Getting There
Kennesaw is served by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located approximately 35 miles south of the city — about a 45-minute drive under normal conditions. The most practical options from ATL are renting a car, taking an Uber or Lyft (averaging around $68 and 48 minutes), or booking a Groome Transportation shuttle that runs every two hours to Kennesaw for $45–$50. MARTA rail does not reach Kennesaw, so a car or rideshare is strongly recommended for the full trip.
Getting Around
Kennesaw is a suburban city with limited public transit — Cobb County's CobbLinc bus system serves the area with fares around $2.50 per ride, but routes are infrequent and not designed for sports fans moving between venues and restaurants. A rental car or rideshare is essentially required for a comfortable visit; Uber and Lyft are both active in the area. Parking is generally plentiful and affordable throughout Kennesaw, making a car the most practical choice.
Where to Stay
The Town Center area along Barrett Parkway is the best base for sports fans, putting you close to Fifth Third Bank Stadium and a wide range of chain restaurants and bars. Hotels in Kennesaw are reasonably priced, with budget options like Red Roof Inn and Extended Stay America starting around $80–$90 per night, mid-range picks like Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express running $125–$145, and upper-tier options like Sonesta ES Suites and Embassy Suites around $150–$160. The Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta NW and Hampton Inn Town Center are both well-reviewed and within a short drive of the stadium. Book early during KSU home football weekends, as demand from visiting fans and university families can tighten availability.
Sports Fan Notes
Kennesaw State's Owls football program is a relative newcomer at the FBS level, having joined Conference USA, which gives visiting fans a chance to experience the energy of a program still building its identity and fanbase — the atmosphere at Fifth Third Bank Stadium is intimate and accessible. The broader Atlanta sports ecosystem is less than an hour away, giving fans a chance to pair a KSU game with a Braves game at Truist Park (about 11 miles away in Cumberland) or an Atlanta United, Falcons, or Hawks game in downtown Atlanta. LakePoint Sports Complex is also nearby for those interested in multi-sport facilities. Kennesaw is a casual, family-friendly sports market — expect tailgating more than rowdy bar scenes, and an easy, low-stress game-day experience compared to a major metro stadium.
Venues in Kennesaw
VyStar Arena
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from ATL to downtown Kennesaw?
The most practical options are renting a car at ATL (recommended for the full trip), taking an Uber or Lyft (approximately $68 and 48 minutes), or booking a Groome Transportation shuttle that departs every two hours and costs $45–$50. MARTA rail does not extend to Kennesaw, so there is no direct public transit connection from the airport.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Kennesaw for a sports trip?
Stay in the Town Center area along Barrett Parkway near Town Center at Cobb mall. It puts you within a short drive of Fifth Third Bank Stadium, has the highest concentration of hotels (Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and others), and offers easy access to restaurants and bars before and after games.
Which sports teams play in Kennesaw?
The Kennesaw State Owls football team plays at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. KSU competes at the FBS level in Conference USA, making it one of the newer programs at that tier of college football. KSU also fields basketball and other varsity sports nearby on campus.
Is Kennesaw a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Kennesaw is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Atlanta, approximately 30 miles southeast, where games will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Sports cities near Kennesaw
Close enough to pair with a Kennesaw trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.