Clark Atlanta Panthers: Your Guide to Clark Atlanta University Athletics in Atlanta

The Clark Atlanta Panthers are one of Atlanta’s most recognizable college sports programs, representing Clark Atlanta University (CAU), a historically Black university located in the heart of the city. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a weekend, or are exploring local college sports, CAU athletics offer a rich mix of history, culture, and competitive action.

This guide walks you through who the Panthers are, where they play, how to attend games, and what to expect from the game-day experience in Atlanta.

Where Clark Atlanta University Is in Atlanta

Clark Atlanta University is part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC), a consortium of historically Black colleges and universities just west of Downtown.

Campus location (main address):
Clark Atlanta University
223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

The AUC area sits near key Atlanta landmarks like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the West End neighborhood, and is a short drive or rideshare from Downtown and Midtown. For many Atlantans, it’s an easy trip via major roads such as Northside Drive, I-20, and I-85/75.

Who Are the Clark Atlanta Panthers?

The Clark Atlanta Panthers are the athletic teams that represent Clark Atlanta University in NCAA Division II. They compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), a conference made up largely of historically Black colleges and universities across the Southeast.

Key things to know

• Level of play: NCAA Division II
• Conference: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
• Mascot: Panthers
• Colors: Typically red, black, and gray
• Location advantage: Games are played right in the city, making them accessible for Atlanta residents and visitors who want to experience local college sports without driving far out of town.

Atlanta sports fans often follow the Panthers not just for the competition, but for the band, cheer squads, and the strong HBCU game-day culture that surrounds events, especially in football and basketball.

Major Clark Atlanta Panthers Sports

Clark Atlanta offers several men’s and women’s sports. If you’re in Atlanta looking for live games, these are the main programs to know.

Football

CAU Panthers football is a central part of fall sports culture in Atlanta’s Westside.

• Home field: CAU Panther Stadium (on CAU campus)
• Season: Primarily runs from early fall through late fall
• Conference games: Often feature matchups with other SIAC schools, including nearby or regional HBCUs

Football games are popular community events, often with:

• Marching band performances
• Halftime shows
• Tailgating-style gatherings in and around campus

If you want to experience HBCU football culture without leaving the city, a Panthers home game is a convenient option.

Men’s and Women’s Basketball

Men’s and women’s Panthers basketball teams typically play on campus in an indoor arena/gym setting.

• Season: Generally from late fall through early spring
• Atmosphere: Lively, with music, student sections, and a close-up view of the game

For Atlanta residents, CAU basketball can be a more affordable and accessible alternative to large professional games, while still offering a high level of skill and excitement.

Other Sports

Clark Atlanta also fields teams in several other sports, which may include:

• Volleyball
• Track and field / Cross country
• Tennis
• Softball
• Cheer and dance teams (supporting athletics and events)

Availability and lineups can change over time, so if you are planning around a specific sport, it’s practical to check CAU’s current athletics schedule before heading out.

Where Clark Atlanta Panthers Play in Atlanta

Almost all Panthers home events are hosted on or very near the Clark Atlanta campus, which is convenient if you’re already in the city.

Typical on-campus venues

While specific facility names and entrances may vary, you’ll generally find:

For directions and parking, most visitors use the main campus address and then follow on-site signage or campus maps to specific facilities.

Attending a Clark Atlanta Panthers Game

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, attending a Panthers game is a straightforward way to enjoy local sports and support a historic institution.

How to get there

By car:

• CAU is easily accessible from I-20, I-75, and I-85.
• Many visitors enter through surface streets such as Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW, Northside Drive NW, or Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW.
• Parking is often available in campus lots or nearby areas, though availability and cost can vary by event (especially for football and major basketball games).

By MARTA:

• The nearest MARTA rail stations are generally Ashby Station and West End Station (both on the Red/Gold lines for West End and the Blue/Green lines for Ashby).
• From the station, many fans use walking routes, buses, or rideshare to reach campus.

Checking MARTA’s current schedules and route maps before a game is useful, especially for night games or weekend events.

Tickets and entry

Ticketing can vary by sport and opponent, but generally:

• Football and basketball usually require paid tickets.
• Some smaller sports may have free or low-cost entry, depending on the event.

If you plan to attend:

• 🎟️ Check game details in advance – times, opponent, and whether tickets are needed.
• 🧾 Bring ID – especially for student/faculty discounts or will-call pickup.
• ⏰ Arrive early – to find parking, get seats, and enjoy pre-game atmosphere.

The HBCU Game-Day Experience at Clark Atlanta

Many people in Atlanta seek out Clark Atlanta Panthers events not just for the score, but for the overall experience.

What makes it special

• Marching band and music: The band and drumline often set the tone at football and some basketball games.
• Cheer and dance teams: Performances throughout the game and at breaks.
• Community presence: Alumni, current students, local families, and visitors often gather, creating a strong sense of community and tradition.
• Tailgating and socializing: On bigger football days, the areas around campus often become lively spots for food, music, and social connection.

For visitors who are new to HBCU culture, a Panthers home game can be an eye-opening and memorable introduction.

Clark Atlanta Panthers and the Atlanta Sports Landscape

Atlanta is home to multiple major teams and colleges, and the Panthers are a key part of that ecosystem.

How the Panthers fit in

• Local pride: As part of the Atlanta University Center, Clark Atlanta shares the area with Spelman College and Morehouse College, making the neighborhood a major hub of Black academic and athletic life.
• Rivalries: Games against nearby HBCUs, especially other SIAC schools, often draw strong interest from alumni and local fans.
• Accessibility: For many in the city, CAU games are easier to reach than suburban college campuses, with shorter drives and public transit options.

If you’re an Atlanta sports fan, adding CAU games to your rotation can give you a different flavor of competition and culture from the city’s professional teams.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Here are practical tips if you’re planning to follow or attend Clark Atlanta Panthers games in the city:

• Plan around traffic: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially near Downtown and major highways. Leaving early for weeknight games helps.
• Check campus event calendars: The campus often hosts other events that may impact parking and crowds.
• Consider day vs. night games: Night games offer a different atmosphere and may fit better if you’re juggling work or sightseeing.
• Explore the neighborhood: The surrounding West End and AUC area have historic sites, local restaurants, and cultural landmarks you can visit before or after games.

How to Stay Updated on Clark Atlanta Panthers Athletics

If you want to follow the Panthers while in Atlanta:

• Look up Clark Atlanta University Athletics schedules before you go.
• Note game times, opponent, venue, and ticket details.
• For specific questions, you can contact the university’s main switchboard and ask to be directed to the athletics department:

Clark Atlanta University – Main Phone:
(404) 880-8000

Staff can typically point you toward current information on game schedules, ticketing, and campus visitor guidance.

Living in or visiting Atlanta gives you direct access to Clark Atlanta Panthers sports, from packed football Saturdays to energized basketball nights. If you’re interested in local college athletics, HBCU culture, or simply an affordable, community-centered sports outing, CAU’s campus on the city’s Westside is a strong option to put on your Atlanta list.