Atlanta All-Star Game: What to Know, How to Go, and What to Expect in the A

When people in Atlanta search for the “Atlanta All Star Game,” they’re usually thinking about one of three things:

• The NBA All-Star Game coming to State Farm Arena
• The MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park
• Or big high school and college all-star showcases held around the metro area

This guide breaks down how these All-Star events work specifically in Atlanta—from tickets and transportation to nearby things to do—so you can plan like a local, whether you live here or are flying in for the game.

Major Atlanta All-Star Games Explained

NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta

When the NBA All-Star Game lands in Atlanta, it centers around State Farm Arena in Downtown:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

You can expect:

• All-Star Saturday Night (3-point contest, dunk contest, skills competition)
• All-Star Game on Sunday
• Fan experiences, pop-up courts, and brand activations around Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium area

The NBA typically locks in dates months in advance, and the whole Downtown / CNN Center / Centennial Park District becomes an event zone.

Good to know:

• Security is strict—clear bag policies and metal detectors are standard.
• Tickets are usually expensive and in high demand; locals often turn to surrounding events and watch parties if they can’t get into the main game.

MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park

When Atlanta hosts the MLB All-Star Game, the action is centered in Cumberland:

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta
755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Key pieces of the event typically include:

• Home Run Derby
• All-Star Game
• Fan Fest-like activities in and around The Battery Atlanta (shopping, restaurants, live music, kids’ zones)

The Cumberland area becomes extremely busy on game days, with heavy traffic on I-75, I-285, and Cobb Parkway.

College & High School All-Star Games Around the City

Atlanta also hosts local and regional all-star games, especially in:

• High school football and basketball (often at large stadiums or college campuses)
• College all-star bowls, classic games, and showcase events

Common venues include:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion – 960 Fowler St NW, Atlanta, GA 30332
• Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena – 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• High school stadiums across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties

If you’re looking for a youth or prep all-star game, local athletic associations and school districts are often the best source for current schedules.

Where Atlanta All-Star Games Are Usually Played

Here’s a quick summary of the main All-Star–style venues you’ll see in Atlanta:

Getting Tickets in Atlanta

Official Ticket Sources

For major Atlanta All-Star events (NBA, MLB):

• Tickets are generally sold through the league’s official ticketing platforms and the arena/stadium’s box office.
• The arena or stadium box office can often help with:
  • Accessible seating
  • Will-call pickup
  • Lost ticket support

On-site box offices:

• State Farm Arena Box Office – typically at the Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW side
• Truist Park Ticket Office – near the main gates facing The Battery

For local all-star games (high school, youth, smaller college events):

• Tickets are often cheaper, sometimes even at the gate.
• Check school athletic department pages or the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) for official event details.

Getting to the Atlanta All-Star Game: Transportation Options

Using MARTA 🚆

For big Atlanta events, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to avoid traffic and parking stress.

For State Farm Arena (NBA, events near Mercedes-Benz Stadium):

• Take the Red or Gold line to Five Points Station or GWCC/CNN Center Station.
• The arena is a short walk from either station.

For Mercedes-Benz Stadium or nearby events:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station or Vine City Station on MARTA’s west side line.

Key MARTA tips:

• Load a Breeze Card ahead of time if possible.
• Expect more frequent trains on event days and larger crowds at stations.
• MARTA Police and station agents are usually clearly visible during high-profile events.

MARTA Customer Information Center:
Phone: 404-848-5000

Driving & Parking in Atlanta

If you prefer to drive:

For Downtown (State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz Stadium):

• Main highways: I-75/85 (Downtown Connector) and I-20.
• Event parking lots and decks often require prepaid passes, especially for major All-Star games.
• Expect congestion before and after the game, particularly near:
  • Northside Dr NW
  • Courtland St NE
  • Williams St NW

For Truist Park / The Battery Atlanta:

• Use I-75 or I-285 (Cobb Cloverleaf area).
• Parking is spread across numbered lots and decks around the stadium.
• Many locals arrive several hours early to skip the worst traffic and enjoy The Battery before first pitch.

Rideshare & Taxis 🚗

For big events, rideshare pick-up and drop-off areas are usually clearly signed:

• State Farm Arena / Mercedes-Benz: Look for designated rideshare zones around Northside Dr and nearby streets.
• Truist Park: Rideshare often stages on the edges of The Battery and along adjacent roads.

Plan for:

• Surge pricing after the event
• Longer wait times right at the final buzzer or last out

Where to Stay for an Atlanta All-Star Game

If you’re visiting from out of town, your ideal area depends on the venue.

For Downtown & State Farm Arena

Look for hotels in or near:

• Centennial Park District
• Downtown core (Peachtree St, Marietta St, Andrew Young International Blvd)

Benefits:

• Walkable to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and MARTA
• Close to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

For Truist Park & The Battery

Staying in or near The Battery Atlanta offers:

• Easy walk to the stadium
• Restaurants, bars, and entertainment right outside the park

Nearby options in Cumberland or Galleria also provide quick access by car or even on foot, depending on the property.

What to Do Around the Game in Atlanta

Near State Farm Arena & Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Within walking distance you’ll find:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• World of Coca-Cola – 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• College Football Hall of Fame – 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Dining and nightlife options spread along:

• Marietta St NW
• Luckie St NW
• Peachtree St NW

Near Truist Park & The Battery

The area around the stadium is designed to be a full-day destination:

• Restaurants, breweries, and rooftop bars
• Live music and plazas with big video boards
• Family-friendly green spaces and shops

Locals often head to The Battery even without game tickets just to soak up the All-Star atmosphere.

Safety, Security, and Game-Day Basics

For major All-Star events, Atlanta venues typically enforce:

• Clear bag policies – Small clear bags or clutch-sized bags only
• Walk-through metal detectors
• No outside food or drink, with limited medical or baby-care exceptions
• Ticket scanning – Mobile tickets are increasingly the default, so keep your phone charged

General tips:

• ✅ Arrive early to move through security and enjoy pre-game activities
• ✅ Check the official venue’s event page ahead of time for the latest gate and bag rules
• ✅ Use well-lit, busy routes when walking to and from the venue

How to Find the Next Atlanta All-Star Game

Because exact All-Star schedules change from year to year, your best bet for current, reliable info is:

• Official team and league websites (NBA, MLB, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Braves)
• Arena and stadium event calendars (State Farm Arena, Truist Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Local sports media and city event calendars, which often highlight major all-star and showcase games
• For high school events, check with:
  • Georgia High School Association (GHSA)
  • Local school district athletics pages (Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County Schools, Cobb County Schools, etc.)

Quick Planning Checklist for an Atlanta All-Star Game

• 1. Confirm the venue – State Farm Arena, Truist Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or a local campus/high school
• 2. Secure tickets early – Especially for NBA/MLB All-Star events
• 3. Decide your transport – MARTA vs. driving vs. rideshare
• 4. Plan your arrival time – Add extra time for security and traffic
• 5. Check bag and entry policies – Prevent being turned away at the gate
• 6. Explore nearby options – Food, attractions, and family activities close to the venue

With these Atlanta-specific details in hand, you’ll be ready to navigate any All-Star Game in Atlanta like a local—whether you’re in the building, across the street at a watch party, or just enjoying the citywide buzz that comes with a major game.