Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta, GA: What It Is Today and How to Visit

If you search for “Georgia State Stadium Atlanta GA”, you’re almost certainly looking for what locals now know as Center Parc Credit Union Stadium—the football stadium on the south side of downtown that serves as the home field for Georgia State University (GSU) Panthers football.

This venue has a unique Atlanta story: it started life as Centennial Olympic Stadium in 1996, became Turner Field for the Atlanta Braves, and was later transformed into a college football stadium for GSU.

Below is a clear, local-focused guide to understanding the stadium, what happens there now, how to get there, and what to expect when you go.

Where Is “Georgia State Stadium” in Atlanta?

Current name: Center Parc Credit Union Stadium
Common older names: Georgia State Stadium, Turner Field
Address:
Center Parc Credit Union Stadium
755 Hank Aaron Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

The stadium sits in the Summerhill area, just southeast of downtown Atlanta, very close to the connector (I-75/I-85). It’s next to the former Turner Field parking lots and within a short drive of:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Georgia State University’s main campus
• Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta
• The Georgia State Capitol

Locals still frequently call it “Georgia State Stadium” or even “Turner Field,” so don’t be surprised if you hear all three names used interchangeably.

Quick Snapshot: Georgia State Stadium Today

A Brief History: From Olympic Stadium to Georgia State Football

Understanding Georgia State Stadium means understanding its Atlanta history:

Olympic Roots

• Built as Centennial Olympic Stadium for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
• Hosted track and field events and the closing ceremony.

Turner Field Era (Atlanta Braves)

• After the Olympics, the structure was reconfigured into Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves from 1997 through 2016.
• Many longtime Atlanta residents still associate the site with Braves baseball.

Georgia State University Transformation

• When the Braves moved to a new ballpark, Georgia State University purchased and converted Turner Field into a football stadium.
• The stadium reopened for the GSU Panthers football program and was widely referred to as Georgia State Stadium.
• A naming rights agreement later gave it the current name Center Parc Credit Union Stadium, but “Georgia State Stadium” is still a very common term.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, the site is a good example of how the city has reused major sports infrastructure instead of abandoning it.

What Happens at Georgia State Stadium Now?

Georgia State Panthers Football

The main tenant is Georgia State University Panthers football, a Division I FBS program.

• Season: Typically runs from late August or early September through November (with possible postseason play).
• Game days: The area around the stadium fills with tailgating, students, alumni, and visiting fans.
• Atmosphere: More intimate than a huge NFL stadium, but still a full college football environment with marching bands and student sections.

If you’re in Atlanta during football season, a Panthers game offers:

• A local college sports experience
• A view of how the old Olympic/Braves site has been repurposed
• A more budget-friendly alternative to some larger pro events

High School Games and Special Events

The stadium is also used for:

• High school football games and championships
• Graduation ceremonies
• Community events and occasional special programming

Event schedules change from year to year, so it’s best to check Georgia State University’s official athletics or event information when planning a visit.

Getting to Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta

Driving and Parking

The stadium is easily accessible from major Atlanta highways.

Nearby highways:

• I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector): Use exits near Williams St, Fulton St, or Memorial Dr, depending on event maps.
• I-20: Connects from the east and west; you can cut over to the stadium via Boulevard SE or Capitol Ave to Hank Aaron Dr.

Parking basics:

• The stadium is surrounded by multiple surface lots and decks, many of which were originally Braves parking areas.
• For GSU football games and major events, lots are usually designated by letter or number, with posted event maps.
• Prepaid or pre-permitted parking may be required for some lots on busy game days.
• On non-event days, some lots may be used for GSU parking or remain closed to general public parking.

If you live in Atlanta, it can be worth checking GSU parking and transportation information for details on:

• Lot locations
• Pricing (if applicable)
• Which entrances to use

MARTA and Public Transit

You can reach the Georgia State Stadium area by MARTA (Atlanta’s rail and bus system), though it typically involves at least a short walk or bus ride.

Common approaches include:

• MARTA Rail to Five Points or Georgia State Station, then:
  • Walking south (longer walk, better for those comfortable with urban walking), or
  • Transferring to a bus route serving the Summerhill/Capitol/South Atlanta area.

Keep in mind:

• On game days, additional shuttle or bus services may run between campus and the stadium for students.
• Service patterns can change, so check MARTA’s current route and schedule information before you go.

Walking and Rideshare

From downtown or the Georgia State campus:

• The stadium is walkable for many people, especially from the main GSU campus, though it’s a longer, urban walk.
• Rideshare services often have designated or informal pickup and drop-off zones near the stadium on event days. Traffic may be heavier right around kickoff and at the end of events.

What the Area Around the Stadium Is Like

The stadium sits in the Summerhill neighborhood, an area that has been undergoing redevelopment since the Braves left Turner Field.

Nearby you’ll find:

• Restaurants and bars along Georgia Avenue SE
• New apartments and mixed-use projects
• Other GSU athletic and academic facilities in the broader area

For Atlanta residents, this part of town has become a mix of:

• Longstanding residential blocks
• New development tied to GSU expansion and private investment
• Game-day activity during football season

If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s a good idea to:

• Arrive a bit early to explore the nearby food options
• Pay attention to event-day street closures or traffic controls

Seating, Layout, and Accessibility

Stadium Layout

Because the structure was originally built for the Olympics and then used for baseball, the current football stadium layout is a reuse of a much larger shell. As a result, you’ll see:

• A horseshoe-shaped seating bowl
• Some sections closer to the field than you might expect from a former baseball stadium
• Certain areas repurposed as club spaces, press areas, or event venues

Seating capacity is generally in the mid-20,000s for football, which is sizable but smaller than an NFL stadium like the Georgia Dome once was or Mercedes-Benz Stadium is now.

Accessibility Considerations

Georgia State Stadium includes:

• Accessible seating areas distributed around the bowl
• Elevators and ramps to key seating levels
• Clearly marked accessible entrances

If you or someone in your party needs accessible parking or seating, it is best to:

• Review the event or game-day information for accessibility details
• Arrive a bit early to allow time for parking and navigating into the stadium

Tickets, Hours, and When to Go

Tickets for GSU Football

Tickets for Georgia State football games are typically available through GSU’s official athletics channels and may include:

• Season tickets
• Single-game tickets
• Student tickets (for enrolled Georgia State students)
• Group packages for certain games

Prices and availability depend on the opponent, time of season, and seat location.

Non-Game Days

On non-event days:

• The stadium itself is not typically open for unscheduled public tours.
• The surrounding area, including parking lots and streets, is still accessible, but interior access to seating, locker rooms, and concourses is generally restricted.

If you’re specifically interested in tours or facility access, you can contact:

Georgia State University Athletics
Main campus area, downtown Atlanta
Phone (general athletics information, often listed by the university): typically searchable under “Georgia State Athletics”
They can direct you to the most current information on stadium access, special events, or visits.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Here are some practical, local-focused tips if you’re planning to spend time at “Georgia State Stadium” in Atlanta:

• Plan your route around traffic: On event days, expect heavier traffic near the Downtown Connector and the streets feeding into Hank Aaron Dr SE.
• Arrive early for food and atmosphere: Summerhill’s nearby restaurants and bars can get busy; arriving early gives you more options and less stress.
• Check the event calendar first: The stadium is not active every day. Confirm there’s a game or event if you’re planning a dedicated trip.
• Use MARTA if you prefer to avoid parking: Rail plus a short bus ride or walk can be easier than driving and parking, especially for evening events.
• Remember the naming confusion: When you see or hear “Georgia State Stadium,” “Center Parc Stadium,” or “Turner Field,” you’re usually talking about the same physical location.

Key Takeaways for “Georgia State Stadium Atlanta GA”

• “Georgia State Stadium” refers to the Georgia State University football stadium in Atlanta, now officially called Center Parc Credit Union Stadium.
• It is located at 755 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, in the Summerhill area, just southeast of downtown.
• The site has a notable Atlanta history, evolving from Olympic Stadium to Turner Field to today’s GSU football venue.
• The stadium hosts Georgia State Panthers football games, high school events, graduations, and community activities.
• Atlanta residents and visitors can reach it by car, MARTA (with bus/walk), rideshare, or on foot from nearby areas, especially the GSU campus.
• For current schedules, parking rules, and ticketing, the best source is Georgia State University’s official athletics and event information.