Atlanta Gladiators: Your Guide to Metro Atlanta’s Pro Hockey Experience

If you live in Atlanta, chances are you’ve heard of the Atlanta Gladiators—the metro area’s professional ice hockey team. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a new resident curious about local sports, or a visitor looking for a fun night out, this guide walks you through who the Gladiators are, where they play, how to attend a game, and what to expect on game day.

Who Are the Atlanta Gladiators?

The Atlanta Gladiators are a professional ice hockey team that plays in the ECHL, a mid-level professional league that often serves as a development path for players aiming for the NHL.

Key points:

• Location: The team is based in Duluth, Georgia, part of the metro Atlanta area.
• Home Arena:Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097
• Season: Typically runs from October through April, including regular-season home games and potential playoffs.

For Atlanta sports fans, the Gladiators offer an accessible, family-friendly way to experience live professional hockey without leaving the metro area.

Where They Play: Gas South Arena in Duluth

Although the name says “Atlanta,” home games are played at Gas South Arena in Duluth, about 25–35 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta depending on your starting point.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:

• Take I-85 North toward Greenville.
• Use exits near Sugarloaf Parkway.
• Follow signs for Gas South District / Gas South Arena.

From Buckhead / Brookhaven:

• Head to I-85 North via GA-400 or surface streets and follow similar directions.

From Decatur / East Atlanta:

• Take I-285 to I-85 North, then continue toward Sugarloaf Parkway.

Traffic on I-85 can be heavy, especially on weekday evenings, so plan extra time for rush hour and event congestion.

Parking at Gas South Arena

Gas South Arena has multiple on-site parking lots around the complex.

Typical considerations:

• Paid parking: Expect a parking fee per vehicle for events.
• Card and digital payments are usually accepted.
• Lots are generally well-marked, and staff direct cars during busy events.
• For mobility concerns, accessible parking spots are available closer to entrances, but they can fill quickly, so arriving early helps.

Atlanta Gladiators Tickets: How to Buy and What to Expect

Ways to Buy Tickets

You can usually purchase Atlanta Gladiators tickets in a few main ways:

• Online in advance (most common, via the team’s official ticketing platform)
• Box Office at Gas South Arena
  • 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
  • Typically open on event days and certain weekday hours
• Occasionally through authorized ticket partners or promotions around metro Atlanta

Buying in advance often gives you better seat selection and helps avoid long lines at the box office, especially for weekend games and special theme nights.

Typical Ticket Price Range

While exact prices change by game and seat location, many fans find:

• Upper-level seats: Often the most budget-friendly choice.
• Lower bowl or center-ice seats: Higher cost, better view of the action.
• Rinkside/glass seats: Premium pricing but very immersive.

For many Atlanta families, a Gladiators game can be more affordable than some major-league events, especially if you choose value sections or weeknight games.

Best Seats for Different Experiences

Here’s a simple overview to match seat locations with what you want out of the game:

Game Day Experience: What It’s Like at an Atlanta Gladiators Game

Atmosphere

Atlanta Gladiators games at Gas South Arena are known for being:

• Energetic but approachable – loud enough to be exciting, usually comfortable for families
• Full of music, light shows, and in-game entertainment
• A mix of hardcore hockey fans and casual attendees looking for something fun to do

Atlanta doesn’t have winter-long snow and ice like northern hockey cities, so a Gladiators game can feel like a unique, “different” local outing—especially if you’re new to the sport.

Food and Drink

Inside Gas South Arena, you can expect:

• Concession stands with typical arena food:
  • Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, chicken tenders, pizza
  • Pretzels, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks
• Alcoholic beverages such as beer and seltzers (for adults with ID)
• Some specialty or local options depending on current vendors

Many fans also choose to eat in Duluth or along Sugarloaf Parkway before or after games. The area has a wide mix of restaurants—from quick casual spots to sit-down dining—within a short drive.

Family-Friendly Fun and Kids’ Activities

The Atlanta Gladiators make an effort to be family-friendly, which appeals to many Atlanta-area parents.

Common features include:

• Themed nights (e.g., superhero nights, holiday games, specialty jersey nights)
• On-ice contests and intermission games that bring kids onto the video board
• Mascot appearances for photos and high-fives
• Group options for school outings, youth sports teams, or birthday celebrations

If you’re bringing children:

• Consider ear protection (like small earmuffs) for very young kids who might be sensitive to crowd noise.
• Aim to arrive early, so you can get through security and find seats without feeling rushed.

When Is the Gladiators’ Season? Understanding the Schedule

The ECHL season usually runs from fall through spring, roughly:

• Preseason: Late September–early October
• Regular season: October through early April
• Playoffs: Spring (for qualifying teams)

Types of Games on the Schedule

Atlanta-area fans will see a mix of:

• Home games at Gas South Arena
• Weekend games (often best for families and group outings)
• Weeknight games (sometimes less crowded, often good value)
• Special event games, including:
  • Themed nights
  • Charity or awareness nights
  • Occasional school day or early-start games

Schedules can change slightly year to year, so it’s wise to confirm start times and promotional nights before you go.

What to Wear to an Atlanta Gladiators Game

Even in Atlanta’s milder climate, the arena is kept cool to maintain the ice.

Consider:

• Layers: T-shirt plus hoodie, light jacket, or fleece
• Comfortable pants and closed-toe shoes
• Optional team gear like jerseys, hats, or scarves if you want to show team spirit

Inside, it can feel chilly if you’re sensitive to cold, especially if you’re sitting close to the ice. In upper levels, the temperature may feel a bit more moderate.

Tips for First-Time Visitors from Around Atlanta

If it’s your first visit to an Atlanta Gladiators game, these tips can make the experience smoother:

1. Plan Your Route and Timing ⏱️

• Leave early if you’re coming from downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Perimeter during rush hour.
• Check for other events at Gas South District (concerts, conventions) that might impact parking and traffic.

2. Understand Arena Policies

Before heading out, it’s worth checking common policies that typically apply at larger arenas:

• Bag policy: Many venues use size limits and clear-bag rules.
• Prohibited items: Outside beverages, large signs, or noisemakers are often restricted.
• Security screening: Expect metal detectors or bag checks at entry.

Being aware of this can save time and avoid having to walk back items to your car.

3. Consider Public Transit + Rideshare Options

While the arena is more car-oriented, some fans:

• Drive to a MARTA station near them, then use rideshare from there to reduce highway and event parking stress.
• Use rideshare directly from Intown Atlanta neighborhoods to avoid parking altogether, especially for evening games.

This can be helpful if you plan to enjoy alcoholic beverages or simply don’t want to deal with I-85 traffic late at night.

Group Outings, Schools, and Corporate Events

The Atlanta Gladiators are a popular option for:

• School field trips and youth group outings
• Corporate events and client entertainment
• Birthday parties and large family gatherings
• Youth hockey teams and sports clubs around metro Atlanta

Typical group benefits can include:

• Block seating so everyone sits together
• Possible group pricing depending on size and availability
• Options for on-ice or fan experiences for larger groups on select nights

Groups typically coordinate through the team’s ticket office or group sales department, which can provide details on current offerings and requirements.

Youth Hockey and Local Hockey Culture in Metro Atlanta

For families or adults who watch a Gladiators game and think, “I want to try this,” the Duluth area and greater Atlanta region have growing options for ice hockey participation:

• Ice rinks in and around metro Atlanta often host:
  • Youth and adult leagues
  • Learn-to-skate programs
  • Hockey clinics and camps
• Being based in Duluth, the Gladiators help anchor the local hockey community, bringing more attention to the sport in an area better known for football, basketball, and baseball.

If your child becomes interested after a game, local rinks around Gwinnett County and the broader metro area are typically the next step for information on beginner hockey programs.

Is an Atlanta Gladiators Game Right for You?

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, an Atlanta Gladiators game can be a strong choice if you:

• Want a live, high-energy sports experience without downtown stadium crowds
• Are looking for a family-friendly night out that’s different from movies or theme parks
• Enjoy fast-paced action, even if you’re not yet a hockey expert
• Live in or near Gwinnett County, North Fulton, DeKalb, or other northeast metro suburbs, making the drive to Duluth convenient

With accessible ticket options, a modern arena at Gas South Arena in Duluth, and a welcoming atmosphere for both die-hard fans and first-timers, the Atlanta Gladiators offer a distinctly local way to experience professional hockey within the greater Atlanta area.