Atlanta Sports Teams: The Ultimate Guide for Fans and Visitors

Atlanta is one of the most sports-obsessed cities in the South, with major teams across every big league, a deep college sports culture, and year-round events. Whether you live here, just moved to the city, or are planning a visit, understanding Atlanta sports teams helps you plug into a big part of local life.

Below is a clear, local-focused guide to Atlanta’s professional, college, and notable minor league teams, plus where they play and how to experience a game like a local.

Major Professional Sports Teams in Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons (NFL)

The Atlanta Falcons are the city’s NFL team, playing in the NFC South.

• Home stadium: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Location: Downtown Atlanta, near Vine City and CNN Center
• Season: September–January (plus playoffs if they qualify)

What to know as a fan or visitor:

• Game day atmosphere: The stadium is fully enclosed with a retractable roof, so games are comfortable in all weather. Expect a lively crowd, especially for division rivals like the New Orleans Saints or Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Getting there: Many locals use MARTA (Vine City or GWCC/CNN Center stations) to avoid parking traffic. Ride-shares are common but can be congested after games.
• Extras: The stadium is known for fan-friendly food pricing and a massive video halo board that makes following the game easier, even from higher seats.

Atlanta Braves (MLB)

The Atlanta Braves are Atlanta’s Major League Baseball team and a central part of the city’s sports identity.

• Home stadium: Truist Park
• Address: 755 Battery Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Location: In the Cumberland area of Cobb County, just northwest of Atlanta’s city limits
• Season: April–September (plus October playoffs if they advance)

What to know:

• The Battery Atlanta: Surrounding the stadium, The Battery Atlanta is a mixed-use development with restaurants, bars, shops, and green spaces. Many locals come early to eat, walk around, or watch batting practice.
• Family-friendly: Weeknight games and Sunday afternoon games are especially popular with families.
• Parking & access: Parking is mostly in paid decks around The Battery. Some fans park a bit farther out and walk in. Ride-share pickup points are designated and signed.

Atlanta Hawks (NBA)

The Atlanta Hawks are the city’s NBA team, playing in the Eastern Conference.

• Home arena: State Farm Arena
• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Location: Downtown, right next to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and CNN Center
• Season: October–April (plus playoffs)

What to know:

• In-arena experience: Fans often mention the high-energy entertainment—music, performances, and a strong focus on the in-game show. It’s a popular choice for visitors who want an indoor sports night out.
• Transit: The Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center MARTA station (West line) drops you right by the arena. This is often easier than navigating downtown parking.
• Schedule variety: You’ll find weeknight and weekend games, so it’s usually easy to fit a game into a trip or a busy work week.

Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Atlanta United FC is Atlanta’s Major League Soccer team and has built a strong, passionate fan base quickly.

• Home stadium: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Season: Late February/early March through October (plus playoffs if they qualify)

What to know:

• Atmosphere: Soccer matches are known for being loud, energetic, and very fan-driven. Supporter sections chant, wave flags, and stand throughout most of the match.
• Seating: Some matches use the full-stadium configuration, while others close off certain upper areas, so seating and crowd size can vary depending on the opponent and date.
• Appeal: Great option if you enjoy fast-paced action, international-style fan culture, and a more continuous flow than American football.

Atlanta Dream (WNBA)

The Atlanta Dream represent the city in the WNBA, showcasing top-level women’s basketball.

• Home arena: Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
• Address: 2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
• Location: Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in College Park, just south of the city
• Season: May–September

What to know:

• Family access: Games are generally more affordable than some other pro events, making them popular with families and youth basketball fans.
• Getting there: It’s near the Airport MARTA station and the SkyTrain area, although many attendees drive and park nearby.

College Sports in Atlanta

College sports are a major part of Atlanta’s sports scene, especially football and basketball. Even if you’re not an alum, many locals follow these teams or attend games for the atmosphere.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech, located in Midtown, is a key sports presence in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference).

• Main campus address: North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30332

Key teams and venues:

• Football:

  • Team: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
  • Stadium: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field
  • Location: On campus, near North Avenue
  • Season: September–November (plus bowl games for qualifying seasons)

• Men’s & Women’s Basketball:

  • Arena: McCamish Pavilion
  • Season: November–March

• Baseball:

  • Stadium: Russ Chandler Stadium
  • Season: February–May/June

What to know:

• City views: Bobby Dodd Stadium offers skyline views, making it a unique spot to watch college football in an urban setting.
• Local interest: Tech games draw students, alumni, and many Atlanta residents who prefer a more traditional college atmosphere than the pro stadiums.

Other Nearby College Programs

While not all inside Atlanta city limits, a few nearby schools have strong followings in the metro area:

• Georgia State University Panthers

  • Campus in downtown Atlanta.
  • Competes in Division I (Sun Belt Conference) with football, basketball, and other sports.
  • Football home games have been played at Center Parc Stadium (former Turner Field), south of downtown.

• University of Georgia Bulldogs (UGA)

  • Located in Athens, about 70 miles east of Atlanta.
  • UGA football, in particular, has a massive following in Metro Atlanta, with many alumni and fans living in the city.
  • Many bars and restaurants in Atlanta show UGA games and host watch parties on Saturdays during football season.

Minor League & Other Notable Teams

Beyond the big leagues, Atlanta and its surrounding areas also host minor league and developmental teams that are more budget-friendly and often very family-oriented.

Atlanta Gladiators (Hockey – ECHL)

• League: ECHL (a mid-level professional ice hockey league)
• Home arena: Gas South Arena
• Address: 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097
• Location: Duluth, northeast of Atlanta in Gwinnett County
• Season: October–April

What to know:

• A popular option for families, youth hockey players, and anyone who enjoys fast, physical games.
• Tickets and concessions are generally more affordable than major league events.

Local and Regional Baseball & Soccer

• Minor league baseball: While the Braves are the main attraction, various lower-level teams and summer leagues operate around the metro area and across Georgia, often tied to smaller cities or colleges.
• Lower-division soccer: Atlanta has periodically hosted lower-division or developmental soccer teams, youth academies, and semi-pro clubs. These leagues change frequently, so locals usually check current season listings when looking for a smaller venue soccer experience.

Where Atlanta Sports Teams Play: Quick Reference

Here’s a simple overview of the main Atlanta-area teams and their home venues:

How to Experience Atlanta Sports Like a Local

Choosing the Right Game for You

Consider:

• Time of year

  • Fall: Falcons, Atlanta United, Georgia Tech football.
  • Winter: Hawks, Gladiators, college basketball.
  • Spring: Braves, Hawks (late season), Atlanta United.
  • Summer: Braves, Dream, Atlanta United.

• Type of atmosphere

  • High-energy, big crowd: Falcons, United, Braves weekend games.
  • Indoor entertainment focus: Hawks, Dream.
  • College vibe: Georgia Tech football or basketball.
  • Budget and family-friendly: Gladiators, some college games, and certain Braves or Dream promotions.

Getting to Games in Atlanta

🚇 Public Transit (MARTA)
MARTA is often the simplest way to reach downtown venues:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena:
  • Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center (West line)
  • Vine City station (West line) for Mercedes‑Benz
• Georgia Tech (Bobby Dodd / McCamish):
  • North Avenue or Midtown stations, then walk or use campus shuttles.

🚗 Driving & Parking

• Downtown venues:
  Expect structured parking garages and event pricing. Pre-booking parking is common for big games.
• Truist Park/The Battery:
  Large network of decks and surface lots; signs and staff usually direct traffic. Arriving early reduces stress.
• Gateway Center Arena & Gas South Arena:
  On-site and nearby parking lots are widely used; traffic is usually lighter than downtown or The Battery for bigger events.

Tickets and Planning Ahead

• Buy early for rivalry or playoff games. Prices and availability can shift quickly for high-demand matchups.
• Weeknight vs. weekend: Weeknight games can be more affordable and less crowded, especially for Braves, Hawks, and United.
• Check the bag and security policies. Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, and most college venues use clear bag policies and security checkpoints, which can affect what you bring and how early you should arrive.

If You’re New to Atlanta or Just Visiting

For someone new to the city:

• Want a “big stadium” experience?
  Try a Falcons or Atlanta United game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
• Prefer something more relaxed and social?
  A Braves game at Truist Park with time at The Battery before or after is a strong choice.
• Looking for indoor, climate-controlled fun?
  Hawks or Dream games at State Farm Arena or Gateway Center Arena fit well.
• Interested in college culture and tradition?
  Attend a Georgia Tech football game for a taste of campus life within the city.

Every major Atlanta sports team offers a slightly different style of event, but all are woven into how residents spend weekends, host visitors, and connect with the city. Understanding who plays where—and when—makes it much easier to pick the games and teams that fit the way you enjoy Atlanta.