Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local Guide to This Historic Sports Venue

Lakewood Stadium is one of Atlanta’s classic high school football and track venues, serving generations of student‑athletes and fans on the city’s south side. If you live in Atlanta, have kids in Atlanta Public Schools (APS), or are visiting for a game or event, this guide walks you through what Lakewood Stadium is, where it is, what happens there, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Lakewood Stadium Is and What It’s Used For

Lakewood Stadium
70 Claire Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Lakewood Stadium is located in southeast Atlanta, near the Lakewood Heights and Betmar LaVilla neighborhoods, not far from Lakewood Amphitheatre and the Lakewood Freeway (GA‑166).

Main Uses of Lakewood Stadium

Lakewood is primarily a high school athletic facility managed by Atlanta Public Schools. It’s mainly used for:

  • High school football games
  • Track and field meets
  • Soccer matches (depending on scheduling and field setup)
  • Band competitions and school events
  • Occasional community events, ceremonies, or special programs

If you have a student at an APS high school on the south side or south-central part of the city, there is a good chance their “home” or neutral-site game may be played at Lakewood.

Who Plays at Lakewood Stadium?

Lakewood is part of APS’s network of shared stadiums (along with venues like Lakewood, Henderson, and Grady/Screen fields). Many APS schools rotate their home and neutral games here.

You’re likely to see teams from:

  • Carver High School (G.W. Carver, near McDonough Blvd SE)
  • South Atlanta High School
  • Maynard Jackson High School
  • Therrell High School
  • Other APS high schools depending on the weekly schedule

Because APS uses a shared-stadium model, you’ll often see doubleheaders: one game on a Thursday or Friday afternoon, followed by a second game in the evening.

To find out exactly who’s playing and when, Atlanta residents typically check:

  • Their school’s athletic department or main office
  • The APS Athletics section on the Atlanta Public Schools website
  • Printed or emailed season schedules sent home by schools

Getting to Lakewood Stadium: Directions and Transportation

Driving and Parking

Lakewood Stadium is accessible from several major Atlanta routes:

  • From Downtown/Midtown:
    Take I‑75/85 South, then connect toward I‑20 East or West and GA‑166/Lakewood Freeway, depending on your route. Use local streets like Jonesboro Road SE, Lakewood Avenue SE, or Moreland Avenue SE to approach Claire Drive SE.

  • From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
    Head north on I‑85 or take Metropolitan Parkway or Sylvan Road toward the Lakewood area; connect to Lakewood Avenue SE and then Claire Drive SE.

  • From East Atlanta / Ormewood Park / Grant Park:
    Use Moreland Avenue SE or Hill Street SE and cut over toward Lakewood Avenue SE, then to Claire Drive SE.

Parking:
Lakewood Stadium usually has on-site or adjacent parking lots used during events, with overflow on nearby streets when lots fill. For big rivalry games, spaces can go quickly, so:

  • Arrive 30–45 minutes early
  • Bring cash or a card in case parking fees are in place for certain events
  • Pay attention to any APS event staff directing traffic and parking

MARTA and Public Transit

Public transit is a practical option, especially if you’re coming from central Atlanta or don’t want to deal with game-day traffic.

Typical approaches include:

  • Rail + Bus Combination

    • Take MARTA rail to a nearby station such as Lakewood/Fort McPherson Station (on the Red/Gold line).
    • From there, use a MARTA bus route that serves the Lakewood area, then walk or use a rideshare to reach Claire Drive SE.

  • Bus from Downtown or Midtown

    • Depending on where you start, you may be able to take a bus route down Metropolitan Parkway, Moreland Avenue, or Lakewood Avenue, then walk a short distance.

Because MARTA routes and numbers can change over time, it’s smart to:

  • Check the latest MARTA route map and schedules
  • Use the MARTA trip planner or call MARTA customer service before heading out

What to Expect at Lakewood Stadium

Stadium Layout and Seating

Lakewood Stadium has a traditional high school football stadium layout:

  • Bleacher-style seating on at least one main sideline
  • A press box for announcers, coaches, and media
  • A scoreboard and field lighting for night games
  • A surrounding track used for track and field meets
  • Team locker rooms and sideline areas

Seats are mostly general admission unless otherwise indicated for special events. For high school games, families and students often cluster near their school’s band, cheer squad, or student section.

🔍 Tip: If you want a good seat:

  • Aim to arrive before kickoff warmups start
  • Avoid sitting directly behind the band if you prefer a quieter spot

Atmosphere

Lakewood games typically feel community-centered and spirited:

  • Marching bands and drumlines from APS schools
  • School cheerleaders, dance teams, and student sections
  • Alumni and neighborhood residents rooting for “their” school

For visitors or newcomers to Atlanta, it’s a good place to experience local high school sports culture and see how important football and band programs are to many Atlanta communities.

Tickets, Entry, and Game-Day Basics

Tickets

For APS events at Lakewood Stadium, tickets are usually:

  • Sold at the gate on game day
  • Offered via online ticketing platforms used by many high schools and school districts
  • Priced affordably compared with college or pro games

Common patterns:

  • Cashless entry is becoming more common, so have a debit/credit card or mobile pay option ready.
  • Student, adult, and sometimes senior pricing may be available.

To confirm:

  • Check your school’s website, athletics page, or front office
  • Ask your child’s coach, band director, or athletic director

Security and Bag Policies

Like many school and city venues in Atlanta, Lakewood Stadium may have:

  • Security screening at the gate
  • Restrictions on large bags, coolers, or outside food
  • Rules on no weapons, alcohol, or tobacco

To avoid delays at the gate:

  • Bring a small clear bag or purse if possible
  • Keep ID and tickets easy to access
  • Plan for some wait time before big rivalry games

Facilities: Restrooms, Concessions, and Accessibility

Restrooms

Lakewood Stadium has stadium restrooms typically located near the main concourse or entrance areas. At large events, expect:

  • Lines at halftime and right after the game
  • Shorter waits earlier in the game or late in quarters

Concessions

Standard high school stadium concessions may include:

  • Hot dogs, nachos, chips
  • Candy, popcorn
  • Soft drinks and bottled water

Concessions are often cash or card depending on how APS or event organizers set things up that season. Many families still bring a small snack or bottled water, but always check event-specific rules.

Accessibility

Features often include:

  • Accessible seating areas reachable without steep stairs
  • Ramps or pathways from parking lot to entry
  • Space to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices

If you or a family member needs specific accommodations, it can help to:

  • Contact the school’s athletic department in advance, or
  • Call the Atlanta Public Schools main office and ask for information on accessibility at APS stadiums.

Using Lakewood Stadium as an APS Parent or Student

If you’re an APS family, Lakewood may be a regular part of your school year.

How to Stay Updated on Events at Lakewood

Helpful local habits:

  • Follow your school on social media for schedule changes and weather-related updates.
  • Sign up for school robo-calls, emails, or text alerts, which often mention game time changes or location switches.
  • Ask your student’s coach, band director, or club sponsor about arrival times, drop-off/pick-up points, and any special instructions.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up for Students

For band, football, cheer, or track participants:

  • Coaches and directors usually set specific meet-up times and gates.
  • Parents should confirm:
    • Exact drop-off location (often near the locker room entrance or a designated parking area)
    • Pick-up time after games or meets
    • Whether students are riding a team bus or need individual transportation

With evening games, it’s wise to coordinate clear pick-up plans so students aren’t waiting long in the parking lot after the crowd disperses.

Nearby Landmarks and Neighborhood Context

Lakewood Stadium sits within a broader south Atlanta area that many residents know for:

  • Proximity to Lakewood Amphitheatre (a major concert venue)
  • Access to GA‑166 (Lakewood Freeway), connecting quickly to I‑75/85 and I‑285
  • Nearby neighborhoods like:
    • Lakewood Heights
    • Betmar LaVilla
    • Joyland
    • Parts of South Atlanta

For out-of-town visitors staying downtown or near the airport, Lakewood Stadium is typically a short drive compared to venues farther north or outside the perimeter.

Comparing Lakewood Stadium to Other Atlanta Fields

Within Atlanta, especially inside the city limits, fans often see Lakewood as:

  • A core APS facility alongside other district stadiums
  • More localized to the south/southeast school cluster
  • A traditional venue with a long history of high school football and track

If you follow high school sports, you might rotate between:

  • Lakewood Stadium – south/southeast Atlanta focus
  • Other APS or nearby district stadiums – depending on the matchup and school

Understanding this rotation helps when your schedule says “vs. [Rival] at Lakewood” instead of at a campus field.

Contacting Atlanta Public Schools About Lakewood Stadium

For the most accurate, up-to-date information about:

  • Game schedules and start times
  • Ticket policies and prices
  • Stadium rules and allowed items
  • Availability for events or special uses

You can reach out to Atlanta Public Schools:

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – Central Office
130 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Phone: 404‑802‑3500

Ask to be directed to APS Athletics or the athletic department for your child’s school. They can clarify event details specific to Lakewood Stadium.

Key Takeaways for Visiting Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta

Lakewood Stadium is:

  • A major high school sports hub for Atlanta Public Schools
  • Located in southeast Atlanta at 70 Claire Drive SE, 30315
  • Commonly used for football, track and field, and school events
  • Accessible by car, MARTA + bus, or rideshare, with on-site or nearby parking
  • A place where you’ll experience authentic Atlanta school spirit, especially during big rivalry nights

For Atlantans—whether you’re a parent, student, alum, or visitor—knowing how Lakewood Stadium works makes it easier to plan your trip, support your school, and enjoy the game-day atmosphere on the south side of the city.