Morehouse College Maroon Tigers: Atlanta’s Proud HBCU Powerhouse in College Sports

The Morehouse College Maroon Tigers are one of Atlanta’s most recognizable college sports programs and a cornerstone of the city’s HBCU athletic culture. If you live in Atlanta, visit regularly, or are planning a trip around sports and campus life, understanding Morehouse athletics gives you a window into both the history and energy of the city’s Westside.

Below is a practical guide to who the Maroon Tigers are, where they play, what sports they offer, and how you can experience a game day in Atlanta.

Where Morehouse and the Maroon Tigers Fit into Atlanta

Morehouse College is a private, historically Black men’s college located in the heart of Atlanta’s West End, just southwest of downtown:

  • Address: Morehouse College, 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
  • Neighborhood: West End / Atlanta University Center (AUC)
  • Conference:SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
  • NCAA Level: Division II

The Maroon Tigers are Morehouse’s athletic teams. They’re an integral part of the Atlanta University Center, alongside Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morris Brown College. If you’re exploring the city’s HBCU culture, Maroon Tigers sports are one of the most visible touchpoints.

Major Maroon Tigers Sports You Can Watch in Atlanta

Morehouse sponsors several men’s varsity sports that play regular home games and meets in Atlanta. While offerings can change, some of the most prominent programs include:

Football

  • Home field:B.T. Harvey Stadium on the Morehouse campus
  • Typical season: Early September through November
  • Conference: SIAC

Football is one of the best ways to experience Atlanta HBCU game-day culture. You’ll see:

  • Student sections with chants and school songs
  • The Morehouse House of Funk Marching Band performing during breaks and halftime
  • Tailgating and alumni gatherings near the stadium

For Atlanta residents and visitors, a Saturday football game at B.T. Harvey is a classic fall activity, especially during conference matchups or rivalry games.

Basketball

  • Home court:Forbes Arena, Morehouse College campus
  • Typical season: November through late winter

Basketball games offer:

  • An indoor, family-friendly environment
  • Close-up seating where you can really follow the action
  • A lively, community feel with students, alumni, and local fans

If you’re staying downtown or in Midtown, Forbes Arena is only a short drive or rideshare away, making it an easy evening outing.

Track & Field / Cross Country

Morehouse also has a strong tradition in track and field and cross country:

  • Meets often take place in the Atlanta area or around the Southeast
  • Some events may be hosted at facilities shared within the Atlanta University Center or nearby colleges

These events tend to be less crowded than football or basketball, which can make them appealing if you prefer a more relaxed spectator experience.

Game Day Locations and What to Expect

Here’s a quick guide to the main Maroon Tigers venues in Atlanta and what they’re like for fans:

VenuePrimary Sport(s)Location ContextWhat It’s Like for Visitors
B.T. Harvey StadiumFootballOn campus in West End / AUCOpen-air stadium, tailgating nearby, band performances, Saturday crowds
Forbes ArenaBasketball, other indoor eventsOn campus, walking distance to other AUC schoolsIndoor seating, concessions, energetic student sections

Both venues are on the Morehouse campus, which is gated and monitored. Visitors typically enter through main campus entrances along Westview Drive SW or Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW and follow signage to event parking.

How to Get to a Maroon Tigers Game in Atlanta

By Car

Morehouse is near downtown Atlanta and accessible via major roads:

  • From Downtown Atlanta:
    • Head west toward Northside Dr NW, then continue onto Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW or Lee St SW toward the West End.
  • From I-20:
    • Take the Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW or Lee St / West End exit and follow signs to the Atlanta University Center.

Parking details can vary by sport and event, but you’ll often find:

  • On-campus lots designated for game days
  • Overflow parking in nearby AUC areas

Arriving 30–45 minutes before start time helps with finding parking and getting through any entry lines.

By MARTA

If you’d rather avoid driving:

  • Rail:
    • Take MARTA to West End Station (Red/Gold Line).
    • From there, you can walk or take a short rideshare to campus.
  • Bus:
    • MARTA bus routes serving the West End often pass near Westview Dr SW and the AUC.

This is a convenient option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport.

Tickets, Access, and Who Can Attend

Maroon Tigers games are generally open to the public, not just students or alumni.

Common approaches for attending:

  • General admission tickets sold at the gate on game day
  • Advance purchase options for higher-interest games or classics
  • Student and alumni sections that are clearly marked

Prices are usually more affordable than major Division I or professional events in Atlanta, which can make Morehouse athletics appealing for:

  • Families looking for a low-cost sports outing
  • Visitors who want an authentic HBCU sports experience
  • Locals who want to support college athletes in their community

For the most current ticketing details, game times, and any entry policies (like bag checks or prohibited items), check the Morehouse College Department of Athletics information before you go.

Rivalries and Special Games in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta University Center Rivalries

Within the AUC, some matchups draw especially strong interest, particularly:

  • Morehouse vs. Clark Atlanta University – Whether in football or basketball, this cross-campus rivalry adds a lot of excitement to the neighborhood.

These games can mean:

  • Bigger crowds and tighter parking
  • Extra pre-game and halftime activities
  • More alumni and community turnout

Planning ahead for these events is important if you’re driving or bringing a large group.

Classics and Neutral-Site Events

Morehouse occasionally participates in classic games or special matchups that may be:

  • Held in larger Atlanta venues
  • Promoted as regional HBCU showcases

For Atlanta sports fans, these games can be a chance to see Morehouse alongside other HBCUs in a festive, citywide atmosphere.

What Makes Morehouse Maroon Tigers Unique in Atlanta

A few things stand out about the Maroon Tigers within the city’s sports scene:

  • HBCU Heritage:
    Morehouse is one of the most well-known historically Black colleges in the country, and its athletic programs reflect that legacy through traditions, band culture, and game-day atmosphere.

  • All-Male Institution:
    Morehouse fields men’s teams only, which shapes the sports offerings and the campus dynamic. Women’s sports in the AUC are supported by neighboring institutions like Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University.

  • Community Presence:
    Home games often bring together students, faculty, alumni, and West End residents. If you’re new to the area, attending a Maroon Tigers game can be an easy way to connect with the local community.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Attending a Game

Here are some practical pointers if you’re planning your first Maroon Tigers outing:

  • Check the schedule early:
    Look up home games for the season you’re interested in—football in fall, basketball in winter, and track or cross country throughout the year.

  • Plan your route:

    • If you’re staying near Downtown, Midtown, or the Airport, map out your MARTA or driving route in advance.
    • Leave extra time when the Falcons, Hawks, or another major Atlanta event is also scheduled.
  • Expect security screening:
    Like most college venues, you may encounter bag checks or specific entry guidelines. Minimal bags and early arrival make entry smoother.

  • Bring sun or weather protection:

    • For football at B.T. Harvey Stadium, prepare for Atlanta’s heat and humidity early in the season and colder evenings later in the fall.
    • For basketball at Forbes Arena, conditions are indoors and climate-controlled.
  • Explore the neighborhood:
    Before or after a game, consider spending some time in the West End or walking the wider Atlanta University Center area to see more of campus life.

How the Maroon Tigers Fit into Atlanta’s Broader Sports Landscape

Atlanta is known for professional teams like the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, Dream, and Atlanta United, but Morehouse adds a different dimension:

  • Accessibility: Smaller venues and lower ticket costs can be more approachable for families or casual fans.
  • Culture: HBCU traditions—marching bands, Greek life presence, alumni engagement—create a distinct environment you won’t find at every college or pro game.
  • Education + Athletics: For people considering colleges in or near Atlanta, seeing the Maroon Tigers play gives insight into student life at Morehouse and the Atlanta University Center overall.

For locals, the Maroon Tigers are part of the fabric of Westside Atlanta. For visitors, they offer a way to experience authentic, community-based college sports just a few minutes from the city’s main attractions.

If you’re in Atlanta and want to experience meaningful, high-energy college athletics with deep roots in the city’s history, catching a Morehouse College Maroon Tigers game is one of the most direct and rewarding ways to do it.