Truist Atlanta Open (ATP 250): Your Guide to Atlanta’s Pro Tennis Tournament

The Truist Atlanta Open is Atlanta’s signature men’s professional tennis event and part of the ATP 250 tour. It brings world-class players, packed stands, and a festival-style atmosphere to the city each summer. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or just trying to understand how the tournament works here, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to make the most of it.

What Is the Truist Atlanta Open (ATP 250)?

The Truist Atlanta Open is a men’s professional tennis tournament on the ATP Tour 250 level, typically held in late July in Atlanta.

Key basics:

• Surface: Hard court (outdoor)
• Tour Level: ATP 250 (a mid-level tournament where players earn valuable ranking points)
• Format: Singles and doubles draws
• Timing: Usually just after Wimbledon and before the North American hard-court season peaks

For Atlanta, the tournament is more than just tennis—it’s:

• A summer sports highlight comparable in visibility to other big local events
• A chance to see top-50 and rising ATP pros without leaving the city
• A mix of matches, local food, music, family activities, and sponsor tents

Where the Atlanta Open Is Played

Over its recent history, the event has most commonly been held at a temporary tennis stadium complex built in a central part of Atlanta, often near major landmarks, restaurants, and hotels. The exact site can change, but it’s typically:

• In central or north Atlanta, close to major highways
• Near MARTA access or easy ride-share pick-up points
• Surrounded by places to eat and hang out before or after matches

Since venues and layouts can shift, Atlantans planning to attend should:

• Check the current year’s tournament site and map
• Look for details on main stadium court, outer courts, and practice courts
• Review parking, ride-share, and transit instructions specific to that year

What to Expect If You Go

Match Schedule and Session Types

The Atlanta Open is usually played over about a week, with:

• Qualifying rounds: Early in the week (often the weekend before main draw)
• Main draw early rounds: First half of the week
• Quarterfinals and semifinals: Late in the week
• Finals: Typically on the last weekend

Sessions are often:

• Day sessions: Late morning to afternoon
• Evening sessions: Late afternoon to night (popular on weekdays, when people come after work)

Many locals find evening sessions easiest to attend because of Atlanta’s daytime heat and work schedules.

Atmosphere on Site

Expect a tournament village feel, including:

• Food and drink vendors (often featuring local Atlanta favorites)
• Sponsor booths with games, giveaways, or shaded seating
• Merchandise stands with hats, shirts, and tennis gear
• Family-friendly zones or kids’ activities on select days

The vibe is generally casual and social. It’s common to see:

• Groups coming after work in business-casual clothes
• Families with kids in team or tennis gear
• Fans hopping between matches on outer courts and the main stadium

Ticket Options and How Atlantans Typically Buy

Ticket structures can change, but they usually include:

How Atlanta-area fans often handle tickets:

• Early planners: Buy ahead once dates and venue are announced, especially for finals weekend.
• After-work crowd: Grab evening session tickets on popular nights (often midweek).
• Families: Look for family days, kids’ discounts, or daytime sessions when it’s less crowded.

Always verify:

• What seats a given ticket includes (stadium vs. outer courts)
• What is allowed to be brought in (bags, water bottles, umbrellas, etc.)

Getting to the Tournament: Atlanta-Specific Tips

Driving and Parking

Most Atlantans end up driving, especially from the suburbs. Common patterns:

• Parking is often in designated lots or garages near the event site.
• Prices can vary by session and proximity to the venue.
• Traffic on I-75, I-85, and GA-400 can be heavy during rush hour, especially for weekday evening sessions.

Tips if you drive:

• Allow extra time for rush-hour congestion and parking line-ups.
• Check the official tournament guidance on which lots to use.
• Consider parking at nearby office buildings or decks that partner with the event, if offered.

MARTA and Public Transit

Depending on the year’s location, the tournament is often reachable by MARTA using nearby rail stations and a short walk or ride-share. In Atlanta, many attendees:

• Ride MARTA to a nearby Red or Gold line station
• Then walk or use a short ride-share for the final stretch

Before you go, check:

• The closest MARTA station to the current venue
• MARTA train frequency in the evening if you plan to stay late

Ride-Share and Taxis

Ride-share is popular for the Atlanta Open because:

• It avoids parking hassles
• Drop-off and pick-up zones are usually well-marked

Common advice:

• Take ride-share to the tournament, but plan for some wait time leaving, especially after night matches.
• Confirm where the designated pick-up area is; it may be on a nearby street, not right at the gate.

Weather, Heat, and What to Wear in Atlanta

The Truist Atlanta Open is held in the peak of Atlanta summer, which means:

• High temperatures, often in the upper 80s or 90s°F
• High humidity, especially in late afternoon and early evening
• Occasional pop-up thunderstorms

What locals usually wear and bring:

• Light, breathable clothing (performance fabrics, shorts, sundresses)
• Comfortable shoes for walking between courts
• Hat and sunglasses for daytime sessions
• Small towel or cooling towel for comfort

☀️ Heat tips for Atlanta sessions:

• If you’re sensitive to heat, consider evening sessions, when it’s typically cooler.
• Look for seats in the shade when booking tickets, if seat maps show sun exposure.
• Tennis events often allow sealed water bottles or an empty bottle for refills, but always check the current bag and beverage policies.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

Food and beverage setups vary by year, but at the Atlanta Open you can usually find:

• Quick-serve options: Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads
• Local vendors: Atlanta-based restaurants, BBQ, or dessert stands
• Beverages: Soft drinks, water, sports drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails

Practical notes for Atlantans:

• Prices are typically higher than a normal restaurant meal—budget accordingly.
• Lines can be long during changeovers and between matches, so consider grabbing food during play if you don’t mind missing a few games.
• Many premium or suite tickets come with separate concessions or hospitality areas.

Restrooms, shaded areas, and sometimes misting stations or cooling zones are usually available, which can be important in Atlanta heat.

Family-Friendly Aspects and Kids’ Experience

The Truist Atlanta Open is generally family-friendly, and many Atlanta families bring children to introduce them to live tennis. Common features include:

• Daytime sessions with a more relaxed pace and easier seating
• Potential kids’ days or clinics run in conjunction with local tennis organizations
• Opportunities for kids to watch pros up close on practice courts

If you’re bringing kids in Atlanta:

• Aim for earlier in the week when crowds can be lighter.
• Consider day sessions if late nights are tough.
• Pack sun protection (hats, sunscreen) and comfortable clothing.

Practice Courts and Seeing Players Up Close

One of the advantages of a mid-sized ATP 250 in Atlanta is that fans often get closer to the action than at a major slam. Typical experiences:

• Practice courts where top players warm up within a few feet of spectators
• Chances to watch doubles teams and rising players at close range on smaller courts
• Informal opportunities for autographs or photos, especially near practice areas and after matches

Many Atlanta-area tennis fans enjoy spending part of their day:

1. Watching a main stadium match
2. Roaming outer courts for underrated or doubles matches
3. Checking practice courts for favorite players preparing

Local Tennis Community Connections

The Atlanta Open often connects with the greater Atlanta tennis community, which is one of the most active in the country, especially through:

• Adult league players in organizations like ALTA and USTA leagues
• Local clubs and public facilities across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties
• City-run tennis centers such as those under Atlanta Parks and Recreation

During the tournament week, you may see:

• Local tennis organizations hosting events or info booths
• Announcements of youth programs, clinics, or camps organized in partnership with the event
• Special outreach to school and community groups from around metro Atlanta

If you’re a local player, the Atlanta Open can be a good time to:

• Discover new programs or clubs you didn’t know about
• Learn about junior development or adult leagues
• Watch pro-level tactics you might bring back to your own matches

Planning Your Visit: A Simple Checklist

To make attending the Truist Atlanta Open easier, here’s a quick planning rundown tailored to Atlanta:

1. Confirm dates and venue

   • Check the current year’s tournament dates, site, and stadium layout.

2. Choose your session(s)

   • Decide between day vs. evening and early week vs. finals weekend based on your schedule and budget.

3. Arrange transportation

   • If driving from metro areas like Sandy Springs, Decatur, Marietta, or Stone Mountain, build in extra travel time.
   • If using MARTA, identify the nearest station and last train times.
   • If using ride-share, verify drop-off and pick-up zones.

4. Review venue policies

   • Bag size limits
   • Allowed and prohibited items (cameras, water, umbrellas, etc.)

5. Prepare for the weather

   • Lightweight clothing, hat, sunscreen, and maybe a poncho for pop-up storms.

6. Plan food and budget

   • Expect venue pricing and consider whether you’ll eat before, during, or after the session.

7. Think about extras

   • Time to visit practice courts
   • Shopping at merchandise booths
   • Walking around the tournament village

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for the Tournament

For out-of-town visitors coming for the Truist Atlanta Open:

• You’ll find plenty of hotel options in central and north Atlanta, depending on where the venue is that year.
• Many fans combine the tournament with other Atlanta attractions, such as:
  • Centennial Olympic Park area (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame)
  • Midtown (Piedmont Park, arts and dining)
  • Buckhead (shopping and restaurants)

Using Atlanta’s major corridors (I-75/85 through downtown, GA-400 to the north) and MARTA can help you move between your hotel, the tournament, and other activities.

How the Truist Atlanta Open Fits Into Atlanta’s Sports Scene

For Atlanta sports fans used to Braves games, Falcons football, United soccer, and Hawks basketball, the Truist Atlanta Open offers:

• A more intimate experience with closer proximity to athletes
• A seasonal, once-a-year event that anchors the summer sports calendar
• A way to experience world-class tennis without traveling to New York, Miami, or the West Coast

Locals often treat it like:

• A summer tradition, especially if they’re tennis players themselves
• A casual night out with colleagues or friends
• A chance to introduce kids to professional tennis in a live setting

Attending the Truist Atlanta Open (ATP 250) in Atlanta means experiencing elite tennis in a setting that feels both big-time and accessible. With a little planning around tickets, transportation, and the summer heat, it can easily become one of the standout sports experiences of your Atlanta year.