Atlanta Dream Home Opener: Your Guide to the Big Night at Gateway Center Arena

The Atlanta Dream home opener is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for women’s basketball fans in metro Atlanta. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a casual sports fan, or visiting the city and curious about catching a WNBA game, the opener is your chance to see the Dream launch a new season in front of a loud, energized home crowd.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, where to sit, and how to make the most of the Atlanta Dream home opener experience at Gateway Center Arena in College Park.

What Is the Atlanta Dream Home Opener?

The home opener is the Atlanta Dream’s first regular-season home game of the WNBA season. It typically happens in May or early June, depending on that year’s league schedule.

For Atlanta fans, the home opener is:

• A season kickoff celebration, with extra energy and in-game entertainment
• Often the first chance to see new players, rookies, or big off-season additions in person
• A popular night for families, youth teams, and local groups to attend together

Because it’s a marquee date on the calendar, tickets and parking can be more in demand than a typical regular-season game, and the pre-game festivities are usually bigger and louder than usual.

Where the Dream Play: Gateway Center Arena in College Park

The Atlanta Dream play home games at:

Gateway Center Arena
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, GA 30337

Although the team represents Atlanta, the arena sits just south of the city, next to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Georgia International Convention Center. It’s part of the ATL SkyTrain / Gateway Center area, which makes it relatively convenient if you’re:

• Flying into Atlanta and staying near the airport
• Coming from downtown or midtown via MARTA
• Driving from the suburbs using I‑85, I‑285, or Camp Creek Parkway

The arena is compact compared with some NBA or NFL venues, which means good sightlines across almost all seating sections and a more intimate, high-energy atmosphere for the home opener.

When Is the Home Opener? How to Check the Date

The exact date and opponent for the Atlanta Dream home opener change every season. The WNBA usually releases its schedule in the offseason, and you’ll typically see:

• Preseason games in May
• Regular season running from spring through late summer

To find the current season’s home opener date:

• Look up the Atlanta Dream regular-season schedule for the year you’re interested in
• Check for the first game listed at Gateway Center Arena / home designation

Because the home opener can sell out or see higher prices for certain sections, many locals try to buy tickets as soon as the schedule drops or once single-game tickets become available.

Getting to the Atlanta Dream Home Opener

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from within metro Atlanta, you’ll typically reach the arena by:

• I‑85 South (from downtown/midtown Atlanta)
• I‑285 (from other parts of the metro, connecting to I‑85 or Camp Creek Parkway)
• Camp Creek Parkway (from the west side or I‑285)

Parking for Gateway Center Arena is usually available in nearby decks and surface lots around the convention center and arena area. For the home opener, plan to:

• Arrive early (at least 60–90 minutes before tipoff) to avoid traffic backups
• Follow arena and event signage to the correct parking lots or decks
• Have a payment method ready, as many large venues now use cashless systems

🚗 Local tip: Traffic around the airport and Camp Creek Parkway can be heavy during weekday rush hours. If the home opener falls on a weeknight, leaving extra time is especially important.

Taking MARTA and the ATL SkyTrain

If you’d rather avoid driving:

1. Take MARTA (rail) to Airport Station, the last stop on the Red and Gold lines.
2. From inside the airport, follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain.
3. Ride the SkyTrain to the Gateway Center stop; the arena is a short walk from there.

This can be one of the easiest ways to reach the home opener from downtown, midtown, or Buckhead, especially if you’re staying near a MARTA station.

🚆 Why locals like this option: You avoid parking fees, game-night congestion, and post-game traffic leaving the lots.

What to Expect on Game Night

Pre-Game Atmosphere

For the home opener, the Atlanta Dream typically enhance the standard game-night experience with:

• Player introductions with lights, music, and special effects
• National anthem performances by local artists or choirs
• Fan giveaways (T‑shirts, rally towels, or small branded items)
• On-court contests and activities for fans during timeouts

Arriving early lets you explore:

• Concession stands with classic arena food and drinks
• Team merchandise stands for jerseys, hats, and other gear
• Any fan zones or activity areas set up on the concourse

In-Game Experience

Inside Gateway Center Arena, expect:

• Loud crowd energy, especially for big plays and runs
• Music and a DJ between plays and during breaks
• In-game hosts leading crowd prompts and contests
• Dance teams, mascots, or entertainment groups performing during timeouts and halftime

The home opener is also a good introduction to WNBA rules and pace if you’re new to the league. The game tends to move quickly, and the seating layout makes the action easy to follow from most sections.

Choosing Your Seats: What Works Best for You?

The arena layout is relatively straightforward, with a mix of:

• Lower bowl sideline seats (closest to the court, often higher-priced)
• Baseline and corner seats (slightly more affordable, still good views)
• Upper-level or end sections (more budget-friendly options, still close compared to large arenas)

Here’s a simple way to think about seating:

For the home opener, if you want the most memorable first-time experience, many fans aim for:

• Lower-level sideline or corner seats, or
• Lower-level behind the basket, where you still feel close to the court

Tickets: What Locals Need to Know

Buying Tickets

For the Atlanta Dream home opener, locals often:

• Purchase single-game tickets once they are released for the season
• Consider mini-plans or partial season packages if they plan to attend multiple games
• Keep an eye on official ticket sales channels as the date gets closer

Because the home opener is high-demand:

• Popular sections may sell out earlier than mid-season games
• Prices in certain areas may be higher than for weekday games later in the season

Planning your purchase a few weeks to a couple of months ahead typically gives you the best combination of seat options and pricing.

Digital Tickets and Entry

It’s common for professional arenas in Atlanta to use mobile/digital tickets. For the home opener:

• Make sure your tickets are downloaded or accessible on your phone before leaving home
• Confirm you know which entry gate or entrance you should use
• Have your ID and payment method handy for concessions and parking, especially if the venue is cashless

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

Inside Gateway Center Arena, you can expect:

• Standard arena concessions: hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, nachos, soft drinks, water
• Alcoholic beverages available at select stands for adults of legal drinking age
• Restroom facilities distributed around the concourse

Some home openers feature special menu items, themed options, or local vendors, but this can vary from season to season. If you have specific dietary needs, many fans find it helpful to:

• Eat a light meal before arriving
• Plan on basic options at the arena, and check menus on-site once you’re inside

Family and Kids: Is the Home Opener a Good Choice?

The Atlanta Dream home opener is typically very family-friendly, and many youth basketball teams and school groups attend. For Atlanta-area families, it can be a great choice because:

• The arena is smaller and easier to navigate than some larger stadiums
• There are plenty of kid-friendly food and drink options
• The in-game environment includes music, contests, and entertainment that keeps kids engaged
• WNBA players often serve as role models and inspirations, especially for young athletes

For families:

• Consider arriving early to manage lines, find your seats, and get settled
• Check if there are family sections or group-ticket options that fit your needs
• Bring any ear protection for younger children if they are sensitive to louder environments

Accessibility and Special Considerations

Gateway Center Arena is designed with accessibility in mind, including:

• Accessible seating areas
• Ramps or elevators for concourse and seating access
• Designated parking spaces for guests with disabilities

If you or someone in your group needs accommodations:

• Plan to reach out to the arena’s guest services or ticket office ahead of the home opener
• Ask about accessible entrances, seating locations, and parking details

This makes it easier to avoid last-minute adjustments and ensures a smoother experience on game night.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for the Home Opener

Out-of-town visitors often choose to stay:

• Near the airport/Gateway Center for maximum convenience to the arena
• In downtown or midtown Atlanta to combine the game with other attractions, then ride MARTA

A simple approach:

• If your main goal is the game and easy logistics:
  • Stay at a hotel near the Georgia International Convention Center / Gateway Center area.
• If you want a broader Atlanta experience (museums, restaurants, nightlife):
  • Stay in downtown or midtown, use MARTA and the SkyTrain to get to the arena on game day.

Either way, plan your game-day travel route in advance, especially if the opener falls on a weekday evening with typical Atlanta traffic.

Game-Day Tips for Atlanta Fans

Here are a few practical pointers many locals find helpful:

• Check the tipoff time carefully. WNBA games can start earlier than some NBA or college games, especially on weekends.
• Aim to be in your seat 20–30 minutes before tipoff. The introductions and pre-game buildup are a big part of the home opener experience.
• Wear team colors. The Dream’s colors help make the crowd feel unified and energetic.
• Plan your exit. Whether you’re driving or taking MARTA, know your route back ahead of time to avoid confusion in post-game crowds.
• Stay hydrated and plan snacks. Atlanta’s warm-weather season overlaps with much of the WNBA schedule, and even indoor events can feel busy and active from all the cheering and walking.

By understanding how the Atlanta Dream home opener works—from the arena location and transportation to seating choices and game-night atmosphere—you can plan a smooth, memorable experience that fits your needs, whether you live in Atlanta year-round or are just in town for the big game.