Getting There
The main gateway for Carrollton is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located roughly 47 miles east of the city — about a 1-hour drive under normal traffic conditions via I-20 West. There is no direct public transit link between ATL and Carrollton; the most practical car-free option involves taking the MARTA subway to College Park Station, then connecting via bus and taxi, a journey that takes over 2 hours and costs $80–$100. Renting a car at ATL or booking a rideshare for the full trip is strongly recommended for most sports fans.
Getting Around
Carrollton has no meaningful local public transit network for visitors, and Uber and Lyft are available but can be sparse compared to larger cities, so wait times may be longer — especially after evening games. A personal vehicle or rental car is the most reliable way to move between downtown Carrollton, the University of West Georgia campus, and surrounding areas. Downtown Carrollton and The Coliseum are less than 2 miles apart, making the area walkable for fans staying near campus or the downtown square.
Where to Stay
The best base for sports fans is downtown Carrollton or along the Maple Street corridor near the University of West Georgia campus, both of which put you within a short walk or drive of The Coliseum. Hotel options in Carrollton are limited but functional, with national chain properties (Hampton Inn, Courtyard, etc.) available at roughly $110–$160 per night on game weekends. Booking early is especially important for high-profile matchups since the city's limited hotel inventory fills up quickly. Fans who don't mind a short drive can find more hotel options in Douglasville, roughly 25 miles east toward Atlanta.
Sports Fan Notes
Carrollton is a classic college sports town built around the University of West Georgia, whose Wolves compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Atlantic Sun Conference after making the jump from Division II. The Coliseum seats around 6,500 and delivers an intimate, close-to-the-action atmosphere where a student-driven crowd — complete with a 30-plus-member cheer squad and a live pep band — can make the arena feel electric for big conference games. Visiting fans should note that Carrollton is a dry city in parts of Carroll County, so checking local regulations and planning accordingly before the game is a smart move. The proximity to Atlanta (about an hour's drive) also makes it feasible to combine a Wolves game with a pro sports outing at State Farm Arena or Truist Park if your schedule allows.
Venues in Carrollton
The Coliseum
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from ATL to downtown Carrollton?
The fastest option is renting a car or booking a rideshare at ATL — the drive is roughly 47 miles via I-20 West and takes about 1 hour under normal traffic. A car-free route exists (MARTA subway to College Park Station, then a connecting bus and taxi) but takes over 2 hours and costs $80–$100, making it impractical for most sports fans. Renting a car at ATL is the most convenient and flexible option for the trip.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Carrollton for a sports trip?
Stay downtown or along the Maple Street corridor near the University of West Georgia campus. This area puts you within 2 miles of The Coliseum, within walking distance of restaurants and a local brew house, and keeps you central to all the game-day activity. Downtown is particularly lively on weekends with local events and dining options.
Which sports teams play in Carrollton?
Carrollton is home to the West Georgia Wolves men's basketball team (NCAAB) and the West Georgia Wolves women's basketball team (NCAAW), both playing at The Coliseum on the University of West Georgia campus. The Wolves compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference at the Division I level, offering fans a chance to see conference college basketball in a tight, energetic arena setting.
Is Carrollton a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Carrollton is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The tournament is played across host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest U.S. host city to Carrollton is Atlanta, Georgia, approximately 50 miles east, where matches are being held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Sports cities near Carrollton
Close enough to pair with a Carrollton trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.