Sports Jobs in Atlanta: How to Break Into the City’s Thriving Sports Scene

Atlanta is one of the busiest sports cities in the country, which makes “sports jobs in Atlanta” a real opportunity—whether you want to work directly with athletes, behind the scenes in operations, or in business and media.

This guide walks through the main types of sports jobs in Atlanta, where they exist, how people typically get them, and practical steps you can take locally.

Why Atlanta Is a Major Sports Job Market

Atlanta offers a rare mix for sports careers:

• Multiple major league teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, WNBA)
• Big college programs (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, Kennesaw State, and others nearby)
• Major events and venues that constantly need staff
• Growing youth and amateur sports across metro Atlanta

If you live here—or are willing to relocate—there are opportunities ranging from entry-level game-day roles to full-time corporate careers with sports organizations.

The Big Players: Pro Sports Teams and Venues in Atlanta

If you’re searching “sports jobs Atlanta,” these major organizations and venues are usually the first places candidates look.

Atlanta’s Major Pro Teams

These teams (and their parent organizations) hire for a wide range of roles:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Based at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Play at State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303)
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Based at Truist Park / The Battery Atlanta (755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Dream (WNBA) – Play at Gateway Center Arena (2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337)

Each organization typically employs or contracts:

• Sales and ticketing staff
• Marketing and social media teams
• Sponsorship and partnerships managers
• Game-day operations and event staff
• Athletic performance and medical staff (for qualified professionals)
• Broadcast, media relations, and content creators
• Security, guest services, concessions, and facilities staff

Most full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles are posted on each team’s official careers page and on general job boards.

Where the Jobs Are: Main Categories of Sports Work in Atlanta

1. Game-Day & Event Operations

These are some of the most accessible sports jobs in Atlanta, ideal if you’re starting out or looking for flexible work.

Common roles:

• Event staff / ushers / ticket takers
• Guest services representatives
• Concessions and hospitality staff
• Merchandise sellers
• Operations and logistics crew (set-up and breakdown)

Places that regularly hire:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Truist Park / The Battery Atlanta
• Gateway Center Arena
• Russ Chandler Stadium (Georgia Tech baseball)
• McCamish Pavilion (Georgia Tech basketball)
• Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium and other campus venues

These jobs usually require:

• Weekend and evening availability
• Comfort working in crowds and on your feet
• Strong customer service skills

They can be a good entry point if you want to get experience inside the sports industry.

2. Front Office, Business, and Corporate Roles

Behind every Atlanta team and venue is a business office handling sales, marketing, operations, and administration.

Common business-side job types:

• Ticket sales / account executives
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorship sales
• Marketing coordinators and managers
• Community relations and outreach staff
• Finance, HR, and legal support
• Data and analytics roles (fan engagement, revenue, ticketing)
• IT and digital operations

Where to look:

• Pro teams’ front offices (Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, Dream)
• AMG / AMB Sports + Entertainment (parent of Falcons and Atlanta United)
• College athletic departments (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, etc.)
• Large sports venues and management companies

These roles usually require:

• A college degree in business, sports management, marketing, communications, or a related field
• Relevant internships or sales/customer-facing experience
• Strong communication and organizational skills

3. Sports Media, Broadcasting, and Content

Atlanta is a hub for sports media and content creation, ranging from live game broadcasts to digital coverage.

Job types include:

• Play-by-play and color commentary (radio/TV)
• Sideline reporters and on-air hosts
• Producers and editors
• Camera operators and broadcast technicians
• Social media managers and digital content creators
• Graphic designers and video editors
• Sports writers and bloggers

Local outlets and organizations involved in sports coverage:

• Radio and TV stations that cover the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, and college sports
• In-house media teams for each major franchise
• College athletics communications offices
• Local and regional sports news outlets

Breaking into this area often involves:

• A degree in journalism, communications, film, or media
• A portfolio (writing clips, highlight reels, demo tapes)
• Starting in entry-level production assistant, social media, or intern roles

4. Coaching, Training, and Player Development

For those who want to work directly with athletes, Atlanta has a large ecosystem of:

• High school and youth sports programs
• Club and travel teams
• College sports teams
• Private training facilities and academies

Sample roles:

• Head and assistant coaches (schools, clubs, community leagues)
• Strength and conditioning coaches
• Skills trainers (basketball, soccer, baseball, etc.)
• Physical therapy / athletic training staff (for licensed professionals)
• Youth sports program coordinators

Locally, you’ll find opportunities at:

• Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding school districts
• Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, Kennesaw State, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman (often assistant roles, grad assistants, or support staff)
• Private sports performance centers and training academies
• YMCA branches and city recreation centers

Most coaching roles require:

• Playing experience and/or coaching certifications
• Background checks (especially for youth roles)
• For school-based jobs, teaching certification is often preferred or required

5. Sports Facilities, Parks, and Recreation Jobs

Metro Atlanta’s parks and recreation systems support community sports and need staff for:

• Recreation program coordinators
• Youth league directors and referees
• Lifeguards and aquatics staff
• Facility and field maintenance crews
• Front desk and customer service staff

Key local organizations:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Main office: Often referenced near City Hall, downtown Atlanta
• County park systems (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.)
• Community centers and aquatic centers

These jobs are good options if you want to combine sports, community work, and public service, often with more predictable schedules than pro sports roles.

6. Sports Tourism & Major Events

Atlanta regularly hosts:

• Bowl games and college football championships at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• MLB All‑Star activities and postseason games (Braves)
• Basketball tournaments at State Farm Arena
• Major soccer matches (Atlanta United and international friendlies)
• Marathons, races, and large-scale tournaments

Event-related jobs can be:

• Short-term contract or seasonal roles
• Volunteer positions with Atlanta-based sports events and host committees
• Roles with event management companies and local tourism organizations

These opportunities are useful to build your resume and connections, especially in event operations, hospitality, and logistics.

Typical Requirements and Skills for Sports Jobs in Atlanta

While specific requirements vary, many Atlanta sports jobs look for some combination of:

• Education
  • High school diploma for most game-day roles
  • Associate or bachelor’s degree for many office, coaching, and media positions
• Experience
  • Prior customer service or sales work
  • Internships with college teams or local sports organizations
  • Coaching, playing, or volunteer experience in relevant sports
• Skills
  • Strong communication and people skills
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Time management and attention to detail
  • Comfort in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

Personal traits that help:

• Genuine interest in sports and entertainment
• Flexibility and willingness to handle different tasks
• Reliability—showing up on time is taken seriously in event operations

Where to Look for Sports Jobs in Atlanta

1. Official Team and Venue Career Pages

Most major organizations in Atlanta maintain their own careers sections with:

• Full-time positions
• Part-time and game-day roles
• Internships and seasonal opportunities

Common approach:

1. Go to the official site of the team or venue (Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, Dream, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, etc.).
2. Navigate to the “Careers” or “Jobs” section.
3. Filter for Atlanta-based roles and submit an online application.

2. College and University Job Boards

Atlanta-area schools have robust athletics departments and often list jobs separately from the main campus roles.

Schools to check:

• Georgia Tech – Athletics jobs are often posted through the Institute and/or athletics site.
• Georgia State University – Campus in downtown Atlanta; multiple sports and facilities.
• Emory University – Strong Division III athletics and recreation programs.
• Kennesaw State University – North of Atlanta, but part of the broader metro area.
• Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman – Historically Black colleges with active sports programs.

You’ll find:

• Administrative and operations roles
• Athletic training and support staff (for licensed professionals)
• Coaching assistants and graduate assistantships
• Marketing and game presentation assistants

3. City, County, and Public Agency Job Boards

Search for:

• “Parks and recreation” roles
• “Recreation specialist” or “program coordinator”
• “Sports official / referee”
• “Lifeguard / aquatics”

Look at:

• City of Atlanta jobs
• Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton County government job portals

These roles can be good for people who want benefits, more regular hours, and community impact.

4. General Job Boards and Staffing Agencies

Many Atlanta sports jobs, especially:

• Entry-level sales roles
• Customer service and event staffing positions
• Hospitality and concessions work

are posted on general job platforms. Some staffing agencies specialize in events and hospitality and regularly place workers at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, and convention centers.

Helpful Pathways: Internships, Volunteering, and Entry-Level Roles

If you’re newer to the sports industry, Atlanta offers several practical entry routes.

Internships

Common in:

• Team marketing and community relations
• Ticket sales and service
• Digital media and content
• College athletics operations

Tips:

• Check semester-based or summer postings early; they fill quickly.
• Be prepared to work evenings/weekends during the season.
• Use internships to build relationships and a tangible track record.

Volunteering

Volunteering is often used at:

• Marathons, charity runs, and large races
• Major events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and downtown venues
• Youth sports tournaments and camps

Benefits:

• Experience with large events
• References and contacts in the industry
• A clearer sense of what roles you enjoy

Common Entry-Level Jobs

Roles that often serve as stepping stones:

• Game-day staff (usher, ticket scanner, guest services)
• Inside sales representative for a pro or minor-league team
• Recreation assistant for city or county programs
• Production assistant with a media team
• Youth coach or assistant coach at local clubs or schools

Once you’re in, performance and networking often matter as much as formal qualifications.

Simple Overview: Types of Sports Jobs in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Landing a Sports Job in Atlanta

• Tailor your resume to sports
  Highlight any sports-related experience: playing, volunteering, coaching, event work, or customer service.

• Be realistic about hours
  Many roles require nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in-season.

• Use your local advantage
  If you already live in metro Atlanta, mention your availability for in-person interviews and familiarity with local venues and fan culture.

• Network locally
  Attend:

  • Career fairs hosted by Atlanta colleges
  • Open hiring events at stadiums and arenas
  • Local sports business meetups, workshops, or alumni events

• Start small if needed
  Game-day and seasonal roles can lead to full-time positions once you prove reliability and interest.

If You’re Moving to Atlanta for Sports Work

If you’re considering relocating:

• Research which part of metro Atlanta best fits you based on:
  • The venues you want to work at
  • Commute times to downtown, Midtown, or Cobb County
• Factor in transportation:
  • Some venues are walkable or accessible via MARTA (downtown and Midtown)
  • Others (like Truist Park) often require driving or rideshare

Arriving with a few applications already submitted and a plan to attend local job fairs or open interviews can speed up your search once you’re on the ground.

Atlanta’s sports ecosystem is broad enough that there’s usually a place for almost any skill set—from people who love face-to-face fan interaction to those who prefer analytics, media, coaching, or behind-the-scenes operations. If you focus your search, stay flexible on hours, and get plugged into local organizations, sports jobs in Atlanta can be a realistic and rewarding career path.