
Alas, as she tossed out the first ball, the mayor’s abilities on the court did, well, demonstrate a few limits. The zoot-suited Mayor of Hoop City then made Franklin an honorary citizen.
Holding a bottle of his company’s brown fizzy stuff, Coca-Cola regional marketing director Ron Renner told the crowd: “It’s an honor to be your refreshing sponsor for this extremely exciting weekend.” When we approached Renner to pose a follow-up question, the marketing guru graciously declined and gestured for an assistant with a cellphone and a laminated card full of Coke rep names and numbers to assist us. How refreshing.
A Hantastic idea
While technically the Washington, D.C., native is rooting for Georgetown today, street musician Spencer Lancaster was willing to utilize his “Hantastic Hands” to blow tunes through his fingers for any and all Final Four fans passing by on Marietta Street on Friday. Sampling a riff of “Theme From Mission: Impossible,” Lancaster told Buzz: “You see, folks want some hyped-up songs to motivate them. Everybody’s on a mission, you see and everyone is wondering if it’s impossible for their team to win.”
Calm before storm
Crews were constructing exhibits late Friday afternoon as fans began arriving at Centennial Olympic Park for a weekend-long outdoor party called The Big Dance. A CBS crew set up in one corner of the park with a view of the huge AT&T stage. During today’s semifinals telecasts, CBS occasionally will cut to live scenes in the park where non-ticket holders will watch the games on huge TV screens. Florida fan Tim Edwards, 27, said he drove from Gainesville this morning and just wanted to party. “Where are all the bands?” he asked. The answer: Getting ready. — Jeffry Scott
We hear that…
Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy will be getting some exercise Sunday night. At the downtown Morton’s Steakhouse, the 78-year-old retired “Houdini of the Hardwood” and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer is scheduled to deliver a speech to 50 Final Four attendees in a private dining room. Later, he’ll head over to the posh eatery’s other massive private dining room to sup with a small galaxy of fellow hall of fame stars. Have Final Four Buzz scoop? E-mail buzz@ajc.com or call: 404-526-7218.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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