2020 Convention Center Concourse in Atlanta: How to Navigate the Georgia World Congress Center Area
If you’re searching for “2020 Convention Center Concourse Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for information about the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) and its surrounding concourse area in downtown Atlanta. This is one of the city’s main hubs for big conventions, trade shows, and large events — and it can be confusing if you’re trying to figure out where to go, how to get there, or what’s nearby.
This guide breaks down what “convention center concourse” usually means in Atlanta, how the GWCC campus is laid out, and what you should know if you’re attending an event, working a show, or planning a visit.
Understanding the “Convention Center Concourse” in Atlanta
In Atlanta, the phrase “convention center concourse” typically refers to:
- The main interior walkways and connector corridors inside the Georgia World Congress Center
- The pedestrian routes that link GWCC to:
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- CNN Center area
- Centennial Olympic Park
If someone mentions “Concourse” as part of an event address for 2020 or later, they may be referring to:
- A specific concourse level inside one of the GWCC buildings (for example, Building B Concourse)
- A connector concourse used for registration, check‑in, or general access to exhibit halls
- A walkway level used as a gathering or staging area before entering exhibition or ballroom spaces
The Georgia World Congress Center is the central convention hub in Atlanta:
Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (general info): typically available via the GWCC main switchboard
Key Layout: How the Georgia World Congress Center Is Organized
The GWCC is not a single square building; it’s a multi-building campus with several concourse areas. Knowing the layout will make “2020 Convention Center Concourse Atlanta” much less confusing.
The Three Main Buildings
The core of the GWCC includes:
- Building A
- Building B
- Building C
Each building generally has:
- Exhibit halls
- Meeting rooms
- Ballrooms
- Concourse levels (broad walkways that connect rooms and halls)
These buildings are connected by long interior concourses that let you walk from one building to another without going outside, which is especially helpful in Atlanta’s summer heat or during rainy days.
Where “Concourse” Comes into Play
1. Public Walking Areas Inside the GWCC
The concourse levels inside each GWCC building are:
- The main traffic corridors for attendees
- Common locations for registration desks, information booths, and signage
- Places you’ll often see food kiosks, rest areas, and access to restrooms
If your event materials mention “Concourse Level” or “Convention Center Concourse,” it often means:
- You should enter via the main building entrance indicated by your organizer, then
- Follow signs to the A, B, or C Concourse, which will branch off to the specific rooms or halls
2. Walkways to Stadiums and Nearby Venues
The GWCC campus is directly connected to major Atlanta attractions:
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (home of the Falcons and major events)
1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 - State Farm Arena (home of the Hawks and concerts)
1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
There are pedestrian concourses and plazas that connect:
- GWCC entrance areas
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium entrances
- Parking decks and MARTA stations
If your event materials around 2020 referenced the “stadium concourse” or “concourse entry,” they may be guiding you through these shared walking routes between the convention center and surrounding venues.
Getting to the Georgia World Congress Center Concourse Area
MARTA (Public Transit)
Using MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach the convention center concourse area without parking hassles.
- GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line)
- Drops you near the western side of the campus
- Short walk to GWCC concourses, CNN Center side, and State Farm Arena
- Vine City Station (Blue/Green line)
- Good for events closer to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and the western concourse areas
Once you exit the train:
- Follow station signage to GWCC or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- Look for overhead event signs; large events often have their own wayfinding posted along the path
Driving and Parking
If you’re driving to the convention center concourse area, you’ll usually use one of the GWCC-managed parking decks and lots such as:
- Red Deck
- Gold Deck
- Silver Deck
- Orange or Green Lots (often used for larger events or stadium events)
These decks and lots typically sit around:
- Northside Drive NW
- Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW
- Mangum Street NW
Once parked, you’ll be able to follow parking deck signage (elevators, escalators, walkway exits) that lead toward:
- The GWCC concourse entrances, or
- The stadium concourse areas, depending on what you selected when reserving parking
Helpful Orientation for Visitors
Here’s a simple layout-style overview of how the main landmarks relate to the convention center concourse area:
| Area / Landmark | Relation to Convention Center Concourse | Why It Matters for You |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia World Congress Center | Main campus; concourses connect Buildings A, B, and C | Primary destination for conventions and trade shows |
| Mercedes‑Benz Stadium | Directly west/southwest of GWCC, connected by walkways | Shared concourse paths for large events |
| State Farm Arena | South of GWCC; walkable via CNN Center / Centennial area | Concerts, games, and overlapping event foot traffic |
| Centennial Olympic Park | Across from GWCC (east side) | Common meeting point and outdoor break area |
| GWCC/CNN Center MARTA Station | Main transit stop for GWCC and arena | Short walk to interior concourses |
| Vine City MARTA Station | West of GWCC and stadium | Good for events centered on the stadium side |
What to Expect Inside the GWCC Concourse Areas
Once you’re inside the Georgia World Congress Center, the concourse environment is designed for high-volume foot traffic.
Typical features include:
- Wide hallways with clear signage for Exhibit Halls A1, A2, B1, C2, etc.
- Digital and printed directional signs toward:
- Registration areas
- Meeting rooms
- Ballrooms
- Food courts and concessions
- Information desks or kiosks staffed during major events
- Accessibility features, such as:
- Elevators to different concourse levels
- Ramps and accessible restrooms
- Clearly marked accessible routes between buildings
If you’re attending a large convention, your schedule might reference locations like:
- “A3 Concourse – Registration”
- “B Concourse – Level 2”
- “Outside C Concourse – Badge Pickup”
All of these refer to specific segments of the internal concourse system that runs along each building.
Tips for Navigating the Convention Center Concourse in Atlanta
A big convention center can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re in town for the first time. A few practical tips can make things smoother:
1. Know Your Building Letter (A, B, or C)
Before you arrive:
- Verify whether your event is mainly in Building A, B, or C
- Note any hall or room numbers (for example, B302, C101, A2 Hall)
Once you’re on-site:
- Follow overhead signs to the correct building letter
- Then follow the concourse signs for your specific hall or room
2. Use the Main Entrances and Information Desks
For first-time visitors, it’s usually easier to:
- Enter via a main public entrance specified by your event organizer
- Ask at an information desk on the concourse if you’re unsure where to go
Staff are used to guiding visitors through the labyrinth of corridors, escalators, and concourse links.
3. Allow Extra Time Between Sessions
The concourse system allows you to walk between buildings, but the distances can be significant, especially during peak events.
- Plan 10–20 minutes to move between:
- Building A and Building C
- A concourse area and stadium or arena entrances
- During major conventions, crowds move slowly, particularly near escalators and choke points
4. Pay Attention to Level Numbers
Many spaces use both a building letter and a level/floor number, such as:
- A2 (Building A, Level 2)
- B1 (Building B, main or lower level)
Concourse areas are often indicated by level markers. Make sure you’re on the correct floor before you start walking long distances.
Nearby Places and Amenities Around the Concourse Area
If you’re spending a full day at the 2020 Convention Center Concourse area in Atlanta, it helps to know what’s close by.
Food and Quick Bites
You’ll typically find:
- On-site concessions and cafés along GWCC concourses (especially during events)
- Additional options in surrounding areas, including:
- The CNN Center side (historically home to multiple food choices)
- Restaurants near Centennial Olympic Park
- Dining options walkable toward Downtown and Hotel District along Peachtree Street
Options may vary depending on the time of day and whether a large event is active.
Hotels Within Walking Distance
Many visitors look for hotels walking distance to the GWCC concourse. Commonly used areas include:
- Hotels around Centennial Olympic Park
- Properties along Marietta Street NW, Baker Street NW, and near Peachtree Center
These areas are typically a 5–15 minute walk from the main concourse entrances, depending on the exact property.
If You’re Planning an Event or Need Official Info
If your search for “2020 Convention Center Concourse Atlanta” is related to event planning, vendor setup, or logistics, you may need to contact the GWCC directly.
Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA)
Administrative offices generally associated with:
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
For:
- Event booking or planning questions – Use the GWCC’s event services or sales contacts.
- On-site logistics (loading, freight, exhibitor services) – Event organizers typically receive detailed maps and concourse diagrams directly from GWCC staff.
- Accessibility or special accommodations – Contact GWCC in advance so they can direct you to the best entrance, concourse route, or parking area for your needs.
When you reach out, be ready to provide:
- Event name
- Date(s) you’ll be on-site
- Any building letters (A, B, C) or hall numbers you’ve been given
How This Fits Into the Broader “Center” Category in Atlanta
Within the broader idea of “centers” in Atlanta — from arts centers to medical centers — the Georgia World Congress Center stands out as the primary convention and exhibition center for large-scale events.
Key takeaways for anyone trying to understand how this works locally:
- Location: Downtown Atlanta, tightly connected to MARTA, stadiums, arenas, and major hotels.
- Function: Hosts everything from trade shows and industry expos to fan conventions and large corporate meetings.
- Concourse System: A network of indoor walkways that:
- Connect Buildings A, B, and C
- Provide access to exhibit halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms
- Link to nearby venues and transportation
If you’re attending or planning anything that references the “2020 Convention Center Concourse Atlanta”, you’re almost certainly dealing with this GWCC concourse network in downtown Atlanta. Knowing the layout, building letters, and transit options will make your experience much easier to navigate.