Key Takeaways
- Centennial Yards Company president Brian McGowan predicts the downtown megaproject will become the "Times Square of the South"
- The Irish Exit, a pub concept by The Dead Rabbit Group, will open its first location outside New York City in Centennial Yards’ Entertainment District
- The 4,735-square-foot pub will feature a flexible indoor-outdoor layout and a "vibrant, street-level experience"
- The Entertainment District is expected to debut in 2026, with a roster of tenants including Live Nation, Cosm, Khao Thai Isan, and Shake Shack
- The 50-acre redevelopment is expected to cost at least $5 billion and add several city blocks, with assistance from a record City of Atlanta tax incentives package
Introduction to Centennial Yards
Centennial Yards, a downtown megaproject in Atlanta, is expected to emerge as a major cultural and entertainment destination in the coming years. According to Centennial Yards Company president Brian McGowan, the project has the potential to become the "Times Square of the South". This prediction is supported by the recent signing of The Irish Exit, a pub concept by The Dead Rabbit Group, which will open its first location outside New York City in Centennial Yards’ Entertainment District. The Irish Exit is an all-day food-and-drink location that has gained popularity in Manhattan, and its decision to expand to Atlanta speaks volumes about the city’s rising stature as a cultural and entertainment destination.
The Irish Exit: A New Addition to Centennial Yards
The Irish Exit will occupy a 4,735-square-foot spot in the Entertainment District, which is currently under construction. The pub’s blueprints call for garage-style doors to create a flexible indoor-outdoor layout, allowing for a "vibrant, street-level experience that amplifies the district’s momentum". This design will enable The Irish Exit to offer a unique and dynamic atmosphere, perfect for patrons looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and company. The Irish Exit’s parent concept, The Dead Rabbit, has twice been named the world’s best bar, and its decision to expand to Atlanta is a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for entertainment and culture.
The Entertainment District: A Culinary and Social Hub
The Entertainment District at Centennial Yards is expected to debut in 2026, just in time for the FIFA World Cup matches downtown. The district will span roughly 470,000 square feet and will feature a range of culinary and social options, including The Irish Exit, Live Nation and Cosm entertainment venues, Khao Thai Isan, and Shake Shack. The district is envisioned as the retail, dining, and hotel heartbeat of Centennial Yards, and its opening is expected to mark a major milestone in the project’s development. With its diverse range of tenants and amenities, the Entertainment District is poised to become a major destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Bigger Picture: Centennial Yards Redevelopment
The Centennial Yards redevelopment is a massive project that is expected to cost at least $5 billion and add several city blocks to the downtown area. The project will include roughly 2,000 new residences, as well as a range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The City of Atlanta has provided a record tax incentives package to support the project, which is expected to have a major impact on the local economy. With its unique blend of culture, entertainment, and community, Centennial Yards is poised to become a major driver of growth and development in the city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the signing of The Irish Exit is a major coup for Centennial Yards, and marks a significant milestone in the project’s development. The Entertainment District is expected to debut in 2026, and will feature a range of culinary and social options that will make it a major destination for locals and visitors alike. With its unique blend of culture, entertainment, and community, Centennial Yards is poised to become a major driver of growth and development in the city, and its potential to become the "Times Square of the South" is certainly within reach. As the project continues to take shape, it will be exciting to see how it evolves and grows, and what other exciting developments and announcements are in store for this vibrant and dynamic area.