Visiting the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s signature attractions, especially if you love sports, tailgating, or just immersive museums. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or are planning a trip, this guide walks through what to expect, how to visit, and how to make the most of your time there.

Where the College Football Hall of Fame Is in Atlanta

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta:

Address:
College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

It sits directly across from Centennial Olympic Park and is within easy walking distance of several major attractions, including:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola

If you’re planning a full “things to do in Atlanta” day downtown, it’s easy to combine the Hall of Fame with nearby museums and parks.

What the College Football Hall of Fame Offers

A quick overview

The Hall of Fame is more than a trophy room. It’s designed as an interactive, hands-on experience that appeals to:

• College football fans
• Kids and families
• Casual visitors who enjoy technology, games, and immersive exhibits

You’ll find a mix of historic artifacts, multimedia displays, and indoor turf fields where you can try skills challenges.

Major exhibits and experiences

While specific displays can rotate, visitors typically encounter:

• The Helmet Wall:
  A towering display featuring helmets from hundreds of college football programs. When you enter, you can often pick your favorite team and see related content on nearby screens.

• Hall of Fame Rotunda:
  Profiles, videos, and memorabilia celebrating players, coaches, and contributors who have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

• Game Day Experiences:
  Spaces themed around college traditions—marching bands, mascots, tailgates, and rivalry games—give you a feel for what Saturdays in the fall are like across the country.

• Interactive Skill Zones:
  An indoor 45-yard field area typically offers:

  • Passing accuracy stations
  • Kicking or field-goal challenges
  • Agility and reaction time drills

  These are especially popular with kids and teens, but plenty of adults jump in too.

• Theater Presentations:
  Many visits include a short film in the on-site theater, usually highlighting the passion, history, and culture of college football.

• Rotating and Special Exhibits:
  The Hall often features limited-time displays on:

  • National championship seasons
  • Legendary coaches or programs
  • Historic moments in college football

If you’re local to Atlanta, these rotating exhibits can make a return visit worthwhile.

Who Will Enjoy the College Football Hall of Fame?

Perfect for:

• College football fans:
  You’ll find deep dives into the sport’s history, legendary players, and iconic programs.

• Families with kids:
  The interactive games, virtual elements, and indoor field help keep children engaged beyond just reading signs and looking at cases.

• Atlanta visitors building an itinerary:
  The Hall is easy to add to a walking route that includes Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola.

• Groups and team outings:
  Youth sports teams, alumni clubs, and school groups often use the Hall as a fun and educational stop.

Might be less ideal if:

• You have no interest at all in sports or games; the experience is still visually interesting, but the content is heavily football-centric.
• You’re looking for a quiet, traditional museum; this attraction tends to be lively, with sound effects, videos, and groups moving around.

Getting to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta

By MARTA (public transit)

The Hall is accessible from Atlanta’s MARTA rail system:

• Take any line that reaches Five Points Station or Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station.
• From Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station:
  Walk toward Centennial Olympic Park Drive and follow signs toward the park. The Hall is just a few minutes away on Marietta Street.
• From Five Points Station:
  It’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk west through downtown, or you can transfer to the westbound line for one stop to Dome/GWCC.

Public transit can be especially convenient for game weekends at nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium when traffic and parking costs increase.

By car

Downtown Atlanta is well connected by major interstates:

• From I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector):
  Take exits serving Andrew Young International Blvd, Williams St, or Courtland St, then follow signs toward Centennial Olympic Park and Marietta Street.

• From I-20:
  Connect to the Downtown Connector and follow similar directions.

The area has multiple paid parking decks and surface lots around Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, and nearby attractions. Rates can vary, and prices typically rise on:

• Weekends
• Event days (Falcons games, concerts, conventions)

If you live in the metro area, consider using MARTA on busy event days to avoid congestion.

Rideshare and taxis

Rideshare drop-offs typically occur along Marietta St NW and nearby streets. This is often the least stressful option if you’re staying at a hotel in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport.

Typical Hours, Tickets, and Planning Your Visit

Exact hours and ticket prices can change, but visitors usually find:

• Open most days of the week with shorter hours on some weekdays.
• Extended or modified hours during major events and football season.
• Occasional closures for private events, especially on weeknights.

Because hours can shift for large events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center, it’s smart to:

• Check the Hall’s current operating schedule before you go.
• Look at the event calendar for downtown Atlanta if you want to avoid big crowds.

Time needed

Most visitors spend about:

• 1.5 to 3 hours exploring exhibits, playing games, and walking through the Hall.
• More time if:
  • You’re a serious fan who reads and watches everything
  • You’re with kids who love the skills challenges

If you’re building a one-day downtown itinerary, planning half a day for the Hall plus one nearby attraction tends to feel comfortable.

What to Expect Inside: Layout and Experience

Here’s a simplified overview to help you visualize your visit:

Tips for Atlanta Locals Visiting the Hall of Fame

If you live in the Atlanta area, you can treat the Hall as a flexible, repeatable outing:

• Watch for special events:
  The Hall sometimes hosts:

  • Autograph signings
  • Panel discussions with former players or coaches
  • Themed weekends during the college football season

• Plan around big game weekends:
  When Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, or other major programs are in town for games or championships at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, crowds increase. This can be fun and energetic, but lines may be longer.

• Use it as a downtown “anchor”:
  If you often have out-of-town guests, the Hall pairs well with:

  • A walk through Centennial Olympic Park
  • A visit to the Georgia Aquarium
  • Dinner at one of the nearby restaurants on Marietta St, in Castleberry Hill, or at Atlantic Station after a short drive

Accessibility and Visitor Comfort

The College Football Hall of Fame is generally designed with modern accessibility in mind:

• Elevator access and ramps connecting multiple levels
• Wide walkways in most exhibit areas
• Seating in some sections, particularly near the theater and open spaces

If you or someone in your group has mobility, hearing, or visual needs, it can be helpful to:

• Contact the Hall in advance to confirm current accessibility accommodations
• Plan extra time to move through exhibits at a comfortable pace

Inside, you’ll also typically find:

• Restrooms on multiple levels
• Climate-controlled spaces, which is important given Atlanta’s hot, humid summers
• Water fountains or refill stations (policies on outside food and drink may vary)

Combining the Hall with Other Atlanta Attractions

If you’re trying to build a full “things to do in Atlanta” plan, the Hall fits neatly into a half-day or full-day downtown itinerary.

Walkable from the Hall

You can easily reach on foot:

• Centennial Olympic Park:
  Good for photos, short walks, and kids who need to run around a bit after the museum.

• Georgia Aquarium:
  One of Atlanta’s most popular attractions, suitable for all ages.

• World of Coca-Cola:
  A brand-focused museum that offers tastings and exhibits on the beverage’s history.

• SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel:
  For skyline views of downtown and the surrounding area.

Short drive or quick transit away

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in the Sweet Auburn area
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail for walking and dining
• Ponce City Market for food hall options and shopping
• Midtown museums like the High Museum of Art and Center for Puppetry Arts

If you’re visiting from outside the city, grouping these attractions helps you get a broad sense of Atlanta in a single day or weekend.

Practical Tips Before You Visit

Here are some simple ways to have a smooth visit to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta:

• Check current hours and ticket information before you go, especially around holidays and major sporting events.
• Arrive earlier in the day if you prefer a quieter experience; afternoons and weekends can be more crowded.
• Dress comfortably:
  You’ll be walking, standing, and possibly running or kicking in the skills zone.
• Think about parking vs. MARTA:
  For locals, MARTA is often simpler on busy days downtown.
• Allow time for photos and games:
  Many people underestimate how long they’ll want to stay in the skills area and at interactive exhibits.

The College Football Hall of Fame is one of Atlanta’s standout attractions for sports lovers and families alike. Its downtown location, interactive exhibits, and ties to nearby stadiums and event venues make it a natural stop for anyone wanting to experience the energy of college football—and a big part of what makes Atlanta a major sports city.