Gateway Center Arena at College Park: Your Guide to Atlanta’s Southside Sports & Entertainment Hub

If you spend most of your time around downtown or Midtown, it’s easy to forget that one of metro Atlanta’s most versatile arenas sits just a few minutes south of Hartsfield–Jackson: Gateway Center Arena at College Park. This modern, mid-sized venue has become a key spot for basketball, concerts, family shows, and community events on Atlanta’s southside.

Whether you live in the city, are flying into Atlanta for a game, or are trying to decide if this arena is worth the trip, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Gateway Center Arena Fits in Atlanta’s Entertainment Scene

Gateway Center Arena is located in College Park, Georgia, directly adjacent to the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) and very close to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

It fills a specific niche in Atlanta’s venue lineup:

• Smaller than downtown’s State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Larger and more polished than most high school gyms or community centers
• Positioned as a southside alternative to intown arenas, especially for residents of College Park, East Point, Hapeville, Union City, and the broader south metro area

You’ll most often see it used for:

• Professional and semi-pro basketball games
• Concerts and comedy shows
• Step shows, graduations, and church conferences
• Cheer and dance competitions, expos, and community events

Location, Address, and Basic Info

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

This area is part of the Gateway Center campus, which includes:

• Georgia International Convention Center
• Gateway Center Arena
• Nearby hotels and restaurants, many geared toward airport travelers
• Easy transit access via MARTA’s airport station and SkyTrain

The arena’s capacity is in the several-thousand range, which means events feel big and energetic but not overwhelming like a 60,000-seat stadium.

What Happens at Gateway Center Arena?

Basketball and Sporting Events

The arena is best known locally for basketball. Over the past few years, it has hosted:

• Professional basketball games (including WNBA and G League home games in recent seasons)
• College basketball tournaments or showcases
• High school championships or special matchups
• Youth sports tournaments, cheer, and dance events

For Atlanta sports fans, this creates a more intimate game-day atmosphere than the larger downtown venues, with good sightlines from nearly every seat.

Concerts, Comedy, and Live Entertainment

On non-game days, the arena often hosts:

• Concerts with national or regional artists
• Comedy tours and stand-up specials
• Gospel and inspirational events
• Cultural festivals and step shows

If you live in south metro Atlanta, Gateway Center Arena can be a convenient alternative to driving into downtown for shows, especially on weeknights.

Community, Church, and School Events

Because of its flexible configuration, the arena is also used for:

• High school and college graduations
• Church conferences and large worship events
• Job fairs, expos, and conventions (often in partnership with GICC next door)

These events draw visitors from across metro Atlanta and other Georgia cities, but the arena’s design keeps logistics relatively manageable.

Getting to Gateway Center Arena from Around Atlanta

One of the arena’s biggest advantages is how close it is to the airport and major highways.

Driving Directions

Gateway Center Arena sits near the intersection of I-85, I-285, and Camp Creek Parkway on the south side of the city.

From key Atlanta areas:

• Downtown / Midtown:
  Take I-85 South toward the airport. Exit near the airport/Convention Center area (follow signs for the Georgia International Convention Center and SkyTrain). Expect about 15–25 minutes in light traffic.

• Buckhead / North Atlanta:
  Take GA-400 South to I-85 South, then follow airport/GICC signs. Budget 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

• East Atlanta / Decatur:
  Take I-285 South/West to I-85 North briefly toward the airport, or exit toward Camp Creek Parkway and follow signs to the GICC/Gateway Center.

• Westside / Douglasville:
  Take I-20 East to I-285 South, then connect to Camp Creek Parkway and follow signs.

🅿️ Parking Tips:

• Parking is available on the GICC/Gateway Center campus, usually in surface lots or decks.
• Event organizers typically set parking rates per event; bring a card or small amount of cash just in case.
• For major games and concerts, arrive 30–45 minutes early to avoid parking bottlenecks near tip-off or showtime.

Using MARTA and SkyTrain

If you’re coming from intown or don’t want to pay for parking near the airport:

1. Take MARTA (Rail) to Airport Station.

   • Red or Gold lines both go straight to Airport.

2. From inside the airport, follow signs for the ATL SkyTrain (not the Plane Train).

   • The SkyTrain is a free automated train connecting the airport to the Gateway Center / GICC area.

3. Ride the SkyTrain to the GICC/Gateway Center Station.

   • From there, it’s a short, walkable path to the arena.

This is one of the few arenas in metro Atlanta where you can truly use rail transit end-to-end and avoid traffic and parking altogether.

Nearby Hotels and Where to Stay

Because of its airport-adjacent location, the arena is surrounded by business and airport hotels, many within walking distance or a short shuttle ride.

If you’re flying into Atlanta for an event, staying near Gateway Center can be practical:

• You’re minutes from the airport terminals.
• You can walk or shuttle to the arena.
• Many hotels in this area cater to short stays, conferences, and overnight layovers.

If you prefer Atlanta’s nightlife or tourist areas but are attending a single event at Gateway Center Arena, you might choose:

• Downtown Atlanta: For access to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and State Farm Arena, plus direct MARTA access to the airport.
• Midtown: For restaurants, nightlife, and arts, with an easy MARTA ride down to the airport.

In those cases, plan to MARTA + SkyTrain to avoid the hassles of airport-area parking and traffic.

Arena Layout, Seating, and Accessibility

Gateway Center Arena is designed as a compact, modern bowl, which has a few advantages for Atlanta visitors:

Seating Experience

• Most seats have clear views of the court or stage, even in higher sections.
• For concerts, the arena can be configured with floor seating plus side and end sections.
• Because of the size, you’re usually closer to the action than in giant stadiums, even with “upper-level” tickets.

Accessibility

The arena and surrounding Gateway Center grounds are built with ADA accessibility in mind:

• Ramps, elevators, and accessible seating areas
• Typically, designated accessible parking spaces in nearby lots
• Indoor concourses with relatively straightforward wayfinding

If you or a family member needs accessible seating or assistance, it’s wise to:

• Contact the box office or event organizer ahead of time
• Arrive early to coordinate any mobility or seating needs

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

Concessions at Gateway Center Arena reflect a mix of typical arena fare and some regional favorites. While exact options change by event, you can generally expect:

• Classic options: Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, soft drinks
• Beer, wine, or cocktails at designated stands (for 21+)
• Some events may feature local vendors or specialty offerings, especially for larger concerts or cultural events.

Tips for planning:

• Pricing is in line with other Atlanta arenas, so budget accordingly.
• Many family-oriented events allow sealed water bottles, but check the specific event details—bag and outside food policies can vary.
• The surrounding Gateway Center campus has nearby restaurants and hotel bars, useful if you prefer to eat before or after the event instead of relying entirely on arena concessions.

Security, Entry, and What to Bring

Like most major Atlanta venues, Gateway Center Arena uses security screening at entry.

Common practices include:

• Bag checks and walk-through metal detectors
• Clear bag or small bag policies for many events
• Restrictions on:
  • Outside food and drink
  • Large backpacks or luggage
  • Weapons or objects that could be used as such

To make entry smoother:

• Bring only essential items and consider a small or clear bag.
• Keep your tickets ready (mobile or printed) before you reach the doors.
• If you’re coming straight from the airport, try not to bring full luggage to the arena; drop it at your hotel or use storage if available.

Because rules can shift slightly by event, always check the specific event information when you purchase tickets.

Buying Tickets and Finding Events

Events at Gateway Center Arena are typically ticketed through major ticketing platforms or through event-specific registration pages, especially for conferences or graduations.

To see what’s happening:

• Search for “Gateway Center Arena College Park events” or
• Check the Georgia International Convention Center / Gateway Center listings, since some event pages are grouped under the same campus.

Common tips for Atlanta locals and visitors:

• For sports seasons, consider checking team websites (such as WNBA or G League teams) that list Gateway Center Arena as a home venue or past host.
• For concerts and comedy, look up artists’ tour schedules and verify the venue name as “Gateway Center Arena at College Park” to avoid confusion with other Atlanta arenas.
• For graduations or school events, most details come directly from the school district, college, or organization hosting the ceremony.

Best Uses of Gateway Center Arena for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Gateway Center Arena is especially convenient if:

• You live south of I-20 and want a closer option than downtown
• You’re flying through ATL and want to catch a game or show without trekking into the city
• You’re attending a conference at the Georgia International Convention Center and want after-hours entertainment nearby
• Your child’s graduation, tournament, or performance is hosted there

For many Atlanta-area families, it’s increasingly common to attend graduations, youth tournaments, or big church events at this arena, even if they live in other parts of the city.

Quick Reference: Gateway Center Arena Essentials

If you’re planning your time in Atlanta and want a manageable, modern venue away from the busiest intown traffic, Gateway Center Arena at College Park is worth keeping on your radar. It offers a strong mix of sports, entertainment, and community events with the rare advantage of direct airport and transit access—a combination that’s hard to beat anywhere else in the metro area.