Collegiate Sports

Sports in Atlanta is serious business, especially collegiate sports. Walk down one city block and you’re sure to see at least a couple people decked out in their team colors and gear, and it doesn’t even have to be on a game day. Whether you’re in town for the big game or looking for a place to celebrate after a win, Atlanta has you covered.

Big College Sporting Events in Atlanta

Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff Game

Fall in Atlanta is a festival of football. The season gets off to a start with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge that features teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The event is played at Center Parc Stadium, providing a bookend for the annual Cricket Celebration Bowl in December.

When: August

Where: Center Parc Stadium at Georgia State University

Aflac Kickoff Game

SEC schools are pitted against the top talent in the ACC and beyond with the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Past contenders have included powerhouses such as Alabama, Tennessee, Clemson, Georgia and Boise State. These games fall over Labor Day weekend each year, giving spectators even more of a reason to make a weekend getaway out of it.

When: Labor Day Weekend

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Cricket Celebration Bowl

As the season winds down, the action heats up. In December, head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Cricket Celebration Bowl, which pits the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the Southwestern Athletic Conference, two conferences of historically black colleges and universities in NCAA Division I.

When: December

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl

Don’t miss the action at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl, one of the largest sporting events of the year in Atlanta. The bowl features two of the country’s top-four teams with a spot in the National Championships on the line. As one of the New Year’s Six bowl games, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl offers an unmatched Bowl Week experience for players and fans alike. 

When: December

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

NCAA Final Four

And there’s more to Atlanta than football. Georgia’s capitol city has hosted numerous NCAA Men’s Final Fours, including the 75th Anniversary edition in 2013. 

Check the Discover Atlanta calendar for more sports events taking place throughout the city. Or explore our sports guides featuring major sporting events taking place during spring, summer, fall and winter.

Pride for Atlanta’s College Teams

Yes, Atlanta hosts games with national appeal, but for Atlanta’s hometown teams, every day is a day to show your team spirit.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech’s campus is located in Midtown Atlanta and fans can catch a football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium or take in some hoops at McCamish Pavilion. With Tech fielding teams in all major collegiate sports, you can rest assured there’s Yellow Jacket events happening year-round.

Georgia State University Panthers

Georgia State University keeps downtown buzzing with Sun Belt Conference action during major sports seasons. From football and basketball to baseball and golf, the GSU Panthers will bring you to your feet!

Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Atlanta’s historically black colleges & universities field teams year round in major sports as well. Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College all show their school spirit on and off the court around Atlanta.

Where to Watch College Sports Games in Atlanta

Are you coming to Atlanta, but don’t want to miss a minute of your favorite team’s game? Look for an alumni association in our city. Many alumni associations have active Atlanta chapters, and several of them host watch parties for their games. Find your alma mater’s group and make your vacation feel like a home game.

Or head to one of these popular sports bars and restaurants to watch your favorite team’s game with the added extras of excellent service, good food and drinks and Southern hospitality.