McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta: Guide to Georgia Tech’s Home Court

McCamish Pavilion is Georgia Tech’s on-campus basketball arena and one of Midtown Atlanta’s most active sports and event venues. Whether you’re catching a Yellow Jackets game, attending a graduation, or going to a special event, it helps to know how the pavilion works from a local’s perspective.

This guide walks through what McCamish Pavilion is like, how to get there, where to park, what to expect inside, and tips for making the most of your visit.

What Is McCamish Pavilion?

McCamish Pavilion is a modern indoor arena located on the Georgia Tech campus at:

It’s primarily known as the home of Georgia Tech men’s and women’s basketball, but it also hosts:

• College and high school graduations
• Campus events and ceremonies
• Occasional concerts, talks, and community events
• Youth basketball tournaments and clinics (on select dates)

For Atlantans, McCamish is one of the city’s major mid-sized sports venues—smaller and more intimate than State Farm Arena, but larger and more polished than most high school or community gyms.

Location: Where McCamish Pavilion Sits in Atlanta

McCamish Pavilion is on the north side of Georgia Tech’s campus, close to Midtown’s main corridors.

Nearby landmarks and areas:

• Just west of Interstate 75/85 (Downtown Connector)
• A short drive from Atlantic Station
• About 5 minutes from Tech Square and Midtown’s Peachtree Street
• Near other Georgia Tech athletic facilities like Bobby Dodd Stadium and Russ Chandler Stadium

If you live in Atlanta, think of McCamish as sitting between Midtown and the Home Park neighborhood.

Getting to McCamish Pavilion

Driving and Directions

From most parts of Atlanta, you’ll likely approach McCamish Pavilion via the Downtown Connector.

General directions (high level):

• From north of the city (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, etc.):
  Take I‑75/85 south, exit toward 10th/14th Street, then follow signs toward Georgia Tech. You’ll loop back toward Fowler Street NW near the pavilion.

• From south of the city (Hapeville, College Park, East Point):
  Take I‑75/85 north, use the 10th/14th Street exit, then navigate west into campus, working toward Fowler Street NW.

• From the west (West Midtown, Howell Mill, Moores Mill):
  Use Northside Drive or Hemphill Avenue to cut across toward campus. From there, follow 10th Street or local streets to get to Fowler Street.

📌 Tip: On major game days, digital signs and officers often direct traffic; it’s usually easiest to follow event signage rather than relying solely on your usual shortcut routes.

MARTA and Other Transit Options

You don’t have to drive to reach McCamish Pavilion. If you’re staying or living near MARTA rail, public transit can be a convenient option.

Rail:

• Take the Red or Gold Line to Midtown Station.
• From Midtown Station, options include:
  • Tech Trolley (Georgia Tech’s shuttle, typically free and widely used by students and visitors)
  • Walking (around 15–20 minutes depending on route)
  • Rideshare for a short hop over to Fowler Street

Bus:

Several MARTA bus routes serve the Midtown / Georgia Tech area. Routes can shift over time, so it’s best to check current MARTA maps or apps before you go.

Rideshare and Drop-Off

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, taxis) is common for events at McCamish Pavilion, especially for evening games or for visitors staying at Midtown hotels.

Common patterns:

• Drivers usually drop off along Fowler Street NW or nearby campus streets designated by event staff.
• After games, there can be a brief surge in pricing and wait times, especially after marquee matchups or weekend events.

If you’re with kids or older adults, rideshare is often easier than dealing with crowded garages.

Parking at McCamish Pavilion

Parking is one of the main concerns for Atlantans heading to a big event. McCamish Pavilion uses Georgia Tech campus parking decks and surface lots.

Typical Parking Options

Event parking commonly involves:

• Campus parking decks within walking distance
• Surface lots marked for event parking
• Pre-sold parking passes for some season ticket holders or special events

Payment methods often include:

• Card payments at kiosks or gate arms
• Event staff collecting payment at entrances
• Prepaid parking passes (for some Georgia Tech athletic events)

Because parking assignments and prices can change based on the event, it’s smart to:

• Check your event or ticket information for specific lot/deck instructions
• Arrive 30–45 minutes early if you want a less stressful parking experience
• Pay close attention to posted signs to avoid parking in permit-only or reserved faculty/staff areas on non-game days

Accessibility Parking

Accessible parking is generally available closer to the pavilion for guests with valid disability placards or license plates.

Common approaches:

• Marked ADA spaces in nearby lots/decks
• Designated drop-off areas near entrances for guests with mobility challenges

If you or a family member needs special assistance, many visitors find it helpful to:

• Arrive early to secure closer parking
• Let parking attendants know up front that someone in your group has mobility needs
• Use elevators and accessible entrances clearly marked around the building

Inside McCamish Pavilion: What to Expect

Seating and Atmosphere

McCamish Pavilion is designed to feel intimate yet energetic:

• A bowl-style layout with seating that wraps around the court
• Student sections that can get loud for ACC matchups
• Family-friendly seating available away from the most intense student areas

For Atlantans used to huge venues, McCamish often feels more personal—you’re closer to the action, and the noise level can be impressive for a college arena.

Concessions and Food

Concession stands inside typically offer:

• Standard arena fare like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and pretzels
• Soft drinks, water, and sometimes specialty beverage options
• Occasional local or theme-focused items depending on the game or event

Policies about bringing in outside food and drinks can be strict, especially for college athletic events. It’s a good idea to:

• Eat before you arrive if you prefer a specific diet or cuisine
• Plan for arena-priced snacks and drinks

Restrooms and Amenities

McCamish Pavilion includes:

• Restrooms on multiple concourse levels
• Accessible restroom options
• Concession and merchandise areas
• Guest services locations on event days

If you’re attending with children, many families prefer to arrive a bit early, locate restrooms and exits, and set a rendezvous spot in case anyone gets separated in the crowd.

Bag Policy and Security

Like most major venues in Atlanta, McCamish Pavilion typically has security screening at entrances.

Common patterns include:

• Metal detectors or handheld wands at entry points
• Bag size limits and restrictions on backpacks or large bags
• Prohibited items such as weapons, outside alcohol, and certain signs or noise makers

Because policies can change by event type (athletic event vs. graduation vs. concert), checking your ticket or event details ahead of time helps avoid surprises.

🔑 Quick tip: When in doubt, bring a small, clear bag or a clutch with essentials (ID, phone, keys, payment method) to speed up screening.

Types of Events You’ll See at McCamish Pavilion

Georgia Tech Basketball

This is the arena’s core identity.

• Men’s basketball home games
• Women’s basketball home games
• Occasional postseason or neutral-site matchups

If you’re an Atlanta resident, catching a Georgia Tech game can be more affordable and easier to access than some pro events, with a strong college atmosphere right in Midtown.

Graduations and Ceremonies

McCamish often hosts:

• Georgia Tech commencement ceremonies
• Local high school or community college graduations, especially in late spring and early summer
• Special academic or institutional ceremonies

For families driving in from the metro area for a graduation, planning parking and arrival time is usually more important than seating choice, since large crowds funnel in at once.

Other Events

Depending on the year, the arena may also be used for:

• Community events linked to Georgia Tech
• Campus gatherings and rallies
• Occasional entertainment events or talks

If you’re not a student or alumnus, you may still find yourself here for a one-off event or as a guest of someone connected to the university.

Visiting as an Atlanta Local vs. Out-of-Town Visitor

If You Live in Atlanta

Locals often use McCamish Pavilion for:

• A casual outing during college basketball season
• Family visits when relatives come into town and want a campus experience
• Supporting local high school graduations hosted at a major venue

Practical local tips:

• Consider weeknight games if you want smaller crowds but still a fun environment.
• If you live near a MARTA station, rail plus a short shuttle or walk can beat traffic.
• For big games, Midtown parking can fill quickly—building in extra time helps.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re staying near Midtown or Downtown, McCamish Pavilion is relatively easy to reach:

• Many Midtown hotels are a short rideshare or shuttle ride to Georgia Tech.
• If you’re already exploring Tech Square or the Midtown Arts District, you’re quite close by.

For visitors, attending a game or event at McCamish is a simple way to:

• See Georgia Tech’s campus up close
• Experience college sports culture in the heart of Atlanta
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Georgia Tech campus green spaces, Atlantic Station, or Midtown dining spots

Nearby Areas and Things to Combine With Your Visit

Because McCamish Pavilion sits in a busy, central part of Atlanta, it’s easy to turn your trip into a half-day or full-day outing.

Popular combinations:

• Atlantic Station – shopping, dining, and a movie theater a short drive or shuttle away
• Midtown’s Peachtree Street corridor – restaurants and bars before or after an event
• Georgia Tech campus walks – stroll along Tech Green, see the Campanile, or explore campus architecture

If you’re attending an afternoon game, many locals will:

1. Park once near campus,
2. Enjoy lunch or coffee somewhere in Midtown, and
3. Walk or rideshare to McCamish Pavilion in time for tip-off.

Quick Reference: McCamish Pavilion Essentials

When You Need More Specifics

For event-specific details such as:

• Exact parking lots and prices
• Updated bag and security policies
• Game times or event schedules
• Special accommodations for accessibility

information is typically provided through Georgia Tech Athletics and the event organizer. Event tickets and confirmations often include the most accurate, up-to-date instructions for that particular day.

Knowing the basics above will help you navigate McCamish Pavilion confidently—whether you’re a long-time Atlantan heading to a game or a visitor experiencing Georgia Tech’s home court for the first time.