Center Parc Stadium: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s College Football Hub

Center Parc Stadium is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable sports venues, especially for college football fans and local event-goers. Located just south of downtown, it serves as the home of Georgia State University football and frequently hosts other community events, concerts, and special activities.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or just want to understand how Center Parc Stadium fits into the local “things to do” scene, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of your time there.

Where Center Parc Stadium Is and What It’s Used For

Address:
Center Parc Stadium
755 Hank Aaron Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Center Parc Stadium sits in the historic sports corridor on the south side of downtown Atlanta, in the Summerhill area. It was originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium for the 1996 Olympic Games, later converted into Turner Field for baseball, and is now reimagined as a modern college football and events venue.

Main Uses of Center Parc Stadium

• Georgia State University (GSU) Football – The primary tenant; most fall weekends feature college football games.
• Other Sporting Events – Occasional high school games, special matchups, and sports-related events.
• Concerts & Large Events – Periodic concerts, festivals, and large gatherings, depending on the season.
• University & Community Events – Commencements, community days, and special programming tied to Georgia State and neighborhood partners.

If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta that blend sports, history, and a college-town atmosphere within the city, Center Parc Stadium is a central option.

Getting to Center Parc Stadium

Getting to Center Parc Stadium from anywhere in metro Atlanta is fairly straightforward, especially if you plan ahead.

By Car

The stadium is just off Interstate 20 and the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85).

Common access routes:

• From Downtown/Midtown: Take the Downtown Connector south, exit near Capitol Avenue/Hank Aaron Drive, and follow signs to the stadium.
• From East or West Atlanta: Use I-20 and exit toward Capitol Avenue/Hill Street or Boulevard and navigate south.
• From Southside/Clayton County: Take I-75/85 north and exit near University Avenue or Turner Field/Hank Aaron Drive.

🅿️ Parking Tips:

• GSU typically uses multiple surface lots around the stadium for events.
• Parking is often organized by pre-paid passes on game days, with some cash or card options in select lots.
• Residential streets nearby may have restrictions; pay attention to signs to avoid tickets or towing.

Because parking layouts and prices can change by event, many Atlanta residents check Georgia State University’s athletics or event-specific information before heading out.

By MARTA

You cannot step directly off a MARTA train into Center Parc Stadium, but you can get fairly close and walk or transfer.

Common options:

• Rail + Bus:
  • Ride MARTA rail to Five Points Station.
  • Transfer to a southbound bus (routes that run toward Hank Aaron Drive, Georgia State stadium area, or Summerhill). Bus routing and numbers can change, so check MARTA’s current schedules.
• Rail + Rideshare:
  • Take MARTA rail to Georgia State, Five Points, or Garnett Station.
  • Use a short rideshare trip (often 5–10 minutes) to the stadium.

For many visitors staying downtown, rideshare from a MARTA station is the most efficient combination of cost and convenience, especially on busy game days.

Walking and Biking

From parts of downtown Atlanta and Georgia State’s main campus, you can walk or bike to Center Parc Stadium:

• The walk from GSU’s main campus area is roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on your starting point.
• Sidewalks and crosswalks are present along Hank Aaron Drive and nearby streets, but traffic can be heavy before and after events.

Atlanta’s bike and scooter options can also be handy, though availability varies by time of day and event crowd levels.

What It’s Like Inside Center Parc Stadium

Center Parc Stadium is built for football sightlines, with a modern bowl layout and a mix of general seating, club areas, and suites. The atmosphere is more intimate than an NFL-sized stadium, which many locals appreciate for college games.

Seating and Views

• Lower Bowl – Most seats are relatively close to the field, with good views from sideline and corner sections.
• Club & Premium Areas – Georgia State and Center Parc Stadium often feature upgraded hospitality spaces for certain ticket types.
• Student Section – Typically on one side of the stadium, bringing a lot of energy on game days.

If you’re sensitive to sun or heat, shaded seating can be an important consideration, especially early in the season. Sections on the west side of the stadium tend to get shade earlier as the afternoon goes on.

Food and Concessions

Concession offerings usually include:

• Stadium staples like hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, and fries
• Snacks (popcorn, pretzels, nachos, candy)
• Soft drinks and water, with beer and sometimes other alcoholic beverages at certain stands

Options can vary by event. Prices are in line with other major Atlanta venues.

Accessibility

Center Parc Stadium is designed with accessible seating and accommodations in mind. Common features include:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating areas
• Ramps and elevators for access to different levels
• Accessible restrooms

For specific questions about accessibility accommodations, many visitors contact Georgia State Athletics or the stadium’s event management team in advance of the event.

Events and Things to Do at Center Parc Stadium

For most locals, Center Parc Stadium is synonymous with Georgia State football season, but it offers more than just game days.

Georgia State Panthers Football

From late August through November (and sometimes into December), expect:

• Home games featuring Sun Belt Conference opponents and non-conference matchups
• Tailgating in surrounding parking lots and designated areas
• A college-style atmosphere that’s generally more laid-back and family-friendly than some professional sports environments

If you’re used to SEC or NFL crowds, you may find Georgia State games:

• Easier to navigate (less overwhelming)
• More budget-friendly for families
• A convenient way to see live football within the city limits

Other Events You Might See

Depending on scheduling, Center Parc Stadium may host:

• High school football games
• Special sporting events (e.g., neutral-site games or showcases)
• Concerts or large-scale performances
• University-related events, like graduations or community days

Event calendars are usually posted through Georgia State University or the specific promoters hosting events at the stadium.

Tailgating and Game-Day Atmosphere

Tailgating is a big part of the Center Parc Stadium experience for many Atlanta residents and alumni.

Tailgating Basics

• Tailgating generally occurs in designated surface lots near the stadium.
• Groups bring tents, grills, coolers, and TVs to set up pre-game gatherings.
• Rules about open flames, glass containers, and noise vary by lot and are set by Georgia State and stadium management.

If you’re new to tailgating at Center Parc Stadium:

• Arrive early to get a good spot.
• Know which lot your parking pass is valid for.
• Review posted rules before bringing grills or generators.

Family-Friendly Notes

Many lots and sections are family-friendly, especially those closest to fan zones or official university activities. If you’re bringing kids, look for:

• Areas with more organized activities or GSU-branded setups
• Lots that are closer to the main entrances, to reduce walking distance

Nearby Neighborhoods and Things to Do Around the Stadium

Center Parc Stadium is next to several evolving neighborhoods, most notably Summerhill, with easy access to other downtown attractions.

Summerhill

Just north of the stadium, Summerhill has seen significant redevelopment, with:

• Restaurants and cafes along Georgia Avenue SE
• Occasional pop-up events, patios, and small shops
• A walkable, urban feel compared to many car-centric parts of metro Atlanta

It’s common for fans to:

• Eat or grab drinks in Summerhill before or after games
• Park once and walk between the neighborhood and the stadium

Nearby Atlanta Attractions

Within a short drive or rideshare, you can reach:

• Downtown Atlanta: Georgia State’s main campus, State Capitol, and office core
• Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca-Cola: For daytime activities before a night game
• Grant Park & Zoo Atlanta: A good option if you’re making a full day out of being on the south side of the city

This makes Center Parc Stadium easy to pair with other Atlanta attractions if you’re planning a full outing.

Tickets, Entry, and Security

Buying Tickets

Tickets for events at Center Parc Stadium are commonly sold:

• Through Georgia State University Athletics for Panthers football
• Through major ticketing platforms or event organizers for concerts and special events

Many events now rely on digital tickets, so be prepared to:

• Download an app or
• Have a scannable code ready on your phone

Security and Bag Policies

Like other major Atlanta venues, Center Parc Stadium typically enforces:

• Security screenings at entrances (metal detectors or wanding)
• Bag policies, often limiting the size and type of bags inside the stadium; clear bags are common requirements at many large venues

To avoid delays:

• Review event-specific policies in advance
• Arrive early, especially for large or sold-out events

Quick Reference: Center Parc Stadium Basics

Practical Tips for Visiting Center Parc Stadium

To make your visit smoother, keep these local pointers in mind:

• Check the event calendar early. Game times and event schedules can affect traffic, parking availability, and neighborhood activity.
• Plan for traffic on the Downtown Connector. On weeknights and weekends with major events, expect delays approaching the stadium area.
• Dress for the weather. Early-season games can be hot and humid; later in the season can be chilly in the evenings.
• Look into student or local offers. Georgia State students and sometimes local residents may have access to special pricing or promotions for certain events.
• Use the stadium as a starting point. Combine a game or event with a meal in Summerhill or a visit to nearby attractions for a full Atlanta experience.

For Atlanta residents and visitors alike, Center Parc Stadium offers a convenient way to experience live sports and large events right in the heart of the city, with a strong connection to the surrounding neighborhoods and the broader Georgia State community.