Gateway Center Arena at College Park: Events, Tips, and What to Expect Near Atlanta

The Gateway Center Arena at College Park has quickly become one of metro Atlanta’s go-to spots for sports, concerts, and community events. If you live in Atlanta, fly in and out of Hartsfield–Jackson often, or you’re just looking for something new to do on the south side, this arena is worth knowing well.

Located at 2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337, it sits right by the airport and the Georgia International Convention Center, making it extremely convenient for both locals and visitors.

What Kind of Events Happen at Gateway Center Arena?

The arena hosts a mix of sports, entertainment, and community-focused events throughout the year. While the exact schedule changes, here are the main types of events you can expect.

Professional and Semi-Professional Sports

Gateway Center Arena is best known in metro Atlanta for basketball:

• WNBA and G League games
  The arena has been home to professional women’s basketball and NBA G League games, drawing fans from across Atlanta, College Park, East Point, and beyond.
• Showcase games and tournaments
  You’ll sometimes see college showcases, high school tournaments, and special basketball events, especially during peak sports seasons and holiday breaks.

If you’re a sports fan in Atlanta, this arena offers a more intimate, accessible game-day experience than some of the larger stadiums, with plenty of seating and good sightlines.

Concerts and Live Entertainment

The arena regularly hosts:

• National and regional music acts
• Comedy shows
• Gospel concerts and inspirational events
• Cultural and heritage celebrations

Because of its size, shows here often feel up close and personal compared to huge arenas in downtown Atlanta, which many locals enjoy.

Community, Cultural, and Special Events

Expect a steady rotation of:

• Local and regional festivals
• Step shows, dance competitions, and cheer events
• Graduations and ceremonies
• Faith-based gatherings and conferences
• Family events, including kid-friendly programming during certain seasons

These types of events draw heavily from South Fulton, College Park, East Point, and Clayton County, but are very accessible if you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or other parts of metro Atlanta.

Quick Snapshot: Gateway Center Arena Events at a Glance

Use this as a guide when scanning upcoming events to match your interests.

How to Find Upcoming Events at Gateway Center Arena

Because the event calendar constantly changes, Atlanta residents and visitors typically use these approaches:

• Check the arena’s official event calendar
  This is usually the most up-to-date source for game schedules, concerts, and special events, including door times and parking details.
• Look at team or tour pages
  If you’re following a specific basketball team, music artist, or comedy tour, their official pages often list Atlanta-area dates at Gateway Center Arena.
• Local Atlanta event listings
  Many Atlanta-focused event calendars and ticketing platforms will highlight larger shows and major games at the arena.
• Social media and newsletters
  Signing up for alerts or following the arena and associated teams can help you catch presales, schedule changes, and newly added shows.

Because the arena is part of a larger convention and hospitality district near the airport, you may also see joint promotions with nearby hotels and the Georgia International Convention Center.

Location, Parking, and Getting There from Around Atlanta

Address and Basic Info

Gateway Center Arena at College Park
2330 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, GA 30337

It sits just south of downtown Atlanta, near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and close to major highways like I-85 and I-285.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving from various parts of metro Atlanta:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  Typically 10–25 minutes depending on traffic; head south on I-85 toward the airport.
• From Buckhead / North Atlanta:
  Plan for 25–45 minutes during busy times; you’ll likely use GA-400 → I-85 South.
• From Decatur / East Atlanta:
  Most routes connect via I-285 or surface streets to I-85 or the airport area.
• From Southside counties (Clayton, Fayette, Henry):
  Travel times are usually shorter; many residents come straight up I-75, I-85, or local roads.

Parking is generally available in designated lots and decks near the arena and convention center. Fees and availability can vary by event, so it’s smart to:

• Arrive early for high-demand games and concerts
• Check event information for specific parking lot guidance
• Bring a payment method that works for automated or card-only systems

MARTA and Public Transit

Public transit is a strong option, especially if you’re coming from downtown or midtown Atlanta:

• Take MARTA rail to the Airport Station (Red or Gold Line), then connect to the ATL SkyTrain which serves the nearby convention and hotel district.
• Depending on the event setup and timing, some visitors use MARTA buses or rideshare from nearby stations such as College Park Station, which is on the Red/Gold Line just north of the airport.

If you prefer not to drive, a combination of MARTA and a short rideshare is often the easiest approach from many in-town neighborhoods.

What It’s Like Inside: Seating, Layout, and Experience

Seating and Atmosphere

Gateway Center Arena is a mid-sized, modern arena, which means:

• Most seats have clear views of the court or stage
• It often feels more personal and less overwhelming than massive venues
• Sound and lighting are designed for both sports and concerts, so the setup may change by event

Seating typically includes a mix of:

• Lower bowl seats
• Upper-level seating
• Courtside or premium seating for certain events
• Accessible seating for guests with mobility or other needs

Check your event’s seating chart when buying tickets, especially if you care about proximity to the court or stage.

Accessibility

The arena is part of a modern convention district, so you can generally expect:

• Accessible entrances, elevators, and seating areas
• Options for guests using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices
• Designated drop-off areas closer to the entrance

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility requirements, it’s helpful to review accessibility details before you go or contact the venue directly for clarification.

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Options

Concessions Inside the Arena

Most events offer standard arena-style concessions, such as:

• Hot dogs, burgers, and snacks
• Soft drinks and water
• Alcoholic beverages at designated stands (selection varies by event)
• Occasional specialty or local vendors, depending on the event

Policies on outside food and drink can vary, so always check event details before bringing anything in.

Nearby Dining and Hotels

Because the arena is in the Gateway Center / airport hotel district, you’ll find:

• Multiple chain and hotel restaurants within a short walk or quick drive
• A wide range of airport-area hotels for visitors flying in for events
• Quick access to College Park’s Main Street area, which offers local dining and a more neighborhood feel

For locals, the arena can be a good anchor for a dinner-and-event combo night without having to navigate downtown Atlanta traffic or parking.

Tips for Attending Events as an Atlanta Local or Visitor

To make the most of Gateway Center Arena at College Park events, consider these practical tips:

Before You Go

• Check the event listing carefully
  Look for door times, show times, and any restricted items (bags, cameras, etc.).
• Buy tickets early for high-demand events
  Major games and well-known performers can sell out or have limited good seats.
• Plan your route
  Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, especially:
  • Weekday evenings
  • Around rush hour
  • During airport peak times
    Build in extra time if you’re coming from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or the northern suburbs.

At the Arena

• Arrive early for easier parking and shorter lines
  This is especially useful for families, large groups, or anyone with mobility needs.
• Know the bag policy
  Many arenas use a clear bag or small bag policy; checking in advance helps you avoid delays.
• Have a meeting spot
  For crowded concerts or games, pick a designated spot inside or just outside the arena in case your group gets separated.

After the Event

• Expect heavier traffic when everyone leaves at once
  You can:
  • Hang back inside briefly to let crowds thin
  • Walk to a nearby restaurant or hotel lobby area for a bit
  • Use MARTA or rideshare to avoid parking-lot backups
• Watch for event-specific transport options
  Occasionally, large events coordinate shuttles or special wayfinding for easier exits.

Who Will Enjoy Gateway Center Arena the Most?

This arena is a good fit if you’re:

• A basketball fan who prefers a more intimate view than huge NBA or college arenas
• Looking for concerts or comedy shows on the south side of Atlanta or close to the airport
• A College Park or South Fulton resident wanting big-event energy without going into downtown
• Visiting Atlanta for business or travel and staying near the airport, but still want entertainment without a long commute
• A family seeking accessible, organized events like graduations, step shows, or community celebrations

If you already know downtown venues like State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, consider Gateway Center Arena as a more relaxed, convenient alternative—especially if you live or stay closer to the airport, College Park, or Clayton County.

How to Take Your Next Step

If you’re ready to experience a Gateway Center Arena at College Park event:

1. Decide what you’re interested in
   Sports, concerts, comedy, community events, or family-friendly programming.
2. Check the upcoming schedule
   Look for dates, start times, and any special notes about parking or entry.
3. Plan your transportation
   Choose between driving and parking, MARTA, or rideshare, depending on where you’re coming from in metro Atlanta.
4. Arrive early and enjoy the area
   Explore nearby dining, grab a bite, and take advantage of how close the arena is to the airport and hotels.

For Atlanta residents and visitors alike, Gateway Center Arena offers a convenient, modern, and welcoming venue for a wide range of events—especially if you spend a lot of time on the south side or near Hartsfield–Jackson.