Kennesaw State Owls Football at Fifth Third Bank Stadium: An Atlanta Fan’s Guide

Catching a Kennesaw State Owls football game at Fifth Third Bank Stadium is one of the easiest ways for Atlanta sports fans to enjoy live college football without driving hours out of town. The stadium is just up I‑75 in Kennesaw, close enough for a quick day trip yet big enough to feel like a true game-day experience.

This guide walks you through what Atlanta-area fans need to know: how to get there, what the stadium is like, how tickets work, where to park, and how to make the most of game day.

Where Fifth Third Bank Stadium Is and Why It Matters to Atlanta Fans

Fifth Third Bank Stadium
Kennesaw State University
3200 George Busbee Parkway NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

The stadium sits on the northeast side of the KSU campus near Interstate 75, about:

• 25–35 minutes from Downtown Atlanta in light traffic
• 30–45 minutes from Midtown/Buckhead
• 45–60+ minutes from the Southside or Eastside during busy times

For Atlanta residents, KSU football offers:

• A short drive compared to many other college towns
• A more affordable, family-friendly alternative to big Power Five programs
• A chance to see a growing program in a modern, well-kept stadium

The Kennesaw State Owls Football Experience

Level of play and style

Kennesaw State football has built a reputation as a competitive, fast-paced program. The Owls have traditionally run a run-focused offense, though schemes evolve as coaches and conferences change.

For Atlanta fans, that means:

• You’ll see disciplined, hard-hitting football without NFL‑level ticket prices
• Many players come from Georgia high school programs, including metro Atlanta, making it easy to root for local talent

Stadium size and vibe

Fifth Third Bank Stadium is a mid-sized college stadium, large enough to feel energetic but small enough that:

• Most seats have good field views
• You can often get closer to the action than at major FBS stadiums
• The atmosphere is loud but generally family-friendly

Expect:

• Marching band performances
• Student section energy, especially near midfield
• Traditional college football pageantry (fight songs, chants, and spirit squads)

Getting from Atlanta to Fifth Third Bank Stadium

Driving from different parts of Atlanta

Most fans drive. The two main approaches are:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  • Take I‑75 North toward Marietta/Chattanooga
  • Exit near Chastain Road or Barrett Parkway, then follow game-day signs to KSU and the stadium
• From East Atlanta / Decatur / I‑20 East corridor:
  • Connect to the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), then head I‑75 North and follow similar exits
• From Southside / Hartsfield–Jackson area:
  • Go north on I‑75 through Downtown and continue to Kennesaw

🕒 Traffic tip: On Saturday afternoons and evenings in football season, I‑75 through Cobb County can be slow, especially if there are events at Truist Park or in Marietta. Give yourself at least an extra 30–45 minutes on top of the normal drive.

Parking options for Owls home games

On game days, KSU uses a mix of campus lots, decks, and designated event parking. Patterns can change, but common options include:

• On-campus decks and surface lots within walking distance of the stadium
• Designated game-day parking zones, sometimes requiring pre-purchased passes
• Accessible parking spaces for fans with state-issued disability placards or plates

General advice for Atlanta visitors:

• Buy parking in advance when possible; event parking at the gate can sell out or cost more
• Pay close attention to KSU game-day maps and signs once you exit I‑75—some campus roads become one-way or restricted on game days
• If you’re coming from in-town Atlanta, consider arriving early and grabbing a meal in Kennesaw before kickoff to avoid the rush

Public Transit and Rideshare from Atlanta

MARTA and bus connections

There is no direct MARTA rail service to Kennesaw or Fifth Third Bank Stadium. However, some fans piece together a transit + rideshare approach:

• Take MARTA rail from your Atlanta-area station to Arts Center Station (Midtown) or Civic Center / North Ave
• From there, use rideshare (or carpool) up I‑75 to the stadium

This can reduce parking stress if you’re staying in a walkable in-town neighborhood near a MARTA station.

Rideshare tips

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.) is common from Atlanta to Kennesaw:

• A one-way trip from Midtown Atlanta is usually 25–35 minutes in light traffic
• Prices can spike after the game, especially if many fans order rides at once

To make it smoother:

• Set your pickup point slightly away from the main entrance to avoid congestion
• Coordinate with your driver on a post-game meetup location, such as a nearby campus building or lot where traffic is flowing

Tickets: How Atlanta Fans Can Get Into the Game

Ways to buy KSU football tickets

Most Atlanta fans use one of three main options:

• Official KSU athletics ticket office
• Online ticketing platforms (through KSU’s official partner)
• Box office on game day, when available and not sold out

It’s common for non-conference or early-season games to have more availability, while big rivalry or homecoming games sell more quickly.

Typical ticket categories

While specific games vary, you’ll often see:

• Reserved sideline seats: Best views, priced higher
• End zone or corner seats: More affordable, still solid sightlines in a mid-sized stadium
• Student section: Reserved for KSU students with valid ID
• Premium or club areas: Limited, may include chairback seats or extras

For many Atlanta families, KSU games are attractive because entry-level ticket prices are often lower than major FBS programs, making it easier to bring kids or attend multiple games per season.

Seating and Stadium Layout: Picking the Right Spot

Fifth Third Bank Stadium is designed to keep fans close to the field. When choosing seats, consider:

Sideline vs. end zone

• Sideline seats
  • Best for seeing plays develop and following the ball
  • Closer to the team benches and coaching action
• End zone/corner seats
  • Great for goal-line stands and red-zone plays
  • Often more affordable

Sun, shade, and weather

Games early in the season can be warm or hot, even for Atlantans used to summer heat. To stay comfortable:

• Look at the kickoff time; afternoon games may have more sun exposure
• Check which sections typically face or avoid the direct sun (this can matter for young kids or older relatives)
• Bring hat, sunglasses, and light layers; evenings in late fall can cool down quickly

What It’s Like Inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium

Concessions and food options

You can expect:

• Traditional stadium fare: hot dogs, burgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn
• Soft drinks, water, and some specialty beverages depending on the event’s policies
• Chain or local vendors may appear depending on the game and season

Prices are similar to other college venues in Georgia. Fans from Atlanta often describe food options as straightforward and convenient, but it’s common to eat a larger meal before or after the game in nearby Kennesaw.

Restrooms and accessibility

The stadium is relatively modern, with:

• Multiple restroom locations throughout concourse areas
• Designated accessible seating and routes for fans with mobility concerns
• Elevator access for certain seating areas

If anyone in your group has accessibility needs, it’s wise to:

• Check stadium accessibility information in advance
• Arrive early to allow time for finding designated entry points and seating sections

Tailgating and Pre-Game Options for Atlanta Fans

Tailgating on or near campus

KSU typically allows tailgating in designated campus lots on football game days, with rules about:

• Start and end times
• Use of grills, tents, and generators
• Alcohol policies and glass containers

Fans from Atlanta often:

• Drive up 2–3 hours before kickoff to set up a simple tailgate
• Join friends or alumni groups who maintain regular spots in certain lots

Because campus and tailgating rules can change, it’s best to review KSU’s current game-day and tailgating policies before you bring large setups.

Eating in Kennesaw before or after the game

If you prefer a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options near:

• Barrett Parkway
• Chastain Road
• The KSU campus commercial areas

These areas offer many familiar chain restaurants and local spots, making it easy to pair the game with lunch or dinner before heading back to Atlanta.

Game-Day Policies Every Atlanta Visitor Should Know

Policies can be updated, but these areas are consistently important:

Clear bag policy and security

Most college stadiums in Georgia use a clear bag policy, usually allowing:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to a certain size
• Small clutch or wallet-sized bags

Non-clear backpacks and large purses are often not allowed. Plan to bring:

• A clear bag for your essentials
• Only what you truly need—phone, keys, wallet, small umbrella or poncho, and basic personal items

Security typically includes bag checks and metal detectors at entry points.

Prohibited items

Commonly restricted items include:

• Weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon
• Glass containers
• Large coolers or hard-sided containers
• Drones and unauthorized recording equipment
• Outside alcohol (and sometimes all outside food and drink)

Check current event information to avoid having to walk things back to your car.

Quick Reference for Atlanta Fans

Here’s a simplified snapshot to help you plan:

Tips for Different Types of Atlanta Fans

For families with kids

• Choose earlier kickoffs if you’re concerned about late nights
• Sit a bit away from the student section for a calmer environment
• Bring ear protection for younger children; bands and PA systems can be loud

For Atlanta alumni and groups

• Coordinate a carpool or van from a central in-town meeting point
• Reserve group ticket blocks when possible to sit together
• Consider a regular tailgate spot at KSU if you plan to attend multiple games

For visitors staying in Atlanta hotels

• Ask your hotel in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead about the best time to leave for a Saturday game to avoid the heaviest traffic
• If you don’t want to rent a car, plan on rideshare and confirm return plans with your driver or group

How KSU Football Fits into the Atlanta Sports Landscape

For metro Atlanta sports fans, Kennesaw State football is:

• Closer than many other college programs, especially for those in Cobb, Fulton, and DeKalb Counties
• A budget-friendlier live football option than pro games, particularly for larger families
• An easy way to enjoy college football traditions—bands, tailgates, and student sections—without leaving the metro area

Whether you’re a local football fan, a parent of a prospective student, or just looking for a different kind of sports Saturday, Fifth Third Bank Stadium gives you a full college game-day experience within a reasonable drive of nearly anywhere in Atlanta.