Atlanta Gladiators ECHL Hockey: Your Guide to Pro Hockey Near Atlanta

If you want live professional hockey near Atlanta, the Atlanta Gladiators are your go-to team. They play in the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) and bring fast-paced, family-friendly hockey to the metro area all season long.

Who Are the Atlanta Gladiators?

The Atlanta Gladiators are a professional minor league hockey team that play in the ECHL, a league that often feeds into the AHL and NHL. For Atlanta-area fans, this is the closest, most affordable way to experience pro hockey in person.

Key points:

  • League: ECHL (AA-level professional hockey)
  • NHL Connections: Many ECHL players move up to higher leagues; you’ll sometimes see prospects on their way up
  • Season: Typically runs from October through April, plus playoffs for qualifying teams
  • Style of play: Fast, physical, and high-energy, ideal if you like action-packed games

While Atlanta no longer has an NHL team, the Gladiators fill that gap with local pro hockey you can watch regularly without NHL-level ticket prices.

Where the Gladiators Play: Gas South Arena

The Atlanta Gladiators play their home games at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia, a northern suburb of Atlanta in Gwinnett County.

Gas South Arena

  • Location: Duluth, GA (north of the Perimeter, off I-85)
  • Part of: Gas South District, a larger complex that includes a convention center and theater
  • Seating: Large enough for a real pro-sports atmosphere, but small enough that even upper seats feel close to the action

For most people in metro Atlanta, expect:

  • From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta: commonly around 30–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic
  • From Buckhead/Brookhaven: often 20–30 minutes
  • From Gwinnett suburbs (Duluth, Lawrenceville, Suwanee): usually 10–20 minutes

If you’re planning a visit, build in extra time for evening rush-hour traffic on I-85, especially on weeknights.

Getting to a Game from Around Atlanta

Driving and Parking

Most fans drive to Gladiators games. The arena area is car-oriented and surrounded by surface parking.

Typical tips:

  • Arrive early for weekend or promotional games—parking lots can fill up closer to puck drop
  • Expect parking fees at the arena; these are usually flat per vehicle
  • If you’re coming from the city, using I-85 North is the most common route

🧭 Helpful idea: If you’re not familiar with Duluth, use a navigation app and choose “avoid tolls” if you don’t want the express lanes on I-85.

Public Transit Considerations

There is no direct MARTA rail to Gas South Arena. To reach a game by transit alone is difficult and often requires a combination of:

  • MARTA rail or bus to a northern station
  • Ride-hail (Uber/Lyft) or taxi for the last stretch

This setup is possible but not as convenient as driving. For late-night game finishes, always confirm return transit times or arrange a ride-hail pickup.

What to Expect on Game Night

Atmosphere

Gladiators games are typically:

  • Loud, energetic, and family-friendly
  • Filled with music, in-game contests, and activities during breaks
  • Casual—many fans wear team gear, but you’ll see everything from jerseys to everyday clothes

If you’re new to hockey, ECHL games are a good entry point: the atmosphere is exciting but usually more relaxed and less expensive than higher-level leagues.

Game Length and Schedule

  • A standard game has three 20-minute periods of play
  • With intermissions and stoppages, plan for around 2.5 hours total
  • Most home games are in the evening, with earlier start times on some weekends and special dates

Schedules can vary by month, so checking the current season’s home schedule before you go is important.

Tickets: What Atlanta Fans Should Know

Typical Ticket Experience

Compared to many major-league sports in Atlanta, Gladiators tickets are generally budget-friendly. Fans often find:

  • A range from entry-level seats to premium or center-ice sections
  • Discounts for weekday games, group outings, or special promotions
  • Family packages or themed nights that can offer added value

To get the best experience as an Atlanta consumer:

  • Look at seating charts to decide if you prefer being close to the glass (more intense) or higher up (better overall view)
  • Consider weekday vs. weekend—weekends are livelier but may be more crowded

Buying Tickets

Most people purchase tickets:

  • Online in advance
  • At the arena box office on game day (subject to availability)

For high-demand games (special promotions, rivalry matchups, or holiday weekends), buying ahead helps avoid sell-outs and long lines.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities at the Arena

Like most modern arenas, Gas South Arena offers concession stands with:

  • Classic options such as burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn
  • Soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages for adults
  • Occasional specialty items or local-style food, depending on the event

Policies commonly in place for events like Gladiators games include:

  • Bag checks at entry
  • Restrictions on outside food and drink
  • Clear bag or size limits, similar to other Atlanta venues

Always check current arena policies before game day so you’re not surprised at the door.

Is a Gladiators Game Good for Families?

For families in or visiting Atlanta, Gladiators games are often seen as:

  • Kid-friendly, with music, mascots, and crowd games
  • More affordable than many big-league sports experiences
  • A way to introduce children to hockey without a long trip out of town

Common family strategies:

  • Choosing weekend afternoon or early evening games
  • Sitting a bit higher up if you have little ones who might be startled by hits against the glass
  • Taking advantage of family deals or group offers when available

Parents who are sensitive to noise may want to bring ear protection for younger kids, especially near the ice or speakers.

How the Gladiators Fit into Atlanta’s Sports Scene

Atlanta is known for teams like the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, and Dream, but the Gladiators add:

  • A winter and early-spring option that fills the schedule when some other seasons are slower
  • A different style of sports experience—continuous action, ice skating, and a smaller, more intimate arena
  • A strong presence for hockey fans who miss the days of NHL teams in the city

For locals, this means you don’t have to travel to another state or major city to see professional-level hockey.

Tips for First-Time Visitors from Atlanta

If you’re heading to your first Gladiators game, consider:

  • Plan your route: Check traffic on I-85 and leave early, especially on Fridays
  • Check the theme: Many ECHL teams host themed nights (e.g., military appreciation, retro nights, mascot nights) that add extra entertainment
  • Layer up: The arena is cooled for the ice; it may feel cooler than other indoor venues, so a light jacket or hoodie can be helpful
  • Bring some cash or card: For parking, concessions, and merchandise (payment types can vary, but card is often preferred)

For visitors staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, it’s common to pair a Gladiators game with dinner on the way up or back, either in the city or in nearby Gwinnett areas like Duluth or Suwanee, which have active dining districts.

Contact and Practical Info

While exact details can change, here’s how Atlanta-area residents typically get key information related to Gladiators games:

  • Game schedules and tickets: Commonly checked through the team’s official channels or the arena box office
  • Arena address: Gas South Arena, located in Duluth, GA within the Gas South District off Sugarloaf Parkway near I-85
  • Parking and event policies: Typically listed through Gas South Arena’s official information pages or event notices

If you’re unsure about accessibility services, group sales, or special accommodations, reaching out directly to the arena’s ticket office or guest services before game day is a good step.

Is the Atlanta Gladiators Experience Right for You?

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta who wants:

  • Affordable professional sports
  • A high-energy, close-to-the-action environment
  • An easy way to experience hockey without leaving metro Atlanta

…the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL hockey) are a practical, local option. Whether you’re a long-time hockey fan or just curious about the sport, a Gladiators game at Gas South Arena offers a straightforward, accessible way to enjoy pro hockey right in the greater Atlanta area.