Fifth Third Bank Stadium at KSU: Atlanta’s Nearby Soccer & Events Hub

If you live in metro Atlanta and follow soccer, college sports, or outdoor concerts, you’ve probably heard about Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University (KSU). Located in Kennesaw, Georgia, it’s one of the most active mid-size stadiums in the region and an easy drive from most parts of Atlanta.

This guide walks through what the stadium is, what happens there, how to get there from Atlanta, parking and tickets, and what to expect on event day.

Where Fifth Third Bank Stadium Fits Into Atlanta’s Sports Scene

While it’s technically in Kennesaw, Fifth Third Bank Stadium functions as a major Atlanta-area venue. For many locals, it fills a unique niche:

• Smaller and more intimate than Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Bigger and more professional than neighborhood fields or most high school stadiums
• A major home for soccer, college athletics, and outdoor concerts

You’ll often see it mentioned in the same breath as other big-name Atlanta sports venues, especially for soccer and lacrosse.

Key Facts About Fifth Third Bank Stadium (KSU)

Location

• Fifth Third Bank Stadium
• 3200 George Busbee Parkway NW
• Kennesaw, GA 30144
• On the Kennesaw State University campus

Typical Uses

• KSU athletics (especially soccer and lacrosse)
• Professional and semi-pro soccer matches
• Rugby, lacrosse, and special sporting events
• Concerts and festivals
• Occasional community and regional events

Atmosphere

• Outdoor stadium with seat-backed and bleacher-style seating
• Good sightlines from most areas
• More family-friendly and laid back than many downtown Atlanta venues

Getting to Fifth Third Bank Stadium From Atlanta

Driving from Atlanta

Most Atlanta attendees arrive by car. Travel time can vary widely depending on traffic.

General routes from downtown Atlanta:

• Take I-75 North toward Marietta/Chattanooga
• Continue past Marietta and Town Center at Cobb
• Use Exit 271 (Chastain Road) or nearby exits depending on your parking assignment
• Follow signs toward Kennesaw State University and the stadium

From Midtown/Buckhead, the route is similar via I-75 North. From East Atlanta or Decatur, many drivers either cut across to I-75 or use the I-285 loop to connect.

🕒 Traffic tip:
Evening and weekend events can coincide with heavy traffic on I-75 North, especially near the I-285 interchange and the KSU exits. Locals often:

• Add 20–30 minutes of buffer time
• Use alternate surface streets around Kennesaw if the interstate is backed up
• Carpool to reduce parking congestion

Public Transit Options

There is no direct MARTA rail to Kennesaw. For those without a car:

• Some visitors use MARTA rail or bus to reach a friend or rideshare pickup point in Cumberland, Marietta, or Northwest Atlanta, then continue by car.
• Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are commonly used from the Atlanta city core to the stadium, though costs can increase during big events or late-night returns.

If you rely on transit, plan your last-mile travel in advance and check return trip availability after late-night events.

Parking at Fifth Third Bank Stadium

Parking is usually organized within KSU campus lots surrounding the stadium.

Common patterns Atlanta residents experience:

• Event organizers may assign specific lots or recommend particular entrances.
• Parking fees vary by event (often lower than downtown stadiums, but not always free).
• For major matches or concerts, certain lots can fill early, especially those closest to the stadium entrances.

Practical Parking Tips

• Buy parking in advance if your event offers pre-paid passes.
• Check which side of campus your lot is on so you pick the best I-75 exit.
• If you’re driving from Atlanta with a group, carpool to simplify logistics.
• Allow time to walk from outer lots; some are a moderate walk, though usually within a reasonable distance.

What Happens at Fifth Third Bank Stadium?

College Sports (Kennesaw State University)

Fifth Third Bank Stadium is a major home field for KSU athletics, especially:

• Kennesaw State soccer
• Lacrosse and other field sports
• Select university events that fit a stadium format

For Atlantans interested in college sports without heading to Athens or Statesboro, KSU games can be an accessible, family-friendly option.

Soccer and Other Professional Events

Over the years, the stadium has been a recurring site for professional and semi-professional soccer and rugby in the Atlanta region. Depending on the season and contracts, you may see:

• League matches and special tournaments
• Occasional national or regional-level events

If you’re an Atlanta soccer fan looking for live matches in a more intimate setting, Fifth Third Bank Stadium is one of the go-to venues.

Concerts, Festivals, and Community Events

The stadium also hosts:

• Outdoor concerts
• Multi-act music festivals
• Community gatherings or special regional events

These events give Atlanta-area residents a stadium concert experience without navigating downtown traffic and the largest venues.

Seating, Layout, and Accessibility

Seating Experience

Most attendees describe Fifth Third Bank Stadium as:

• Compact compared to mega-stadiums, so views feel closer to the action
• Comfortable for families, with clear lines of sight
• Easier to navigate than large multi-level complexes

If you prefer to see the field clearly without feeling overwhelmed by huge crowds, the stadium’s scale can be a plus.

Accessibility Considerations

The stadium and KSU campus generally include:

• Accessible parking areas (often designated close to entrances)
• Ramps and accessible seating sections
• Clearly marked restrooms and concessions

Anyone with mobility needs or specific accessibility questions should confirm details with the venue or event organizer ahead of time, especially if you:

• Use a wheelchair or mobility aid
• Need seating near accessible restrooms or entrances
• Are arranging drop-off and pickup close to the gates

Tickets: How Atlanta Residents Usually Buy and Plan

Where Tickets Are Sold

Tickets for events at Fifth Third Bank Stadium are usually available through:

• Official KSU athletics channels (for Kennesaw State games)
• Event-specific ticketing platforms (concerts, festivals, special matches)
• Sometimes box office sales at or near the stadium on event day

For bigger events, advance purchase is common, especially for:

• Prime seating sections
• Family or group seating blocks
• Time-sensitive promotions

Pricing Expectations

Compared to some other Atlanta stadiums, Fifth Third Bank Stadium events can feel:

• More budget-friendly for college and many regional sports
• Variable for concerts and special events, depending on the headliner

To avoid surprises:

• Check if fees are added at checkout
• Note whether the price includes parking or if that’s separate
• Look for family packages or general admission options when available

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

Concessions

Typical stadium-style concessions are available at many events, such as:

• Snacks and quick meals
• Soft drinks and water
• Event-dependent alcohol sales, subject to venue and organizer rules

Food offerings can vary by event, and some festivals or special matches may bring in additional vendors or food trucks in nearby areas.

Bag Policy and Security

Like most Atlanta-area stadiums, Fifth Third Bank Stadium commonly has:

• Bag size limitations (often favoring small or clear bags)
• Entry security checks at the gates
• Restrictions on outside food, drinks, and certain items

To avoid being turned away at the entrance, Atlanta visitors generally:

• Review the bag policy in advance
• Bring only essential items
• Arrive early enough to pass through security without missing kickoff or the opening act

Comparing Fifth Third Bank Stadium to Other Atlanta Venues

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, Fifth Third Bank Stadium offers a different experience than the major in-city stadiums:

Many Atlanta residents treat Fifth Third Bank Stadium as a “sweet spot” venue: big enough for serious events, small enough to feel approachable.

Tips for Atlanta Visitors Planning an Event Day

If you’re heading from Atlanta to a game or concert at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, these strategies tend to make the day smoother:

• Plan your route:
  Check I-75 traffic before you leave; consider alternate surface streets near Kennesaw if the interstate is congested.

• Arrive early:
  Aim to get there 30–60 minutes before the posted start time to handle parking, walking, and security.

• Know your lot and gate:
  Save your parking instructions and seating information so you’re not circling campus at the last minute.

• Dress for the weather:
  It’s an outdoor stadium, so Atlanta’s heat, cold snaps, or pop-up showers can affect your comfort.

• Coordinate your ride home:
  If using rideshare from Atlanta, confirm pickup locations and possible surge pricing, especially for late-night events.

When Fifth Third Bank Stadium Makes Sense for You

For someone in Atlanta, Georgia, Fifth Third Bank Stadium is worth considering if you:

• Want to see college sports without a long road trip
• Prefer a mid-size venue over crowded mega-stadiums
• Are a soccer or lacrosse fan looking for live matches near the city
• Enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals in a stadium setting but outside downtown

Because it’s relatively close to the city and tied to a major public university, Fifth Third Bank Stadium has become a reliable part of the greater Atlanta sports and entertainment landscape—especially for fans who don’t mind a short drive up I-75 for a more relaxed game-day or concert experience.