Where the Atlanta Dream Play: Home Court, Game Day, and How to Go

If you’re asking “Where do the Atlanta Dream play?” you’re most likely planning to catch a WNBA game in person, visiting from out of town, or helping someone figure out how Atlanta’s women’s pro basketball fits into the city’s sports landscape.

Here’s everything you need to know, explained with an Atlanta focus.

The Atlanta Dream’s Home Arena

The Atlanta Dream play their home games at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, just south of downtown Atlanta and near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Gateway Center Arena

• Address: 2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
• Primary Use: Home arena for the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) and the College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks)
• Location Context: Near the Georgia International Convention Center and the ATL SkyTrain station from the airport

For basketball fans in Atlanta, this means Dream home games are not downtown at State Farm Arena; they’re a short trip down I‑85/I‑285 or MARTA toward the airport.

Why the Dream Play in College Park

While many people still associate Atlanta’s pro teams with downtown arenas, the Dream shifted to Gateway Center Arena to get:

• A basketball-specific, mid-sized arena that fits WNBA crowds well
• A more intimate game-day atmosphere, with fans closer to the court
• Close proximity to major transportation hubs, including the airport and MARTA

This setup makes it relatively simple for both local fans (inside the Perimeter and in the suburbs) and visitors flying into Atlanta to attend games.

Getting to an Atlanta Dream Game

Driving and Parking

Driving from downtown Atlanta:

• Head south on I‑85 or I‑75, then follow signs toward the airport/College Park area.
• From many intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West End), it’s typically a 20–30 minute drive without heavy traffic.

Parking at Gateway Center Arena:

• Parking is usually available in adjacent decks and surface lots near the Georgia International Convention Center.
• Event parking prices and exact lots can vary by game; signage and event staff typically direct vehicles on arrival.
• For major weekend or rivalry games, arriving early helps avoid congestion.

Taking MARTA

For many Atlantans, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach Dream home games, especially to avoid airport-area traffic.

Basic approach:

1. Take MARTA Rail to the Airport Station (at the south end of the Red/Gold lines).
2. From the Airport Station, use the ATL SkyTrain toward the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) stop.
3. The Gateway Center Arena is a short walk from the GICC station.

This route is particularly convenient if you:

• Live near a MARTA rail line (e.g., Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Doraville, College Park, East Point)
• Are staying in a hotel near a MARTA station or at the airport

🚌 Tip: If you’re bringing kids or a group, MARTA can simplify logistics and cut down on parking costs.

What to Expect on Game Day

Arena Layout and Atmosphere

Gateway Center Arena is smaller than some NBA arenas, which often makes Dream home games feel:

• Lively and loud, with energy concentrated close to the court
• Family-friendly, with plenty of kids and youth basketball groups attending
• Accessible, with sightlines that are good from most seats

You’ll usually find:

• Concession stands with standard arena food and drinks
• Merchandise areas selling Atlanta Dream gear (jerseys, shirts, hats, etc.)
• Game entertainment like music, on-court contests, and fan engagement breaks

Neighborhood and Surroundings

The Gateway Center area in College Park is a purpose-built convention and events district near:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Various airport hotels and business-oriented dining spots
• The Georgia International Convention Center

If you’re planning your day:

• Before the game: Many fans coming from intown Atlanta grab food in their own neighborhoods (e.g., Midtown, Westside, East Atlanta) and then head down closer to game time.
• For out-of-towners: Airport-area hotels often run shuttles to the terminal, making the MARTA + SkyTrain combo especially convenient.

How the Dream Fit into Atlanta’s Sports Scene

Within Atlanta’s pro sports lineup:

• Atlanta Dream – WNBA, play at Gateway Center Arena in College Park
• Atlanta Hawks – NBA, play at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta
• Atlanta Falcons – NFL, play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Braves – MLB, play at Truist Park in Cobb County

For locals, this means:

• If you’re used to going downtown for Hawks games, you’ll instead head southwest toward the airport for the Dream.
• The game experience is more intimate than an NBA or NFL game, often making it easier to bring families or casual fans.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

Tickets and Seating

While specific ticketing options can change season to season, some general patterns hold:

• Lower-bowl seats put you very close to the court and the Dream bench.
• Sideline seating is popular for families and fan groups who want full-court views.
• Baseline or corner sections can be more budget-friendly while still close to the action, given the arena’s relatively compact size.

If you’re in Atlanta:

• Consider grouping friends, coworkers, or youth teams for a group outing to a Dream game.
• For visitors, attending a Dream game can be an easy way to add a local sports experience to your trip, especially if you’re staying near the airport.

Timing Your Arrival

• For weeknight games, leaving early from intown neighborhoods helps you beat rush hour on I‑75/I‑85.
• On weekends, traffic can vary depending on airport volume and other events in College Park or downtown. Planning a buffer of 30–45 minutes beyond the drive time you see on a map app is often helpful.
• If using MARTA, check train frequency around the start and end time of the game so you’re not rushed.

Where the Atlanta Dream Practice and Community Presence

While the home games are at Gateway Center Arena, the Dream’s practices and community activities can take place at:

• Practice facilities in the metro Atlanta area (locations may vary by year).
• Community courts, schools, and recreation centers around Atlanta and surrounding cities.

For Atlanta residents, this means you might see:

• Dream players involved in basketball clinics, youth events, or community programs across neighborhoods in the metro area.
• Dream-branded events popping up at local gyms, parks, or schools.

If you’re trying to connect locally:

• Keep an eye on official Atlanta Dream announcements or local community calendars to see when they host events in your area.

Quick Reference: Where the Atlanta Dream Play

Below is a simple overview to keep the essentials clear:

In short, if you’re in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia and want to see the Atlanta Dream play, you’ll head to Gateway Center Arena in College Park, just minutes from the airport and easily reachable by car or MARTA.