The fallout from the failed Georgia Soccer Basic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta continues, as questions mount from HBCU soccer followers over ticket refunds and accountability from the occasion’s organizers.
On Sept. 30, social media started circulating screenshots of a regarding message allegedly tied to the occasion. Whereas its authenticity couldn’t be confirmed at first, the identical message appeared a number of occasions. By Oct. 1, the discover was discovered posted on the official web site, GeorgiaFootballClassic.com.
The Assertion
“This occasion is now not going down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. You don’t must do a factor. We’ll challenge a refund to the unique technique of cost used at time of buy, as quickly as funds are acquired from the Occasion Organizer. It ought to seem in your account inside 14–21 days. Please observe: If the tickets have been transferred to you. The refund will go to the fan who initially bought the tickets from Ticketmaster.”
That third line — noting that funds had already been transferred to the organizers — has fueled rising unease amongst followers. Given the organizers’ troubled observe file over the summer time, many ticket holders have expressed doubts about when, or if, their cash will likely be returned. Social media has since been flooded with frustration, remorse, and anger over the shortage of transparency and communication.
How We Bought Right here
The Georgia Soccer Basic was initially billed as an HBCU showcase matchup between the Florida A&M Rattlers and the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils, with each marching bands set to carry out inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However on Sept. 30, organizers abruptly introduced the sport’s elimination from the venue and scrambled to determine doable options. Morehouse School, Kennesaw State, and Clark Atlanta College, all situated in Atlanta, have been floated as potential hosts.
In the end, FAMU and MVSU officers ended the hypothesis with a joint announcement: the sport wouldn’t be salvaged in Atlanta. As a substitute, it could return to its unique location in Itta Bena, Mississippi — rescheduled for Nov. 29, simply 4 days earlier than the unique Atlanta date.
The collapse left followers reeling, with many already locked into lodge deposits, Airbnbs, flights, and rental automotive reservations. FAMU Nationwide Alumni Affiliation President Artisha Polk issued a letter to alumni assuring them that the Omni Lodge would cancel all reservations with out penalty in mild of the cancellation. Sadly, many others weren’t as lucky, absorbing losses tied to their journey plans.
What was as soon as pitched as a premier HBCU soccer showcase has as an alternative change into a case examine in disorganization and disappointment, leaving hundreds of loyal followers demanding solutions — and their refunds.
