Visiting the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is one of Atlanta’s busiest and most important venues. Whether you live in the city or you’re visiting for a convention, trade show, sports event, or concert, it helps to know how the center is laid out, how to get there, and what to expect once you’re inside.

This guide focuses on how the Georgia World Congress Center works specifically in Atlanta—getting around downtown, parking, MARTA access, nearby attractions, and practical tips locals actually use.

Where the Georgia World Congress Center Is and What It Includes

The Georgia World Congress Center is located in downtown Atlanta, in the heart of the city’s major event district.

Address:

The complex sits next to several of Atlanta’s biggest landmarks:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons, Atlanta United, concerts)
• State Farm Arena (Hawks, concerts)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center area (office/restaurant zone, though CNN’s presence has changed over time)

The GWCC is made up of multiple buildings and halls (often called Buildings A, B, and C) with exhibition halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms that host:

• Large national conventions and trade shows
• Home shows, car shows, and fan expos
• Corporate meetings and industry conferences
• Cheerleading, volleyball, and other sports tournaments
• Public shows open to Atlanta residents on weekends and holidays

If you’re attending an event, the event name and building/hall designation (for example, “Building C – Hall C1”) are critical so you know exactly where to enter and park.

Getting to the Georgia World Congress Center

By Car

The GWCC is directly off two major Atlanta interstates:

• I‑20
• I‑75/85 (Downtown Connector)

Depending on where you’re coming from in metro Atlanta, common approaches include:

• From Midtown/Buckhead/Brookhaven: Take I‑75/85 south and use the Williams Street or Andrew Young International Blvd exits.
• From South Atlanta / Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Take I‑75/85 north and look for Andrew Young International Blvd or International Blvd / Williams Street exits.
• From Westside / West Midtown: Use Northside Drive and follow signs to the stadium and GWCC.

Traffic around the GWCC can be very heavy during major events, especially when there’s a Falcons game or concert at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. If you’re local, consider:

• Leaving 30–60 minutes earlier than you think you need
• Using surface streets like Northside Drive, Marietta Street, and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd when interstates are jammed
• Checking traffic apps before choosing your route

By MARTA (Public Transit)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to get to the Georgia World Congress Center, especially for large events.

The closest MARTA rail stations:

• GWCC / CNN Center Station (Blue/Green lines)
  • Short walk through the CNN Center / State Farm Arena area to the GWCC.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green lines)
  • Useful if you’re heading toward the west side of the campus or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Key tips:

• If you’re staying at a downtown or Midtown hotel, you can often walk to a MARTA station and ride one or two stops.
• During big events, MARTA typically runs extra trains and has staff on site to direct crowds.
• Late at night, trains run less frequently; locals often check schedules so they’re not waiting on the platform for long.

If you live along the Red or Gold line (Brookhaven, Chamblee, Sandy Springs, College Park, etc.), you can transfer downtown to the Blue/Green lines at the Five Points Station and ride one stop to GWCC / CNN Center.

Parking at the Georgia World Congress Center

Parking is one of the biggest questions for Atlanta drivers heading downtown.

Official GWCC Parking Lots and Decks

The GWCC operates multiple official parking decks and surface lots around the campus. These are typically labeled on signs with letters or names and are designed for easy access to the buildings and stadium.

Common features of official GWCC parking:

• Clearly signed walking routes to specific buildings
• Ability to pre-purchase parking for many major events (often recommended)
• Higher prices during large games or concerts, and lower for smaller conventions

Parking costs and availability vary based on:

• Whether Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena also have events
• Day of the week and time of day
• Size of your event or conference

If you’re attending a large convention, the event website or registration materials often recommend a specific lot or deck (for example, “Red Deck” or “Silver Deck”) tied to your building.

Other Parking Options

Around downtown, there are:

• Private parking decks and lots near Centennial Olympic Park, Marietta Street, and Ted Turner Drive
• Hotel parking if you’re staying nearby and walking to the GWCC

Locals often:

• Compare walking distance vs. price
• Choose a deck that allows faster exit to their side of town
• Park slightly farther away and walk 5–10 minutes to avoid gridlock immediately next to the venue

⚠️ Tip: Pay close attention to event-time pricing signs and whether a lot is card-only or cashless. Many downtown facilities are card-only now.

Walking Layout: Buildings A, B, and C

The Georgia World Congress Center is large and spread out, and it can feel confusing the first time you visit.

Main Buildings

• Building A – Closest to Centennial Olympic Park and the College Football Hall of Fame side.
• Building B – Central building; many mid-size conventions and events are here.
• Building C – Closest to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and often used for big trade shows and sports tournaments.

Inside each building you’ll find:

• Exhibit Halls (often labeled A1, B2, C3, etc.)
• Ballrooms and meeting rooms
• Food courts or smaller concession areas

Hall and room numbers are clearly marked, but because everything is on a large scale, it can still take 10–15 minutes to walk from one end of the complex to the other.

Wayfinding Tips

• Check your event registration for the exact building (A/B/C), level, and hall before you go.
• Most entrances have event signboards listing which events are in each building that day.
• Inside, follow color-coded signs and overhead markers for A, B, or C.

If you’re moving between buildings and prefer not to walk outside, there are indoor concourses in certain areas that keep you out of the weather, which can be helpful during summer heat or rain.

Georgia World Congress Center Hours and Security

The GWCC itself doesn’t operate like a typical 9‑to‑5 public building. Instead, hours depend on the event.

Typical Access Patterns

• Doors usually open 30–60 minutes before the first scheduled event session or showtime.
• Evening sessions, concerts, or ceremonies may go late into the night.
• Some trade shows have “exhibit hall hours” posted in advance; early access may be limited to exhibitors or conference registrants.

For exact times, always rely on:

• The event website or mobile app
• Your registration confirmation or emailed schedule

Security Screening

For many events, especially large ones, expect:

• Bag checks and walk-through metal detectors
• Limits on bag size (backpack restrictions for some shows)
• Prohibited items similar to other major event venues (weapons, outside alcohol, etc.)

Atlanta locals often travel lighter for big GWCC events—just a small bag with essentials—to move quickly through security lines.

Food, Drinks, and Restrooms

You don’t have to leave the building to find something to eat, but you do have options inside and nearby.

Inside the GWCC

You’ll typically find:

• Concession stands with snacks, quick meals, and drinks
• Food court-style areas in certain buildings, particularly near main lobbies
• Coffee stands or small kiosks during large conventions

Food selection varies based on:

• The scale of your event
• Whether multiple events are happening the same day
• Time of day (some stands close between peak sessions)

Prices are generally stadium-style (higher than normal fast food), so many Atlanta residents:

• Eat beforehand at a downtown restaurant
• Bring a snack if the event rules allow sealed items
• Plan to eat during off-peak times to avoid long lines

Nearby Food and Dining

Within walking distance of the GWCC, you have:

• Downtown restaurants around Centennial Olympic Park, Marietta Street, and Andrew Young International Blvd
• Quick-service options in nearby hotels and office buildings
• More dining variety a short rideshare or MARTA ride away in Midtown, Castleberry Hill, or the Westside

If you’re with a group, it can be easier to walk a few blocks away after your session ends instead of waiting in long on-site lines.

Events at the Georgia World Congress Center

The GWCC hosts both public events and private industry events.

Common Types of Events

• Industry conventions and trade shows (technology, healthcare, manufacturing, etc.)
• Fan conventions (comics, gaming, pop culture) and consumer expos open to the public
• Sports tournaments (volleyball, cheer, gymnastics, martial arts)
• Corporate meetings and national sales conferences
• Ceremonies, galas, and large banquets

If you live in or near Atlanta, you may see advertising for:

• Home and garden shows
• Auto shows
• Job fairs and career expos
• Education and college fairs

For these, you can usually:

• Buy tickets at the door or online
• Review schedules to see best times to attend and which halls to visit

Business and Convention Use

For businesses and organizations considering Atlanta as a meeting destination, the GWCC is typically used because of:

• Proximity to major highways and the airport
• Large contiguous exhibit space
• Walking access to downtown hotels

Those planning or exhibiting at events usually coordinate directly with GWCC’s internal teams and event organizers. Local companies often use the GWCC for large-scale conferences they want to keep inside the city rather than moving to suburban venues.

Hotels Near the Georgia World Congress Center

If you’re traveling to Atlanta for an event, staying close by makes a big difference in convenience.

Walkable Downtown Hotels

Within walking distance of the GWCC, visitors often look for hotels:

• Around Centennial Olympic Park
• Along Andrew Young International Blvd, Marietta Street, and Baker Street
• Near the CNN Center / State Farm Arena area

Benefits of staying close:

• No need to drive or park at the GWCC daily
• Easy access to MARTA and downtown attractions
• Ability to drop off items or change clothes between sessions

Atlanta locals who live in the suburbs sometimes book a downtown hotel for multi-day events to avoid daily traffic and parking stress.

Accessibility and Mobility at the GWCC

The Georgia World Congress Center is designed with accessibility in mind, but the distances inside can be long.

Key Accessibility Features

• Accessible entrances with ramps or level access
• Elevators and escalators between floors
• Marked accessible restrooms
• Seating areas in lobbies and concourses where you can rest

For those with mobility challenges:

• Consider bringing a mobility aid (like a cane or small scooter) if long walks are difficult; distances between halls can be substantial.
• If you’re attending a convention or tournament, check whether the event offers on-site assistance or special accommodations.

Atlanta residents who frequently attend trade shows often plan which sessions or booths to visit in advance, so they don’t have to crisscross the entire complex repeatedly.

Safety, Weather, and Local Tips

Weather Considerations

Atlanta weather can change quickly, and the GWCC connects to several outdoor walkways.

• Summer: It can be very hot and humid. If you’ll walk from your hotel or MARTA, plan for sun and heat.
• Winter: Temperatures can be chilly, especially at night or with wind between tall buildings.
• Rain: Afternoon thunderstorms are common; bring an umbrella or rain jacket if the forecast calls for it, especially if you’re crossing between buildings or walking to nearby restaurants.

Street and Personal Safety

Downtown Atlanta has typical big-city dynamics. Reasonable precautions include:

• Walking in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night
• Staying aware of your surroundings when using your phone or carrying bags
• Using hotel shuttles, rideshare, or MARTA for late-night returns if you’re not familiar with the area

For major events, there is usually a visible security and law enforcement presence around the GWCC, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena.

Quick Reference: Georgia World Congress Center at a Glance

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Know your building and hall: A, B, or C plus hall number—this will guide everything from where you park to how you enter.
• Consider MARTA for big events: It often beats sitting in gridlock on Northside Drive or the Connector.
• Plan your food strategy: Decide whether you’ll eat on site, at your hotel, or at nearby restaurants to avoid long lines.
• Arrive early: Downtown traffic, parking, and security lines can add significant time, especially if there’s also a game or concert.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You may walk much more than you expect inside the GWCC.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center is a central hub for large events of all kinds. Understanding how it’s laid out and how to navigate downtown makes attending those events smoother, less stressful, and far more enjoyable.