Georgia Tech Basketball at McCamish Pavilion: Your Atlanta Game Day Guide

Georgia Tech basketball is a big part of the sports scene in Atlanta, and McCamish Pavilion is right at the center of it. Whether you live in the city, work nearby in Midtown, or are visiting Atlanta and want a true local sports experience, a Yellow Jackets game is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to enjoy high-level college basketball.

This guide walks you through what to expect at McCamish Pavilion, how to get there, where to park, how tickets work, and how to make the most of game day in Atlanta.

Where McCamish Pavilion Is and What It’s Like

McCamish Pavilion is located on the Georgia Tech campus in Midtown Atlanta:

  • Address: 965 Fowler Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

It sits on the northeast side of campus, not far from North Avenue, 10th Street, and the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85). If you know where Atlantic Station or Tech Square is, you’re very close.

What Makes McCamish Pavilion Unique

Locals know McCamish as:

  • A modern, indoor basketball arena with good sightlines from almost every seat
  • The home of Georgia Tech men’s and women’s basketball
  • A venue that’s small enough to feel intimate but loud when the crowd gets going

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Bowl-style seating around the court
  • A large center-hung video board and ribbon boards
  • Concession stands on the main concourse
  • Student sections that bring a lot of energy, especially for ACC matchups

If you’re used to NBA arenas like State Farm Arena, McCamish will feel more compact and campus-centered, with more of a college atmosphere and student presence.

Georgia Tech Basketball: What You’ll See on the Court

McCamish Pavilion hosts:

  • Georgia Tech men’s basketball (ACC)
  • Georgia Tech women’s basketball (ACC)
  • Occasional exhibition games, early-season tournaments, and special events

Types of Games You Can Catch

You’ll typically see:

  • Non-conference games in November and December
  • ACC home games from late December through March
  • Rivalry games that usually draw bigger crowds (for example, traditional ACC powers)

Games range from early afternoon tips to evening starts, usually on weeknights and weekends throughout the season.

Getting Tickets for Georgia Tech Basketball in Atlanta

Where to Buy Tickets

For most fans, options include:

  • Georgia Tech Athletics Ticket Office
    • Location: Often associated with the McCamish Pavilion/Ticket Office on campus
    • Phone (commonly listed): 1‑888‑TECH‑TIX or a similar athletics ticket line
  • Authorized online ticket platforms linked through Georgia Tech Athletics

Many Atlanta residents also use mobile tickets, which are widely accepted and typically scanned from your phone at the entrance.

Types of Seats and Price Ranges

You’ll usually find:

  • Lower-bowl sideline seats – closer to the court, more expensive
  • Corner and baseline seats – good energy, often more affordable
  • Upper-level seats – budget-friendly, still decent views due to the arena’s size
  • Student section – reserved for Georgia Tech students

Pricing varies widely by:

  • Opponent (ACC vs non-conference)
  • Day of the week
  • Seat location

If you’re cost-conscious, weeknight non-conference games are often the most affordable.

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

  • Plan ahead for big games. High-profile ACC opponents and weekend games can sell out or jump in price.
  • Check for family or group offers. Some games feature special promotions or multi-ticket deals.
  • Use mobile entry. It’s widely used in Atlanta venues and tends to move lines faster.

Getting to McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta

One of the biggest advantages of Georgia Tech basketball is that Midtown is centrally located, with several ways to get to McCamish Pavilion.

Driving and Parking

McCamish Pavilion is close to major roads:

  • I‑75/85 (Downtown Connector) – Exit near 10th Street or 14th Street and navigate into campus
  • Nearby surface streets: North Avenue NW, 10th Street NW, Spring Street NW, Fowler Street NW

Parking Options

On game days, parking is usually available in and around Georgia Tech campus lots and decks, such as:

  • Campus parking decks near Fowler Street and 10th Street
  • Designated game-day parking areas within walking distance

Parking conditions can vary by opponent and day, but common patterns:

  • Weeknight games: Expect heavier traffic close to tipoff, especially from commuters leaving Midtown.
  • Weekend games: Easier drive, but popular matchups can still fill prime lots early.

Helpful tips:

  • 🅿️ Arrive 45–60 minutes early if you want easier parking and a relaxed walk in.
  • 🅿️ Bring a card or mobile payment; many campus lots are cashless.

MARTA and Other Transit

For those staying or living in Atlanta without a car, MARTA is a practical option:

  • Rail:
    • Midtown Station (Red/Gold Line) or North Avenue Station (Red/Gold Line)
    • From either station, you can walk, rideshare, or connect to local shuttles/buses toward campus.
  • Buses and Tech Trolley:
    • Georgia Tech often has internal shuttles, including routes connecting major campus areas to Tech Square and other points near Midtown. Schedules can shift, so checking same-day information is wise.

Transit tips:

  • 🚇 If you’re already near a MARTA line (Downtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, etc.), rail + short walk or rideshare is often faster than driving at rush hour.
  • 🚕 Rideshare services are commonplace around Midtown; be prepared for post-game surge pricing after high-demand games.

Game Day Experience Inside McCamish Pavilion

Entering the Arena

When you arrive:

  • Expect security screening (bag checks, metal detectors).
  • Small bags and clear bags are more likely to be allowed; large bags may be restricted.
  • Mobile ticket scanning at the main entrances off Fowler Street or nearby walkways.

Arriving 30–45 minutes early gives you time to:

  • Find your section
  • Visit concessions or restrooms
  • Watch warmups and pre-game traditions

Seating and Views

McCamish Pavilion is designed so that most seats feel fairly close to the floor.

  • Lower-level sideline: Best for those who want to see coaching strategy, benches, and detailed play.
  • Baselines: Good view of dunks and fast breaks, plus student energy.
  • Upper-level sideline: Often a great balance of price and view.

If you’re bringing kids, many families prefer:

  • Mid- to upper-level sideline seats for a wider, less intense view
  • Aisle seats to make restroom and snack trips easier

Concessions and Amenities

You’ll typically find:

  • Classic arena food: hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, nachos
  • Soft drinks and water
  • Selected other items depending on the event and stand

For Atlanta residents used to larger venues, offerings may feel a bit simpler but generally cover the basics for a two-hour game.

Accessibility:

  • McCamish Pavilion offers accessible seating areas and elevator access.
  • If someone in your group needs accommodations, it’s usually better to coordinate when purchasing tickets or contact the ticket office in advance.

Planning Around the Game: Midtown and Nearby Areas

One advantage of Georgia Tech basketball is how easily it fits into other Atlanta plans.

Dining and Pre-Game Options

Nearby areas with plenty of food choices include:

  • Midtown along Peachtree Street – Restaurants, cafes, and bars within a short drive or rideshare
  • Tech Square (around 5th Street NW) – Quick-service spots, coffee shops, and casual dining
  • Atlantic Station – Restaurants and shops a short drive or shuttle ride away

Common strategies:

  • Eat before weekday games to avoid rushing from work.
  • For weekend games, many fans grab brunch or a late lunch in Midtown before walking or driving to the arena.

Pairing the Game With Other Atlanta Attractions

Because McCamish Pavilion is central, you can easily combine a Georgia Tech basketball game with:

  • A stop at the Georgia Tech campus (campus strolls, views of Tech Tower)
  • Visits to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside Trail), or Colony Square
  • A quick trip to Downtown attractions earlier in the day, then heading to Midtown for the game

When to Arrive and How Long You’ll Be There

A typical college basketball game runs:

  • About 2 hours from tipoff to final buzzer, depending on timeouts, fouls, and halftime length.

Timeline for a stress-free outing:

  1. Arrive at parking or MARTA 45–60 minutes before tipoff.
  2. Enter the arena 30–45 minutes before tipoff.
  3. Expect to leave about 2–2.5 hours after your arrival time.

For late-evening weeknight games, consider:

  • MARTA schedules if you’re taking rail
  • Midtown traffic patterns and timing your exit

Quick-Reference Summary for Georgia Tech Basketball at McCamish Pavilion

TopicKey Details (Atlanta-Focused)
Venue NameMcCamish Pavilion
Address965 Fowler Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
NeighborhoodMidtown Atlanta, on the Georgia Tech campus
TeamsGeorgia Tech men’s and women’s basketball (ACC)
Typical SeasonNovember–March (regular season home games)
TicketsGeorgia Tech Athletics ticket office and approved online sources, heavy use of mobile
Getting There (Car)Near I‑75/85, access via 10th or 14th St; game-day campus parking lots and decks
Getting There (Transit)MARTA Red/Gold Line to Midtown or North Avenue, then walk/rideshare/shuttle as needed
Arrival TimeAim for 45–60 minutes early for easier parking and smoother entry
Game LengthAbout 2 hours from tipoff
Nearby AreasMidtown, Tech Square, Atlantic Station, Piedmont Park

Practical Tips for Atlanta Fans and Visitors

  • Check the opponent and start time before buying; this drives crowd size, cost, and traffic.
  • Consider MARTA if you live along the rail lines or are staying Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
  • Use mobile tickets and store them in your phone’s wallet app before arriving.
  • Dress in layers – the arena is climate-controlled, but outside walks in Atlanta can vary by season.
  • If you’re new to college sports, men’s and women’s games both offer strong competition and a more campus-centric atmosphere than pro events.

Watching Georgia Tech basketball at McCamish Pavilion is one of the more accessible ways to experience live sports in Atlanta, especially if you want something central, energetic, and distinctly tied to the city’s major public research university.