Is the Peach Bowl in Atlanta? What Locals and Visitors Need to Know

Yes — the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is played in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s one of the city’s signature college football events and a major draw for visitors every year.

If you live in Atlanta, plan to visit, or just want to understand how the Peach Bowl works specifically in Atlanta, this guide walks you through the essentials: location, stadium details, game day logistics, and what to expect in and around the city.

Where Is the Peach Bowl Played in Atlanta?

The Peach Bowl is held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

The stadium sits just west of downtown, near:

• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• The CNN Center area
• The Vine City and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods

If you’re familiar with the old Georgia Dome location, Mercedes-Benz Stadium was built right next to where the Dome once stood, in the same general sports-and-convention district.

What Is the Peach Bowl?

The Peach Bowl is a major college football bowl game played in late December or early January. It’s part of the New Year’s Six bowl rotation, which means:

• Some years it hosts a College Football Playoff semifinal
• Other years it features two highly ranked teams in a marquee matchup

For Atlanta, the Peach Bowl is:

• A major holiday sports tradition
• A big driver of tourism and downtown activity
• A showcase for Mercedes-Benz Stadium on national TV

For residents, that means more visitors, heavier traffic near downtown, and a buzz of game-day events in the city.

Peach Bowl Location & Logistics at a Glance

Getting to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta

By MARTA

For many people in Atlanta, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the Peach Bowl, especially on game day when parking and traffic are tight.

Closest MARTA rail stations:

• GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • Connected to the Georgia World Congress Center complex
  • A short walk to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • On the west side of the stadium
  • Often less crowded than GWCC station

Tips:

• 📌 Buy your MARTA fare in advance or load a Breeze Card to avoid lines.
• 📌 Expect crowds and full trains immediately before and after the game.
• 📌 If you’re coming from Buckhead, Midtown, or the Airport, transfer as needed to the Blue/Green Line.

MARTA’s main hub for many riders is Five Points Station, where you can transfer between lines and then go one stop west to GWCC or Vine City.

By Car

If you’re driving to the Peach Bowl:

• The stadium is near the junction of I-20 and I-75/85 (the Connector).
• Common exits: Northside Drive, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and nearby downtown exits depending on your direction.

Game day notes for Atlanta drivers:

• Parking is limited and can be expensive, especially close to the stadium.
• Many fans reserve parking in advance through official stadium parking systems or nearby decks.
• Streets around the stadium (especially Northside Drive and Mitchell St SW) may have lane closures or heavy police presence.

If you live in neighborhoods like West Midtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or the West End, consider:

• Taking a short rideshare trip to a nearby MARTA station and riding in.
• Using local streets and planning extra time to navigate closures.

By Rideshare or Taxi

Rideshare services are widely used for the Peach Bowl. Mercedes-Benz Stadium typically has designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zones, often on the west side near Northside Drive or other marked locations.

For residents:

• It’s often easier to meet your rideshare a few blocks away from the stadium after the game to avoid congestion.
• Be mindful of one-way traffic patterns and roadblocks put in place by event and traffic control.

What Is It Like Around Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Peach Bowl Day?

The stadium is part of a larger downtown event area that includes:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• State Farm Arena (home of the Atlanta Hawks)
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Numerous hotels and restaurants in the Downtown and Castleberry Hill areas

On Peach Bowl day, you can expect:

• Large crowds of college fans in team colors
• Tailgating in designated parking lots and nearby areas
• Game-related events and fan activities in and around Centennial Olympic Park and the GWCC district
• Increased police presence and traffic control

If you live or work downtown, plan for:

• Heavier pedestrian traffic
• Possible street closures near the stadium
• More demand at local restaurants and bars before and after the game

Seating, Stadium Features, and Accessibility

Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known in Atlanta for:

• Its retractable roof (games may be indoors depending on weather and event plans)
• A large 360-degree halo video board
• Multiple club levels and suites
• A wide variety of concession options

Fans attending the Peach Bowl experience:

• Assigned seating in multiple levels (lower bowl, mezzanine, upper deck)
• Designated student sections and team-specific sides depending on which schools are playing

Accessibility

The stadium and surrounding area include features commonly needed by fans with accessibility needs:

• Accessible entrances and seating areas
• Elevators and ramps to reach seating levels
• Marked ADA parking spaces in participating lots and decks

Visitors usually confirm accessibility and entry details through official stadium resources ahead of time, especially if they need specific accommodations.

Where to Stay in Atlanta for the Peach Bowl

If you’re traveling to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl, the most convenient areas to stay are:

• Downtown Atlanta
  • Walking distance or a short ride to the stadium
  • Close to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
• Midtown Atlanta
  • Quick MARTA ride to GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center station
  • Many dining and nightlife options along Peachtree Street
• Buckhead
  • Farther north, but accessible by MARTA and major roads
  • Popular for shopping and dining

Local tip: Book early. Peach Bowl weekend fills hotels quickly, especially downtown properties within walking distance of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Game Day Tips for Atlanta Residents

If you already live in Atlanta and are thinking about attending — or just surviving the crowds — here are key points:

If you’re going to the game:

• Arrive early. Security lines and downtown congestion build quickly.
• Consider MARTA from your closest station (Lindbergh, North Springs, Doraville, East Lake, etc.).
• Know your entry gate and bag policies in advance to move through security faster.

If you’re not going to the game but live/work nearby:

• Avoid driving directly past the stadium area, if possible, a few hours before and after kickoff.
• Plan for longer commute times if you use the Connector or surface streets downtown.
• Expect more people at downtown and Midtown restaurants throughout the day.

Why the Peach Bowl Matters to Atlanta

For Atlanta, the Peach Bowl is more than just a football game:

• It showcases the city to a national audience.
• It supports a steady stream of visitors, hotel stays, and local spending.
• It reinforces Atlanta’s reputation as a major sports hub, alongside the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, Atlanta United, and other big events.

For locals, it’s part of the rhythm of the holiday season: bowl banners around downtown, fans from out of town, and one more big event on the city’s sports calendar.

Key Takeaways for Anyone Asking “Is the Peach Bowl in Atlanta?”

• Yes, the Peach Bowl is played in Atlanta, Georgia.
• The game is held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, in the downtown area.
• It typically takes place in late December or early January.
• The easiest ways to reach the Peach Bowl from around Atlanta are often MARTA or carefully planned parking and rideshare.
• The event brings heavy foot traffic and vehicle congestion to downtown, so planning ahead is important whether you are attending or just moving through the city.

Understanding these basics will help you navigate Atlanta smoothly on Peach Bowl day, whether you’re cheering in the stadium or simply living your normal routine nearby.