Atlanta Basketball Schedule: How to Catch Every Game in the City
If you’re looking for the Atlanta basketball schedule, you’re probably trying to figure out when and where you can watch or attend games in and around Atlanta. Between the Atlanta Hawks, college basketball, WNBA, G League, and local youth leagues, there’s something on the court almost year-round.
This guide walks through the major options, how Atlanta basketball seasons are structured, and where to check schedules and game times so you don’t miss a matchup.
The Big One: Atlanta Hawks Schedule (NBA)
For most people, “Atlanta basketball” starts with the Atlanta Hawks, the city’s NBA team.
Where the Hawks Play
- Home arena: State Farm Arena
- Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Area: Downtown, next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CNN Center
State Farm Arena is accessible via MARTA (GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue/Green Line) and several nearby parking decks.
When the Hawks Play
The NBA regular season typically runs from October through April, with playoffs extending into May and June if the team qualifies.
Typical pattern:
- Preseason: Early to mid-October
- Regular season: 82 games total, roughly half at home in Atlanta
- Game days: Often Wednesday, Friday, and weekend evenings, with some weekday and nationally televised games mixed in
- Start times: Most home games tip off in the evening, often around 7:30 p.m. local time, with some weekend matinees
Because specific dates and times change each season, the most accurate schedule is always the official Hawks game calendar, which is usually posted well before the season starts and updated as needed.
What the Hawks Schedule Typically Includes
On the official schedule, you’ll usually see:
- Date and time of each game
- Home vs. away indicator
- Opponent
- Arena name
- Broadcast info (local TV, national TV)
- Notes about special events (themed nights, giveaways, etc.)
If you’re in or visiting Atlanta, it’s helpful to look at:
- Clumps of home games: Great for choosing a weekend to go downtown
- Back-to-back games: If you plan to follow multiple games in a row, factor in travel and late finishes
- Holiday games: The Hawks often play around major holidays, which can be popular and busier
Atlanta Dream Schedule (WNBA)
Atlanta’s WNBA team, the Atlanta Dream, offers high-level women’s professional basketball and has a dedicated local following.
Where the Dream Play
- Home arena: Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
- Address: 2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
This venue is near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and accessible via MARTA’s Airport Station, then shuttle or rideshare to the arena area.
When the Dream Play
The WNBA season typically runs from May through September.
You can usually expect:
- Regular season schedule: Announced before the season starts, with a mix of weekday and weekend games
- Evening tip-offs: Many games start in the early evening to accommodate work schedules
- Occasional afternoon games, especially on weekends or for special events
Just like with the Hawks, the Dream’s official schedule shows home and away games, times, and opponents, and is updated if games are moved or rescheduled.
College Basketball Schedules in Atlanta
Atlanta is also home to several college basketball programs, each with its own schedule and game-day traditions. These can be easier to access, more affordable, and a great way to experience local basketball culture.
Major Programs in and Around Atlanta
1. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (NCAA Division I)
- Home arena: McCamish Pavilion
- Address: 965 Fowler Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
- Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
- Season: November through March (plus conference tournaments if qualified)
The Georgia Tech men’s and women’s teams both play home games here. Schedules typically include:
- Non-conference games in November and December
- ACC conference play starting in late December or January
2. Georgia State Panthers (NCAA Division I)
- Home arena: GSU Convocation Center
- Address: 455 Capitol Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Conference: Sun Belt (subject to conference shifts over time)
- Season: Similar to other NCAA programs, November through March
3. Local Colleges and Universities
Smaller schools also have basketball schedules that may be of interest, especially if you live near campus or support local programs:
- Morehouse College (men’s basketball)
- Clark Atlanta University (men’s and women’s teams)
- Spelman College (club/recreational focus; programming can vary)
- Oglethorpe University (men’s and women’s basketball, NCAA Division III)
Each institution maintains its own season calendar with home and away games, usually posted before the season and updated mid-year.
Atlanta Hawks G League & Developmental Basketball
Professional men’s basketball in the area isn’t just the NBA team. The Hawks also have a G League affiliate that focuses on player development and offers a more intimate game experience.
G League in the Atlanta Area
- Historically branded as the College Park Skyhawks
- Home venue: Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
- Season: Typically runs from November through March/April, overlapping with the NBA season
Games often feature:
- Smaller arena environment
- Lower ticket prices vs. NBA games
- Family-friendly scheduling with many evening and weekend games
The G League schedule follows a similar pattern to the NBA, with a mix of home and away contests across a structured league calendar.
Youth, High School, and Recreational Basketball in Atlanta
If you’re less interested in watching pros and more interested in playing or supporting local teams, Atlanta has a full slate of youth, school, and recreational basketball schedules.
High School Basketball in Atlanta
High school basketball in and around Atlanta is coordinated through regional school systems and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). Seasons typically run:
- Tryouts/conditioning: Fall
- Regular season:November through February
- Playoffs and state tournaments: Late winter into early spring
Key areas to look for schedules:
- Atlanta Public Schools (APS) athletics pages
- Suburban districts like DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Fulton, and Clayton
- Individual high school athletics departments
Most schools post:
- Full season schedules with home/away notations
- Tip-off times
- Directions or campus maps for visitors
Recreation & Community League Schedules
Many Atlanta residents play in recreational leagues organized by city and county parks departments, churches, and private facilities.
Common providers include:
- City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
- YMCA of Metro Atlanta branches
- County recreation departments (DeKalb, Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett)
Typical rec schedules:
- Youth winter leagues: Practices start in late fall, games December–February
- Adult leagues: Offered in multiple sessions year-round, often on weeknights
- Game nights and times vary by age group and league format
Leagues usually share:
- Team-specific schedules
- Playoff brackets when applicable
- Gym locations and simple rules overviews
Typical Basketball Seasons in Atlanta at a Glance
Below is a general seasonal overview. Exact dates change year to year, but this gives a sense of when basketball is active in Atlanta.
| Level / League | Typical Season Window | Main Venues in / near Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| NBA – Atlanta Hawks | October – April (playoffs into May/June) | State Farm Arena, Downtown Atlanta |
| WNBA – Atlanta Dream | May – September | Gateway Center Arena @ College Park |
| G League (Hawks affiliate) | November – March/April | Gateway Center Arena @ College Park |
| NCAA Division I (Ga Tech, GSU) | November – March | McCamish Pavilion, GSU Convocation Center |
| Other Colleges (DII/DIII/NAIA) | November – March | Various campus gyms across the Atlanta area |
| High School (GHSA) | November – February/March | High school gyms across Metro Atlanta |
| Youth Rec Leagues | Winter primary, plus some spring/summer | City and county recreation centers |
| Adult Rec / Pickup | Year-round, by session | Parks & rec centers, YMCA, private gyms |
Use this table to narrow down what kind of schedule you’re actually looking for—pro, college, youth, or recreational—and then check the most relevant local source.
How to Check Today’s Basketball Schedule in Atlanta
If your goal is to know “Who’s playing today in Atlanta?”, a simple process helps you find accurate, up-to-date schedules.
1. Decide Which Level You Care About
Ask yourself:
- Are you looking for pro games (Hawks, Dream, G League)?
- College matchups near Midtown or downtown?
- High school or youth games in your neighborhood?
- A league you or your child plays in?
That narrows down where to look.
2. Use the Most Direct Official Source
While this guide can’t link out, the best schedule information usually comes from:
- The team’s official website or team app
- The league’s official website (NBA, WNBA, G League, NCAA, GHSA, etc.)
- School or parks & recreation pages for youth and high school games
These sources are most likely to reflect:
- Rescheduled games
- Weather-related changes (for local leagues)
- Updated start times and special events
3. Pay Attention to Time Zones and Locations
Most Atlanta schedules will list times in Eastern Time, but if you’re checking while traveling or looking at national broadcasts, confirm you’re seeing the time in local Atlanta time.
Also note:
- Home vs. away: “Atlanta” on the schedule doesn’t always mean the game is played in Atlanta; check the arena name and city.
- Downtown vs. suburbs: Youth and high school games may be in neighboring counties, so double-check the gym address.
Practical Tips for Attending Games in Atlanta
If you’re planning to go to a game in person, Atlanta’s traffic and layout are important factors.
Getting to Pro and College Arenas
State Farm Arena (Hawks):
- MARTA is often the easiest; use the GWCC/CNN Center Station.
- If driving, plan time for downtown traffic and parking decks.
Gateway Center Arena (Dream, G League):
- Near the airport; consider MARTA to the Airport Station plus a shuttle or rideshare.
- Many visitors plan an extra time buffer due to airport-area congestion.
McCamish Pavilion (Georgia Tech):
- Located in Midtown; reachable via MARTA Arts Center or Midtown stations plus a short walk, ride, or campus shuttle.
- Be mindful of Tech home football or other campus events that may affect parking.
GSU Convocation Center (Georgia State):
- South of downtown; close to I-20 and Capitol Avenue with multiple parking options.
- Public transit access is possible via nearby MARTA stations with a short walk.
Local Considerations
- Traffic spikes: Weeknight games can overlap with evening rush hour; aim to arrive early.
- Weather: Winter and early spring games sometimes coincide with heavy rain or occasional cold snaps; give extra travel time.
- Security and bag policies: Most major venues have metal detectors and bag size limits, so light packing speeds up entry.
If You Want to Play Instead of Watch
If your interest in the “Atlanta basketball schedule” is about when and where you can actually play, the city offers:
- Drop-in pickup times at:
- City of Atlanta recreation centers
- County recreation centers and gymnasiums
- Some YMCAs and private gyms
- Organized adult leagues with scheduled seasons, usually:
- 6–10 week sessions plus playoffs
- Set game nights (e.g., Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday)
Recreation departments and gyms typically post session start dates, game nights, and registration deadlines on their own schedules, which are updated seasonally.
By focusing on the level of play you’re interested in—NBA, WNBA, G League, college, high school, youth, or rec—you can quickly find the specific Atlanta basketball schedule that matters to you, then plan your viewing, travel, or playing time around Atlanta’s busy, year-round hoops calendar.
