Getting There
The primary gateway for visiting Chattanooga is Nashville International Airport (BNA), located approximately 129 miles away with a drive of roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes via I-24 East. Chattanooga also has its own smaller airport, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), though flight options into CHA are limited and often require a connection. Most traveling fans will find flying into BNA and driving or taking a shuttle to be the most practical approach.
Getting Around
Chattanooga's public transit system, CARTA (Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority), operates bus routes across the city, including the dedicated Route 14 Mocs Express serving McKenzie Arena, and a free Downtown Electric Shuttle running along Broad Street roughly every 5 minutes. That said, the bus network has limited evening and weekend frequency, so most visiting fans rely on Uber or Lyft, both of which are readily available throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. A rental car is worth considering if you plan to explore beyond the downtown core.
Where to Stay
Downtown Chattanooga is the top pick for sports fans: it puts you within easy reach of McKenzie Arena (about a 10-minute rideshare), the free CARTA Downtown Shuttle, and a dense strip of bars and restaurants on and around Market Street. Expect hotel rates in the $120-$200/night range for mainstream brands downtown, with higher prices on weekend game nights. The Southside neighborhood (anchored by the historic Chattanooga Choo-Choo) offers boutique lodging options at slightly more varied price points and a lively pregame bar scene. North Shore, just across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, is another solid option with a younger, laid-back vibe if you prefer a quieter base.
Sports Fan Notes
Chattanooga is a college sports town centered on the UTC Mocs, who compete in the Southern Conference and draw a passionate and loyal local fanbase to McKenzie Arena on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus. CARTA's Route 14 Mocs Express runs directly to the arena on game days, making it easy to leave the car behind. The Mocs field both men's and women's basketball, giving visiting fans the chance to catch multiple games in a single trip. The city's compact, walkable downtown and thriving bar scene along Market Street and the Northshore make pregame and postgame outings enjoyable even for fans of the visiting team.
Venues in Chattanooga
McKenzie Arena
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from BNA to downtown Chattanooga?
The most popular option is renting a car at BNA and driving I-24 East, a roughly 2-hour, 130-mile trip with no tolls. Groome Transportation operates a shared shuttle between BNA and Chattanooga 4 times daily; tickets run $45-$55 and the ride takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Book Groome in advance, especially around game weekends.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Chattanooga for a sports trip?
Downtown Chattanooga is the best base: it keeps you close to McKenzie Arena, puts you on the free CARTA Downtown Electric Shuttle corridor, and gives you easy access to pregame bars and restaurants on Market Street. It costs more than outlying areas (typically $130-$200/night), but the walkability and rideshare convenience are worth it for a short game-weekend stay.
Which sports teams play in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga's primary sports tenant is the UTC Mocs, who play both men's and women's basketball at McKenzie Arena as members of the Southern Conference. A single trip to Chattanooga can realistically include both a men's and a women's game, making it an efficient stop for college basketball fans.
Is Chattanooga a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Chattanooga is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Atlanta, Georgia, where matches are being played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, roughly 2 hours south of Chattanooga via I-75.
Sports cities near Chattanooga
Close enough to pair with a Chattanooga trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.