Gas South Convention Center in Duluth: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Visitors

If you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting the city, the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth is one of the key places where big events happen outside the downtown core. From concerts and family shows to trade expos, graduations, and business conferences, this Gwinnett County venue is designed for both locals and out-of-town guests.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what the Gas South Convention Center offers, how to get there, and what to know before you go.

Where the Gas South Convention Center Is and What’s On Site

Address:
Gas South Convention Center
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, GA 30097

The convention center is part of a larger complex often referred to as Gas South District, located just off I‑85 at Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, northeast of central Atlanta.

The campus typically includes three main components:

• Gas South Convention Center – Exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and lobby space for conferences, expos, banquets, and community events.
• Gas South Arena – A large arena used for concerts, sports, graduations, and family shows.
• Gas South Theater – A more traditional theater setting for performances, ceremonies, and presentations.

For anyone in Atlanta, this complex is an alternative to driving into downtown or Midtown for large events, especially if you live in Gwinnett, North Fulton, or North DeKalb.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

Driving Directions

Because this is a regional venue, most Atlanta-area visitors arrive by car.

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

• Take I‑85 North
• Exit at Sugarloaf Parkway (typically Exit 108)
• Follow signs to Sugarloaf Parkway West
• Look for signage for Gas South District / Gas South Convention Center

From Buckhead / North Atlanta:

• Get on I‑85 North (via GA‑400 or surface streets)
• Continue as above to the Sugarloaf Parkway exit

From Eastside (Decatur / Stone Mountain):

• Use I‑285 to connect to I‑85 North, then exit at Sugarloaf Parkway

From Southside (Hartsfield–Jackson area / South Fulton / Clayton):

• Take I‑75/85 North through downtown
• Stay on I‑85 North to Sugarloaf Parkway

Traffic along I‑85 can be heavy during rush hours (especially afternoon/evening). If you have a ticketed event, it’s common for people in Atlanta to plan to arrive at least 30–60 minutes early, especially on weeknights.

Parking: What Atlanta Drivers Should Expect

The convention center has on-site parking lots and decks.

Common patterns:

• Event parking fee – Many concerts, shows, and large expos charge for parking per vehicle.
• Card payment is widely used – Some events may be cashless, so having a card or mobile pay ready can be helpful.
• Separate lots for arena vs. convention hall – Signage usually directs you to the right area; staff often help funnel traffic.

Tips for smoother parking:

• 🕒 Arrive early for headline events; lots can fill quickly.
• 📍 Snap a photo of your parking area/section so you can find your car more easily.
• 🚶‍♀️ Be ready for a short walk from the lot or deck to the entrance, especially for large events.

Public Transit and Rideshare Options

Gwinnett County Transit and MARTA Connections

The convention center sits in Gwinnett County, where local transit is handled by Gwinnett County Transit (GCT). While there may be commuter-style bus service and park-and-ride options in the county, many Atlanta visitors find that direct rail access is not available in this area like it is in downtown or Midtown.

Patterns to keep in mind:

• No direct MARTA rail to the convention center.
• Some commuters may use MARTA + GCT buses, but for evening or weekend events, schedules may be limited.
• Most event-goers from Atlanta rely on driving or rideshare.

If you’re trying to avoid driving entirely, it’s wise to check current GCT and MARTA route maps and hours before you plan a transit-based trip, as service patterns can change.

Rideshare and Drop-Off

Rideshare services (such as app-based ride services and traditional taxis) commonly serve the Gas South District area.

Common arrangements include:

• Marked rideshare pickup/drop-off zones near main entrances during large events
• Event staff or digital signs directing where cars can stop briefly
• Heavier pickup traffic right after concerts and major performances, so wait times can be longer

For groups coming from Atlanta neighborhoods (Inman Park, West Midtown, Virginia‑Highland, etc.), sharing a rideshare can be convenient if you want to avoid navigating I‑85, parking, and post-event traffic.

Types of Events You’ll Find at the Gas South Convention Center

The Gas South Convention Center and its neighboring venues host a wide range of events that draw people from all over the Atlanta metro area.

Consumer Shows and Expos

These often include:

• Home and garden shows
• Boat, car, or RV shows
• Tech, hobby, and collectible expos
• Wedding and bridal shows

If you live in Atlanta and you’re used to big expos at places like the Georgia World Congress Center, the Gas South Convention Center offers a similar style of event, just in a northeast suburban setting.

Corporate and Professional Events

Many companies and associations choose this venue for:

• Annual conferences and conventions
• Professional development seminars
• Trade association meetings
• Job fairs and recruiting events

For Atlanta professionals, this may mean:

• A commute that’s easier if you live in Gwinnett or North Fulton
• Less downtown congestion and parking complexity
• Larger breakout rooms and exhibit space in a single campus

Community, Education, and Civic Events

You’ll also see:

• High school and college graduations from around Gwinnett and nearby counties
• Local award ceremonies and banquets
• Civic gatherings and public forums

If you’re supporting a student or attending a community event, you’ll want to confirm which part of the campus—arena, theater, or convention hall—your event is actually using.

Concerts, Shows, and Family Entertainment

While the arena and theater often host big-ticket shows, the convention center spaces may be used for:

• Smaller performances and showcases
• Meet-and-greet events linked to larger shows
• Festival-style activities connected to conventions or expos

Atlanta families commonly head here for kid-friendly events, holiday markets, and touring productions that choose suburban venues.

Inside the Convention Center: What Visitors Can Expect

Layout and Accessibility

The convention center is generally designed to be accessible and navigable, with:

• Large lobbies and corridors
• Clearly marked exhibit halls and meeting rooms
• Typically available elevators and accessible entrances

For Atlanta residents or visitors who need mobility assistance or accessible seating, it’s common to:

• Check event information ahead of time for accessibility details
• Reach out to the event organizer or the venue for specific questions on wheelchair access, seating, and support services

Food and Concessions

Food options around events may include:

• On-site concessions (snacks, drinks, quick bites)
• Catered meals for private events, conferences, or banquets
• Access to nearby dining along Sugarloaf Parkway, including chain restaurants and some local spots

If you’re used to downtown Atlanta venues where you can easily walk to dozens of restaurants, note that at Gas South you’re more likely to drive a short distance for off-site dining unless your event offers built-in catering.

Wi‑Fi and Work-Friendly Spaces

For business visitors from Atlanta:

• Many events provide Wi‑Fi in meeting spaces and common areas.
• Common areas are often suitable for quick laptop work or email checks between sessions.

If you’re attending a full-day conference, it’s smart to bring:

• A portable charger
• Any VPN or remote-access tools you need from your workplace, as networks can be busy during large conventions

Nearby Hotels and Where to Stay

For overnight visitors or Atlantans attending multi-day conferences, the area around the Gas South Convention Center includes multiple hotels, often used as official conference lodging.

General patterns:

• Walkable or short-shuttle hotels right around the complex
• Additional hotel options along Sugarloaf Parkway and near Pleasant Hill Road
• More upscale and boutique options if you’re willing to stay in Buckhead or Midtown Atlanta and commute via I‑85

If you’re attending a large convention, organizers sometimes negotiate room blocks at nearby hotels, so it’s worth checking your event materials for preferred lodging.

Planning Your Visit from Atlanta: Key Tips

Here’s a quick, skimmable summary tailored to Atlanta-area visitors and travelers:

How the Gas South Convention Center Fits into the Atlanta Event Scene

Within the Atlanta area, the Gas South Convention Center is often viewed as:

• A northeast counterpart to downtown’s Georgia World Congress Center and State Farm Arena
• A more convenient choice for residents of Gwinnett, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Duluth, and nearby suburbs
• A way for Atlanta visitors to attend large events without always staying in the central core of the city

If you’re comparing venues for an event:

• Downtown Atlanta may make more sense if attendees are flying in, staying near MARTA rail, or planning nightlife and dining in the city center.
• Gas South Convention Center may be better if your group is largely metro Atlanta locals in the northern suburbs, or if you prefer suburban hotels and easier car access.

Practical Steps Before You Go

To make your visit smoother, many Atlanta visitors do the following:

• ✅ Confirm your event details – Exact building (arena, theater, or convention center), start time, and entry instructions.
• ✅ Check your route – Use a navigation app to gauge I‑85 traffic and pick a departure time.
• ✅ Review parking info – See if your event recommends a specific lot or offers pre-paid parking.
• ✅ Plan meals – Decide whether you’ll eat on-site, nearby, or on the way back into Atlanta.
• ✅ Coordinate your group – If meeting friends or family, choose a clear meet-up point (e.g., lobby, main entrance, or a specific hotel).

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth is a major, easy-to-reach option for large events—especially if you’re oriented to the north side of the metro area and want the feel of a full-scale venue without heading into the busiest parts of the city.