As the college basketball tournament comes to Georgia, here’s your guide to grabbing tickets, getting around, finding a reservation, and where to go.
Atlanta is host theSouth Regional of the NCAA humans ’s tournamentthis year , marking the 6th fourth dimension for the city and its first since 2018 . The biggest metropolis in the Southeast with a population of over 500,000 people , Atlanta is well furnished to handle an influx of sports fan ; it ’s home to five professional teams in theFalcons , Hawks , Dream , UnitedandBraves . This year ’s games will be held atState Farm Arena , which is the Hawks ' home stadium , but it also on a regular basis host plenty of concert and other events .
Atlanta ’s mixing of southerly cuisine , outdoor activity , and arts / euphony scene have been shown off antecedently when the urban center has hosted Final Fours , College Football National Championships , the Summer Olympics , and a Super Bowl . And the sportsman inflow is not stopping anytime presently ; it ’ll host the 2026 FIFA World Cup , a Super Bowl in 2028 and the Final Four in 2031 .
College sports are a immense mickle here and much of the urban center ’s refinement has exploded in increment as a outcome . You ’ll find transplanting galore in Atlanta , especially from other southern enclave and neighboring state . This is extra exciting as this twelvemonth ’s tournamentfeatures many promising , exciting team from the SEC , in the warmheartedness of the south . Here we ’ve got your guide for visiting Atlanta for this class ’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups .
Illustration by Don Caminos for Thrillist
How do I get tickets?
Sweet 16 tickets are available through the NCAA viaTicketmaster , and you could observe Elite Eight ticketshere . you’re able to also buy tickets by calling the Ticketmaster office direct , which believe it or not is still a sneaky john in 2025 as client help reps can often detect tickets that are n’t usable online or on secondary market situation .
If you ’re looking for resale options , check outGametime , which offersplenty of promo codes , orStubHub . Finally , if you want to go the OG lowly market route , you might find re - trafficker outside the field closer to tip - off . State Farm Arena holds up to 16,888 fans for basketball games , and there ’s no shortage of quality backside . Even if you ’re sitting in the top 200 - stage posterior , you may still see the court clearly , and there ’s a big CRT screen in the center of the locale . State Farm ’s size is emphatically bountiful than your ordinary college basketball arena but consider yourself lucky if you ’re sitting up top because pile lines are great throughout .
On that line , base - level buns behind the basket ( sections 101 - 104 , 111 - 115 ) might seem great but it ’s very hard to see the other side of the court from here . And if like yours truly you ’re vertically take exception , it can make seeing the action reasonably sturdy . These seats typically hold the student sections and bands anyway so I ’d suggest sitting elsewhere . If you ’re looking for unique seating area alternative , check outThe Front Porchjust outside of Gate 2 , which offers a bird’s-eye position of the stadium .
Courtesy of Discover Atlanta
What else should I know about the venue?
The Atlanta Hawks play here regularly , but the locus also host other result so it ’s well equipped in the nutrient section . Theyjust uncover a firebrand fresh menuat the beginning of this class . Partnering with a new guest chef political program , nearly 20 local eatery proprietor prepare select computer menu items likeATL raging poulet stamp , buffalo cauliflower bite , a lemon white pepper load footlong and a smashburger .
I advocate local favorites like the fender fromJR Crickets(100 - grade West ) , Chick - fil - A ( found in Georgia , can be determine at 100 - storey East ) andScofflaw Beer Barn(section 200 ) . Also manoeuver up toZac Brown ’s Social Club , key for thelegendary Georgia native instrumentalist , for amazing crybaby nachos , sweet Irish potato tots , and a smoked sister back rib sandwich .
When it ’s time to get in the building , you wo n’t have many number get in as they ’re habitual to hosting larger crowds . The arena does n’t have a clear bag insurance , but the dish size limit is 14 " x 14 " x 6 " or little . carriage are also allowed , but they have to be check inside Gate 1 at the Guest Service Center .
Courtesy of Discover Atlanta
How should I get there? How do I get around?
There are a few things to bed about flying in and out of Atlanta , in summation to how to get around . If you ’re flying here , Hartsfield - Jackson Airportis legitimately thebusiest drome in the domain , so despite an efficient layout , require delays , traffic and long waiting for food and drink .
find a rideshare from the airport require a accomplishable three to five - second walk to the pickup location , in theNorth Economy Parking lot . You ’ll encounter a few moving staircase and be channeled through parking garages on your way . There are plenitude of sign of the zodiac and attendants to help you so enjoy stretching your legs after your flight .
Once you ’re in the car , keep in mind that Atlanta dealings is no prank even without gravid upshot like March Madness in townspeople . If you ’re planning to rideshare to get around town , I ’d budget an excess 20 - 30 minutes to get anywhere during your stoppage .
Courtesy of Discover Atlanta
I ’d also highly advocate taking public transport , likethe MARTA Trains . There ’s a stop at the airport that takes you into the city , and it ’ll take you directly to State Farm Arena , using theGWCC / CNN Centerstop . The train also meander to other popular neighborhoods like Midtown , Buckhead , Inman Park , and Five point . If you ’ve got the stomach for it , you cantake Lime Scootersto get around as well .
Other places to eat (and watch)
For a heavy breakfast before a long daytime , do n’t miss out on Atlanta ’s iconic breakfast spotWaffle House , with locating throughout the city . Everything on the menu is great - and if you really release into a dedicated rooter , there ’s a museum at the original location , about 35 minute east of downtown .
If you ’re looking for a place to put up up all day and watch games , watch outWhitehall Tavernin Peachtree Hills . It ’s a Buffalo Bills ginmill during NFL Sundays but you’re able to count on March Madness secret plan to be on here ; try posting up on the outdoor patio if weather leave . This locality sports bar serves up some of the city ’s best crunchy fries .
Atlanta ’s status as a strong transplant city means that — peculiarly business district near the arena — you’ll regain various sport bar options that are pure for visiting fans . STATS Brewpubis a great choice . I ’d commend make a reserve here ASAP as their courteous rooftop patio gets very crowded . Also mark off outWild Leap Brewery , a great local brewery which is walking distance from State Farm Arena and on a regular basis host hoard of Hawks and Falcons lover in its 15,000 - square foot place ( try the beer flights ! )
Courtesy of Discover Atlanta
If you want a longsighted walkway through a historical part of Atlanta ’s sport iconography , check outCentennial Park , base of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games . Here you could see the Olympic gang , Olympic torches , an Olympic pack fountain and several plaques and monuments offer more historical context . you’re able to walk the park yourself , ortake an audio tour . Then unwind next door atTop Draft Atlanta , which features incredible views of the park and decadent butter - poached lobster nipper .
Other must-dos
Check out theCollege Football Hall of Fame , which is walking distance from State Farm Arena . Saturdays in the Fall mean everything here in the center of SEC country so a sojourn here is a must if you ’re in Ithiel Town for college fun . It ’s kidskin - well-disposed and boast interactional exhibit , films and ajaw - dropping , colorfulquad featuring a helmet for every team in the country .
If you have time and are feeling frisky , you’re able to go snorkeling with whale sharks at theGeorgia Aquarium . They also have beluga , sea Leo the Lion and dolphin exhibits that are unique and synergistic . worldly concern of Coca - Colais another popular , landmark attracter that ’s right near the sports stadium as well . You ’ll get a fortune to try out Coke products from all over the humankind here .
Final Tips
recent March is flower pollen time of year in Atlanta so come prepared with allergic reaction MEd . This time of twelvemonth also has some passably irregular weather condition – it could be the start of lovesome spring or still hold on to chilly winter temperatures . If it ’s a lovesome prognosis , make for a jacket — it ’s probable to cool down once the Sunday goes down .
