Gas South Arena in Duluth: A Local’s Guide for Atlanta Visitors and Residents

Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia is one of metro Atlanta’s key major venues and stadiums, especially for the northside. Whether you’re driving up from Midtown, coming in from the suburbs, or planning a trip while visiting Atlanta, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Gas South Arena Fits in the Atlanta Sports & Events Scene

While downtown Atlanta has State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and other large venues, Gas South Arena serves as a major hub for:

• Concerts and touring shows
• Family events (ice shows, circuses, kids’ tours)
• Sporting events (hockey, basketball, indoor sports)
• Graduations, conferences, and community events

It’s part of the Gas South District complex in Duluth, which also includes a convention center and a theater. For many people in Gwinnett County, North Fulton, and northeast metro Atlanta, this is the most convenient big venue—often with easier parking and less downtown traffic than intown options.

Location and Basic Info

Gas South Arena

• Address: 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097
• Area: Duluth, in Gwinnett County, about 25–30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta (depending on your route)

The arena sits right off Sugarloaf Parkway, near I-85, making it accessible from most parts of the Atlanta metro with a straight interstate drive.

You’ll find the larger Gas South District campus clearly signed as you approach, with multiple parking lots and garages spread around the venue.

Getting to Gas South Arena from Around Atlanta

Driving Routes from Key Atlanta Areas

Traffic timing in Atlanta matters. Here are common routes:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta

  • Take I-85 North toward Greenville.
  • Exit at Sugarloaf Parkway.
  • Follow signs to Gas South District / Gas South Arena.
  • Travel time: often 30–50 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day.

• From Buckhead / Brookhaven

  • Connect to I-85 North via GA-400 or local surface streets.
  • Continue as above to Sugarloaf Parkway.
  • Travel time: often 25–45 minutes.

• From Decatur / East Atlanta

  • Use I-285 or local routes to connect with I-85 North.
  • Exit at Sugarloaf Parkway and follow arena signage.
  • Travel time: often 30–50 minutes.

• From Gwinnett (Norcross, Lawrenceville, Suwanee)

  • Most routes are local and quick:
    • Norcross: up I-85 North.
    • Lawrenceville: often via Sugarloaf Parkway westbound.
    • Suwanee: I-85 South to Sugarloaf.
  • Travel time: typically 10–25 minutes for many Gwinnett residents.

📝 Tip: On weeknights, rush hour on I-85 can significantly slow your drive. Many people aim to arrive 60–90 minutes before showtime to avoid stress and secure easier parking.

Parking at Gas South Arena

The parking layout is one of the big differences between Gas South Arena and some downtown Atlanta venues.

What to Expect with Parking

• Surface lots and decks: Several lots and garages surround the Gas South District complex.
• Event-based pricing: Parking fees vary based on the event type (concert vs. local event).
• Card or mobile payment is commonly used; it’s smart to have a backup payment method ready.

Practical Parking Tips for Atlanta Drivers

• Arrive early for major concerts or sold-out shows. Lots closest to the main entrance can fill quickly.
• If you don’t mind a slightly longer walk, park in a farther lot to make exiting after the event faster.
• Pay attention to event signage and attendants directing traffic—flow patterns can change night to night.
• If you use a ride-share, there is typically a designated pickup/drop-off area; look for signs as you enter the property.

Public Transit and Ride Options

Unlike venues in downtown Atlanta, Gas South Arena is not directly served by MARTA rail. This is important for visitors who are used to using transit in the city center.

MARTA + Bus Options

If you’re relying on public transit from Atlanta:

• Take MARTA rail to a northeast line station (such as Doraville), then:
  • Use regional bus services or ride-share from there.
  • Some Gwinnett routes historically connected near this corridor, but schedules and routes can change.

Because of the distance and limited direct rail access, most Atlanta locals drive or use ride-share to get to Gas South Arena.

Ride-Share (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Common choice for concertgoers who don’t want to deal with parking.
• Be prepared for post-event surges in pricing and slightly longer wait times.
• Confirm your pickup location in the app—large crowds can make it tricky to find your driver.

Seating, Layout, and Event Experience

Gas South Arena is an indoor, multi-use arena with flexible seating configurations. Depending on the event, seating may include:

• Lower bowl seating (closer to the floor/ice)
• Upper level seats with an overhead view
• Floor or general admission sections for some concerts
• Suites and club areas for premium experiences (often handled through event or corporate arrangements)

If you’re used to events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you’ll likely notice Gas South Arena feels more compact and intimate, which many people appreciate for better sightlines and sound.

What Types of Events Are at Gas South Arena?

The arena hosts a wide range of Atlanta-area entertainment:

• Major touring concerts: pop, rock, R&B, country, and more
• Comedy tours: nationally known comedians and multi-comic shows
• Family events: kids’ character shows, ice shows, seasonal attractions
• Sports: minor league or regional hockey, basketball, and special tournaments
• Graduations: many Atlanta-area high schools and colleges use the venue
• Cultural and community events: festivals, large conferences, church events

If you live in Atlanta, it’s common to end up at Gas South Arena for a graduation, then find yourself back a few months later for a concert or touring show.

Tickets: Buying, Pricing, and Entry

Buying Tickets

Tickets are usually sold through:

• Official event or arena box office
• Recognized ticketing platforms
• Sometimes, in-person at the arena box office on event days

Because this is a major venue in the Atlanta region, popular shows can sell out quickly. It’s common for locals to:

• Join artist or venue presales, and
• Purchase tickets as soon as the event is announced.

Entry and Security

Expect security screening similar to other metro Atlanta arenas:

• Bag size restrictions (small bags or clear bags are often preferred)
• Metal detectors or wanding at entry
• No outside food or drink, with limited exceptions

To make entry smoother:

• ✅ Check the event’s specific bag policy ahead of time
• ✅ Have your tickets ready on your phone with screen brightness turned up
• ✅ Arrive earlier than you think necessary, especially for weekend shows

Food, Drinks, and Amenities Inside the Arena

Gas South Arena offers concession stands and drink options similar to other major venues:

• Standard arena food: pizza, hot dogs, burgers, nachos, snacks
• Soft drinks and water
• Alcoholic beverages for those 21+ with valid ID

Prices tend to be similar to other large event venues in Atlanta. If you’re trying to budget, many locals:

• Eat at nearby restaurants in Duluth or along Sugarloaf Parkway before or after the event, or
• Have a meal closer to home in Atlanta and treat concessions as snacks rather than a full dinner.

Restrooms and concourse areas are spread throughout the building, with signage directing you from your section.

Nearby Dining and Things To Do Around the Arena

One advantage of Gas South Arena’s Duluth location is easy access to suburban dining and entertainment before or after events.

Popular Nearby Options (General Types)

Within a short drive, you’ll typically find:

• Casual chain restaurants along Sugarloaf Parkway and Satellite Boulevard
• Fast-casual spots (burgers, tacos, salads)
• Coffee shops and dessert spots
• Local restaurants in Downtown Duluth, a short drive away, with a walkable square, casual dining, and occasional events

If you’re coming from Atlanta, you might also plan your evening around:

• Stopping at Buford Highway for international food on your way to or from the arena
• Visiting Duluth’s Town Green area for a more local feel before an event

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

Gas South Arena, like other major Atlanta-area venues, is designed with accessibility in mind.

Common features typically include:

• Accessible parking spaces in multiple lots
• Wheelchair-accessible seating areas
• Elevators and ramps to various levels
• Guest services or information desk to assist with specific needs

If you or someone in your group needs accommodation:

• Contact the arena box office or guest services ahead of time to ask about accessible seating, drop-off locations, and any aid you might need.
• Plan extra time for parking, entry, and seating so you’re not rushed.

Gas South Arena vs. Other Atlanta Venues: When Is It the Better Choice?

For metro Atlanta residents, Gas South Arena can be a great option when:

• You live in Gwinnett, north DeKalb, or North Fulton and want a shorter drive than going downtown.
• You prefer suburban-style parking over navigating city streets and garages.
• You’re attending a graduation, family event, or concert that’s only playing in Duluth and not in downtown Atlanta.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you place it among other local venues:

Many locals simply follow the act or event: if your favorite artist or a must-see family show is booked at Gas South Arena, it’s usually well worth the drive.

Tips for a Smooth Gas South Arena Visit

A few Atlanta-specific strategies can make your experience much easier:

• Plan around traffic:

  • Avoid the heaviest I-85 northbound rush hour when possible.
  • Consider leaving early and having dinner near Duluth.

• Check event details before you go:

  • Doors open time
  • Bag policy
  • Parking instructions or prepay options

• Coordinate meetup spots:

  • If going with friends from different parts of Atlanta, agree on a specific lot or entrance to meet.

• Have a post-event plan:

  • Decide if you’re heading straight back down I-85 or stopping in Duluth or another area for a late bite.
  • If using ride-share, expect crowds and wait times after big events.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Gas South Arena in Duluth is a major part of the region’s sports and entertainment landscape. With a bit of planning around traffic, parking, and entry, it offers a convenient alternative to downtown venues—especially for residents in the northern and northeastern suburbs of the metro area.