Center Parc Credit Union Stadium: Guide for Visiting Fans

Getting to Center Parc Stadium is very direct — it sits right off Atlanta's Downtown Connector (I-75/85), and fans coming from the east or west can use Interstate 20. If you're driving from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you're looking at roughly 8–10 miles up I-75/85 North, usually 20–30 minutes depending on game-day traffic. Take the exit marked for the stadium and follow signs still labeled "Turner Field" — the stadium will always be seen as Turner Field in the local consciousness, and the highway signs still bear that name.

For MARTA, the nearest subway station is Garnett Station, which is about a 22-minute walk from the stadium. MARTA Blue, Gold, and Green Lines serve stations in the area, with bus routes 49, 55, and 832 also stopping nearby. Alternatively, the Georgia State MARTA station is about a 1-mile direct walk to the stadium. MARTA's four main rail lines — Red, Gold, Blue, and Green — all intersect in Downtown Atlanta, so getting downtown from anywhere in the metro is feasible. From the airport, take any Red or Gold Line train northbound to Five Points and transfer if needed.

Rideshare is genuinely convenient here given the downtown location. Drop-off along Hank Aaron Drive SE works fine; just confirm with your driver in advance since event traffic can redirect the final approach.

MARTA: This is your best bet for anything other than driving solo. The nearest subway station is Garnett Station, about a 22-minute walk north from the stadium. Start walking immediately after the final whistle — don't wait. The walk along Hank Aaron Drive is well-lit and straightforward. Late nights and weekends can see longer waits between trains, so expect up to 10–15 minutes on the platform. You'll be back downtown within 30–40 minutes total from your seat.

Driving: The challenge of getting back onto the highways after the game is not as daunting as it once was, but like any downtown stadium, the highways can be clogged with city traffic. Lots along Capitol Avenue SE clear faster than those directly on Hank Aaron Drive. Give it 20 minutes after the final whistle before pulling out — the first wave of people leaving at halftime and early in the 4th quarter clears the worst of it. If you're heading south to the airport, I-75/85 South is typically faster post-game than surface streets.

Rideshare: Surge is real. The designated rideshare pickup area is along the surface lots east of the stadium — walk a block or two away from the main gate crush and you'll cut your wait and your fare. Wait at least 15–20 minutes post-game before requesting a car; the surge typically drops noticeably after the initial flood clears. The single best tip: walk to the Summerhill Georgia Avenue strip post-game, grab a beer at Halfway Crooks while the traffic clears, and request your rideshare 45 minutes after the whistle. You'll pay less, wait less, and end the night better.

With ongoing campus construction, parking locations may differ from years past. The Green Lot is currently closed (under construction). The Blue Lot is for students; the Convocation Center Deck offers pre-order and day-of parking. PAC (Panther Athletic Club) parking is in Summerhill A and on Georgia Ave, allocated based on donor contributions.

The stadium provides official surface lots and a nearby campus parking deck, with parking typically sold cashless through mobile payment and often available for advance purchase. Most visitors rely on these organized surface lots, which can fill quickly and are managed through pre-paid or app-based systems. Pre-buying through ParkMobile is the smart move — basic ticket prices are around $20 and parking has historically run around $15, making the overall outing very affordable. Advance lots can be cheaper; day-of walk-up pricing runs higher. ADA parking is available with a valid state placard — call (404) 413-4020 ahead of time to confirm current lot assignments.

Your best play is Downtown Atlanta, roughly 1.5–2 miles north, where you'll find everything from budget chains near Peachtree Center to mid-range options near Centennial Olympic Park. It puts you close enough for a rideshare or MARTA hop to the game and keeps the rest of Atlanta accessible — the BeltLine, Ponce City Market, and Midtown bars are all easily reachable.

For a more local feel, the Grant Park neighborhood (just east of the stadium) has a handful of Airbnbs and small hotels with easy access to the stadium on game day. It's quieter than Downtown and prices tend to be noticeably lower. Avoid booking way out in Buckhead or the perimeter suburbs — post-game traffic on I-75/85 heading north is genuinely brutal, and you'll spend an hour in your car wondering why you didn't just stay downtown.

The heart of Summerhill activity runs along Georgia Avenue — no larger than a typical town square — with a diverse lineup of eateries ranging from down-home BBQ to a Mexican patio, all standing in the shadow of Center Parc Stadium.

Halfway Crooks Beer is the flagship. Among the finest breweries in Atlanta, it offers everything from lagers to radlers, a food menu leaning into the German bierhaus theme, an exposed-brick rooftop with large picnic tables, and a biergarten enclosed by colorful shipping containers — a shady spot with live music sessions. Get there early on game day; the rooftop fills fast.

Wood's Chapel BBQ is the pregame anchor if you need actual food in your stomach. The vibes combine rustic BBQ feel with Summerhill's trendy tinge, with photos commemorating Atlanta history throughout; the turkey is juicy and the pulled pork is perfectly fatty, but even the sides have creative touches like elote-inspired creamed corn.

How Crispy is Summerhill's fried chicken spot. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and while there's some indoor seating, the patio is where it's at. Good for a quick pregame bite if you're not doing a full sit-down.

D Boca N Boca is the taqueria option if you want something different — a Central Mexican menu served from a colorful dining room or outdoor fire pit tables, with ribeye tacos on hand-pressed corn tortillas and fluffy churros to finish.

Beyond the surrounding venues, the stadium itself offers plenty of food and drink options to keep fans fuelled.

All concession stands are managed by Premier Events and located throughout the venue. Expect to pay roughly $8–$12 for a beer and $7–$12 for a basic food item — standard Sun Belt pricing that won't shock your wallet the way a Power 4 stadium would. Beer, wine, and liquor are sold at select concession stands and portable stands throughout the concourse, which is a step above many college venues. With numerous concession stands and standalone kiosks, lines are commonly short and wait times minimal — a real advantage at a stadium this size. Everything is cashless, so leave your cash in your wallet.

Panther fans must carry clear bags no larger than 12"×6"×12" (or a 1-gallon plastic freezer bag), or a clutch no larger than 4.5"×6.5". Bags larger than 12"×6"×12" and all backpacks are prohibited. Exceptions are made for medical requirements and special needs, and all bags are subject to search. There is no bag check — guests are encouraged to return unauthorized bags to their vehicles.

Gates typically open between 90 minutes and 2 hours before event time. If there's a tailgate you want to catch on the 1913 Promenade plaza, arrive 2+ hours early. The game-day atmosphere outside the main gates includes approximately two dozen tents, with fraternities on one side and alumni on the other. Away fans should head to the main gates on the north end; Guest Services is located near Section 125 at Gate 7 if you need any assistance. Outside alcohol is prohibited inside the stadium but is fine on the plaza bricks or at tailgates. All alcohol sales end at the start of the fourth quarter in general public areas.

Georgia State makes every effort to comply with ADA regulations and accommodate guests with disabilities. Accessible seating is available; for information, contact 404-413-4020 before game day. On game day, exchanges can be made at the ticket office subject to availability. Center Parc Stadium is fully accessible with wheelchair-friendly paths, designated seating, and staff support for guests with special needs. ADA-accessible parking is available in stadium lots, and the ParkMobile system supports accessible space booking. The stadium has elevators connecting the main concourse to upper levels; escalators are also available. For specific accessibility inquiries, you can reach guest services at stadium@gsu.edu or call (404) 413-4000 before your visit. Every restroom throughout Center Parc Credit Union Stadium contains a baby changing station.

Georgia State has created a cozy 24,000-seat football stadium that puts fans right on top of the action on the field. The lower bowl — particularly the sideline sections between the 20-yard lines — gives you an impressively close view of the FieldTurf. There is no formally designated permanent away section, so visiting fans can sit throughout the stadium. The end zone sections are where students fill approximately two-and-a-half end zone sections, so if you want to avoid the loudest home crowd concentration, grab lower sideline seats between Sections 110–130.

The upper deck technically exists but much of it is cordoned off — the rest of the old Turner Field stadium that once held an additional 30,000 fans is still there, just not used. Don't pay for upper deck tickets expecting a premium experience; the lower bowl at this stadium is where you want to be and the price difference usually isn't significant enough to justify going high.

Away supporters should note that visiting sections offer a similarly clear sightline, though with a more compact allocation.

The honest truth about visiting Center Parc is that you're more likely to feel underwhelmed by the atmosphere than unwelcome. Overall fan interest in Georgia State football is somewhat passive, but the fans who are in attendance are actively engaged with the game — particularly on 3rd-and-short, when the crowd cranks up without even being prompted. A downtown stadium in a major city has a harder time creating the gameday feel you'd find in a traditional college town, and that's just the reality here. What you do get is a genuinely intimate football environment — the lower bowl is compact enough that you feel every big play — plus dramatic views of the Atlanta skyline that make a slow first half feel less like a waste of an afternoon. Away fans are treated fine; nobody's going to throw things at you. Just don't expect a wall of noise to greet your team's first touchdown.

What is the nearest MARTA station to Center Parc Credit Union Stadium?

Garnett Station is the nearest subway station, about a 22-minute walk away. The Georgia State MARTA Station is also accessible at roughly a 1-mile walk.

What is the bag policy at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium?

Clear bags no larger than 12"×6"×12" (or a 1-gallon freezer bag) are required. Clutches must be no larger than 4.5"×6.5". All backpacks are prohibited.

How much does parking cost at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium?

Parking has historically run around $15, though advance booking through ParkMobile is recommended as lots can sell out and day-of prices may be higher. All parking is cashless.

Is Center Parc Credit Union Stadium cashless? Yes. Cash is not accepted — debit/credit cards only at all concessions, parking, and merchandise.

What time do gates open at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium?

Gates typically open between 90 minutes and 2 hours before event time. Arrive early if you want to catch tailgating on the plaza.

Where should away fans sit at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium? There's no fixed away section. Lower sideline seats between Sections 110–130 offer the best sightlines and keep you away from the student end zones. The lower bowl puts fans right on top of the action.

What airport should I fly into for Center Parc Credit Union Stadium? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) — roughly 8–10 miles south on I-75/85, about 20–30 minutes by car or rideshare.

Is outside food allowed inside Center Parc Credit Union Stadium? No outside food or alcohol is permitted inside the stadium. Outside alcohol can be consumed on the plaza bricks or at tailgates , but must stay outside once you pass through the gates.