WNBA in Atlanta: Your Complete Guide to the Dream, Games, Tickets, and Local Experience

Women’s professional basketball has a strong home in Atlanta, and it all centers around the Atlanta Dream, the city’s WNBA team. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re planning a visit, or you’re just trying to understand how the WNBA in Atlanta works, this guide walks you through what to know, where to go, and how to enjoy the experience like a local.

The Atlanta Dream: Atlanta’s WNBA Team

The Atlanta Dream is Atlanta’s WNBA franchise and the centerpiece of women’s professional basketball in the city.

• League: Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
• Home City: Atlanta, Georgia
• Typical Season:May through September (regular season), with playoffs often extending into early fall
• Home Arena: Often plays at Gateway Center Arena in College Park (just south of downtown Atlanta)

The Dream brings high-level basketball, a family-friendly game environment, and a strong focus on community and women’s sports to the Atlanta area.

Where the Atlanta Dream Plays

Gateway Center Arena @ College Park

Many Atlanta Dream home games are held at:

Gateway Center Arena
2330 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, GA 30337

Key local context:

• Location: Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, southwest of downtown Atlanta.
• Transit: Accessible via MARTA (College Park Station + shuttle or short rideshare).
• Parking: Multiple surface lots and garages near the arena and Georgia International Convention Center.

If you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, plan extra time for traffic on I‑75/85 or GA‑166, especially on weeknights and during events at the airport or nearby convention venues.

How to Get Tickets to a WNBA Game in Atlanta

Buying tickets for Atlanta Dream games is straightforward, and you have several options:

1. Official Ticket Channels

Most fans purchase tickets:

• Directly through the team’s official ticket platform
• At the arena box office on game days (when available)

These channels usually offer:

• Single-game tickets
• Season tickets
• Mini-plans or partial plans
• Group sales for schools, teams, and organizations

💡 Tip: For popular matchups (like games against top WNBA stars or rivalry games), consider buying early. Lower-bowl seats and center-court sections tend to sell out first.

2. Price Ranges and Seating

Ticket prices vary based on opponent, game date, and seat location. Typical options include:

• Lower-bowl sidelines: Closer to the action, usually highest price
• Corners and baselines: Good view at a more moderate price
• Upper sections (if open): Often the most budget-friendly option
• Courtside and premium seating: Limited availability, higher cost, sometimes includes amenities

If you’re bringing kids or a larger family, many fans look for weekend afternoon or early evening games for a more relaxed schedule and easier parking.

Getting to a WNBA Game in Atlanta

Driving and Parking

From inside the Perimeter (I‑285), you can reach Gateway Center Arena by:

• Taking I‑85 South or I‑75 South, then connecting to local roads toward College Park and the Georgia International Convention Center
• Following posted signs for convention center/arena parking when you get close

Parking is typically in nearby lots and garages. Rates can vary by event, but many fans find it comparable to other Atlanta sports venues.

Using MARTA

If you prefer not to drive:

1. Take MARTA rail to College Park Station (Red or Gold line).
2. From the station, options may include:
   • Event shuttles (when offered)
   • Rideshare services
   • A short taxi or local ride service trip to the arena

Using MARTA can help avoid traffic and parking congestion, especially for weekday evening games when commute traffic is still heavy.

What to Expect at an Atlanta WNBA Game

Game-Day Atmosphere

Atlanta Dream games usually feature:

• High-energy basketball with elite athletes
• In-arena hosts, music, and contests during timeouts
• Family-friendly environment with many kids, youth teams, and community groups in attendance
• A visible focus on community, women’s sports, and local initiatives

If you’ve been to Hawks, Falcons, United, or Braves games, expect a similar energetic feel, but often in a more intimate venue where you’re closer to the court.

Food and Concessions

At Gateway Center Arena, you’ll typically find:

• Classic arena fare like burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos
• Soft drinks, water, and often alcoholic beverages
• Occasional local or specialty stands depending on the event

If you follow dietary restrictions or prefer certain cuisines, many locals grab a quick bite in College Park, East Point, or Hapeville beforehand, or eat at restaurants in Downtown or Midtown before heading to the game.

Atlanta Dream Schedule and Season Basics

WNBA Season Timing

For Atlanta, a typical WNBA year looks like this:

• Preseason: Late April to early May
• Regular Season: May through September
• Playoffs (if qualified): Late summer to early fall

Weekday games are often in the evening, while weekend games may be afternoon or early evening.

Finding Game Times

Most locals:

• Check the official Atlanta Dream schedule for dates and times
• Pay attention to home vs. away designations if they’re planning to attend in person
• Watch for special theme nights (e.g., Pride Night, Youth Sports Night, Education Day, Heritage nights), which can be especially fun for families and groups

Watching the WNBA in Atlanta if You’re Not at the Arena

If you can’t make it to College Park, there are still several Atlanta-friendly ways to follow the team:

TV and Streaming

Depending on the year and broadcast arrangements, Atlanta Dream games may be available:

• On national sports networks
• Through WNBA-focused streaming options or league packages
• Via local or regional sports channels when agreements are in place

Many fans in Atlanta follow the broadcast schedule announced at the start of the season to know which games are on TV vs. streaming.

Sports Bars and Local Watch Spots

Around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the Westside, some sports bars and restaurants show WNBA games, especially during:

• High-profile matchups
• Playoff pushes
• The WNBA Finals

It often helps to call ahead and ask if they can put the Dream game on a specific TV, especially on nights when multiple sports are in season.

Atlanta Dream Community and Youth Connections

Youth Basketball in Metro Atlanta

For families and young athletes, the presence of the WNBA in Atlanta can be inspiring. Around the metro area you’ll find:

• Recreation leagues through City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation and nearby city rec departments
• School teams at the middle and high school levels throughout Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding districts
• AAU and travel teams that often look up to WNBA players as role models

The Atlanta Dream has historically participated in community outreach, clinics, and youth-focused events, giving local kids more connection points to women’s professional basketball.

Colleges and Local Women’s Hoops

Atlanta is also home to strong women’s basketball at the college level, including:

• Georgia Tech (North Avenue, Midtown Atlanta)
• Georgia State University (Downtown Atlanta)
• Nearby schools across the metro and state

For fans in Atlanta, the WNBA, local colleges, and high school programs create a strong year-round women’s basketball culture.

Quick Reference: WNBA Atlanta Essentials

Below is a simple overview you can skim when planning your WNBA experience in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Enjoying WNBA in Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific pointers if you’re planning to attend or follow the Dream:

• Plan for traffic: Evening games can overlap with rush hour on I‑75/85 and I‑285. Build in extra time.
• Check MARTA schedules: If using rail, confirm train times, especially for late-ending games.
• Look for theme nights: Many locals pick games based on themes that match their interests or community groups.
• Consider group outings: The more intimate arena size can make group events feel more personal and interactive.
• Stay hydrated in summer: Atlanta summers are humid; if you’re walking from MARTA or parking, expect heat, especially in June–August.

For anyone living in, visiting, or learning about Atlanta, following the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream offers a front-row view of elite women’s basketball and a vibrant part of the city’s sports culture.