Where DreamHack Atlanta Takes Place (And How to Get There)
DreamHack Atlanta is a major gaming and esports festival that’s typically hosted at downtown Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), right next to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena.
While you should always confirm the exact venue and dates on DreamHack’s official channels for the year you’re attending, most Atlanta editions have been held at:
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Below is what you need to know about where DreamHack Atlanta is, how it fits into the city, and how to get there and around once you’re in town.
Where Is DreamHack Atlanta in the City?
DreamHack Atlanta is usually held in the downtown core, in the Georgia World Congress Center complex. This area is one of Atlanta’s main event zones, home to:
- Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – large convention center where the festival floor, BYOC LAN, expo, and tournaments are commonly hosted
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – next door, often hosting NFL, MLS, and concerts
- State Farm Arena – nearby, home to NBA games and large shows
- Centennial Olympic Park – a central green space used as a landmark and meetup spot
This location puts DreamHack within walking distance of many downtown hotels, restaurants, and public transit options.
Quick Location & Access Overview
| Topic | Details (Typical Setup) |
|---|---|
| Main Venue | Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) |
| Neighborhood | Downtown Atlanta / Centennial Park District |
| Nearby Landmarks | Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park |
| Public Transit | MARTA rail (Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station), buses, Atlanta Streetcar |
| Driving Access | Close to I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85 with multiple paid parking decks and lots |
| Walkability | Easy walking between GWCC, hotels, eateries, and attractions in the immediate area |
How to Get to DreamHack Atlanta by MARTA
If you’re staying in or around Atlanta, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is one of the easiest ways to reach DreamHack and avoid downtown traffic and parking costs.
MARTA Rail
The closest MARTA station to DreamHack’s usual venue is:
Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station
(also sometimes labeled for Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)
From this station:
- Follow signs toward Georgia World Congress Center
- Expect a short walk through covered and open walkways into the convention center complex
- Signs during large events typically help guide foot traffic
If you’re coming from:
- Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
- Take the Red or Gold line north from Airport Station
- Transfer if needed to reach Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station
- Midtown or Buckhead:
- Take the Red or Gold line south and transfer downtown if necessary
MARTA Bus and Streetcar
- Several MARTA bus routes pass near the GWCC and Centennial Olympic Park area.
- The Atlanta Streetcar loops through downtown and connects areas like Peachtree Center and Centennial Olympic Park, useful if your hotel is a bit farther away in downtown.
Driving and Parking for DreamHack Atlanta
If you plan to drive to DreamHack Atlanta, you’ll be heading downtown near the major interstates.
Driving Directions (General)
From the north (I‑75/I‑85)
- Head south toward downtown Atlanta
- Take exits leading to Williams St, Spring St, Northside Dr, or Centennial Olympic Park Dr, then follow signs toward GWCC or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
From the south (I‑75/I‑85)
- Head north toward downtown
- Use exits near Central Ave, Capitol Ave, or Spring St/Windsor St and navigate west to the stadium/convention center area
From the west/east (I‑20)
- Use downtown exits toward Northside Dr, Spring St, or Centennial Olympic Park Dr and approach the GWCC from there
Navigation apps generally recognize “Georgia World Congress Center” and will direct you to the closest entrance or parking decks.
Parking Near DreamHack Atlanta
Expect paid parking in and around the GWCC complex, especially during big events and game days.
Typical options include:
- GWCC‑operated parking decks and surface lots around the convention center
- Nearby parking for Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
- Private parking garages and lots around Centennial Olympic Park, Marietta St, and downtown hotel corridors
Parking costs can vary depending on:
- Day of week
- Time of day
- Whether major sports events or concerts are happening the same weekend
Walking Around the DreamHack Atlanta Area
Once you arrive, the Centennial Park District and downtown core are very walkable for most attendees.
Within a short walk of GWCC, you’ll find:
- Hotels: Multiple national-brand hotels on and around Marietta St NW and Andrew Young International Blvd
- Food & Drink: Casual spots, sit‑down restaurants, and quick‑service options clustered around Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center area, and neighboring streets
- Attractions:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- World of Coca‑Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- College Football Hall of Fame
Sidewalks are generally busy when large events are in town, and the area is accustomed to handling large crowds of convention-goers and sports fans.
Getting to DreamHack from the Airport
If you’re flying into Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you have several options to get to DreamHack Atlanta.
By MARTA (Often the Easiest)
- Walk from baggage claim to Airport MARTA Station (directly connected to the terminal)
- Take the Red or Gold line north
- Ride into downtown and transfer if needed to Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station
- Walk into the GWCC complex
This route avoids highway traffic and downtown parking, which can be especially helpful on busy event days.
By Rideshare or Taxi
- Rideshare pickup zones are clearly marked at the airport
- Ask your driver to head to Georgia World Congress Center or your downtown hotel
- Travel time can vary depending on time of day and traffic, but the route is straightforward via I‑75/85 into downtown
By Rental Car
- Follow signs from the airport to I‑75/85 North
- Drive into downtown and use navigation to reach the GWCC area
- Remember to factor in downtown parking costs when comparing options
Where to Stay Near DreamHack Atlanta
Because DreamHack is usually downtown, many attendees choose nearby hotels to stay within walking or short‑transit distance of the venue.
Common lodging areas include:
Downtown (Centennial Park District):
- Closest to GWCC, Centennial Olympic Park, and downtown attractions
- Ideal if you want to walk to DreamHack each day
Midtown Atlanta:
- Just a couple of MARTA stops north of downtown
- Easy rail access, plenty of restaurants and nightlife
- Good option if you want a balance between event access and neighborhood feel
Airport Area Hotels:
- Convenient if you’re flying in and out quickly
- You can ride MARTA directly from the airport to downtown for DreamHack
Getting Around During DreamHack Weekend
DreamHack weekends can be busy around downtown, especially when they line up with Falcons games, United matches, concerts, or conventions.
Here’s how locals and visitors typically get around once they’re in town:
MARTA Rail:
- Reliable for moving between airport, downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
- Avoids event traffic and parking hassles
Rideshare:
- Common for late-night rides back to hotels or neighborhoods not served directly by MARTA
- Expect surge pricing or longer waits when major events let out at the same time
Walking:
- Ideal for moving between GWCC, downtown hotels, and nearby restaurants/attractions
Atlanta Streetcar:
- Helpful if you’re staying or exploring within the downtown loop
Key Things to Remember About DreamHack Atlanta’s Location
- DreamHack Atlanta is typically held at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
- The venue sits in the Centennial Park District, close to major landmarks like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park.
- MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station is the closest rail stop and a convenient way to arrive.
- Driving is possible but expect paid parking and potential traffic, especially during big sports or concert weekends.
- Once you’re downtown, it’s easy to walk between the venue, hotels, and restaurants.
If you’re planning your trip, confirm the exact DreamHack Atlanta venue, hall, and dates for your specific year, then use the details above to choose the best way to get there and around Atlanta.
