Basketball fans have plenty to look forward to year-round in the ATL Airport District, especially at the Gateway Center Arena, a state-of-the-art 5,000-seat venue that gives you the perfect view of the court, no matter which seat you select. We’ve got plenty of hotels within walking distance of the arena, plus nearby restaurants and sports bars to get you pumped up before the big game. Of course we're always rooting for the College Park Skyhawks, and this year Gateway Center Arena has been chosen to host two very special events: a USA Basketball 2027 FIBA Men's World Cup Qualifier, and the Toyota 2025 Chris Paul HBCU Classic. We can't wait to see you in the stands!
College Park Skyhawks 2025-2026 Season
True to the Southside 🏀
Our very own NBA G League team, co-owned by College Park native 2 Chainz, kicks off their 50-game 2025-2026 season this November. Fans can catch all 24 home games at Gateway Center Arena. There’s a lot to look forward to coming on the heels of all the momentum the Skyhawks built last season. This year they've added a new slate of themed games, and all four Sunday home games will be “Kids Day,” featuring fun activities and programming geared towards kids.
What is The G League?
The G League is the NBA’s official minor league, which acts as a research and development lab for upcoming players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff. There are currently 31 teams, 30 of which are affiliated with an NBA team (the Skyhawks’ affiliate is, of course, the Atlanta Hawks). When these talented young athletes are future NBA MVPs, you’ll be able to say you were an OG fan.
When will they play?
Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 7PM is the Skyhawks’ Opening Night game against the Capital City Go-Go.
Check the rest of their schedule here and be sure to look out for special family-friendly themed nights below:
- Wed Dec 3, 2025 @ 11AM – Education Day – Skyhawks vs. Westchester Knicks
- Sun Dec 14, 2025 @ 2PM – Holiday Game – Skyhawks vs. Greensboro Swarm
- Sat Feb 7, 2026 @ 3PM – Celebrating Black History – Skyhawks vs. Rap City Remix
- Wed Mar 25, 2026 @ 7PM – Fan Appreciation Night – Skyhawks vs. Osceola Magic
How to get tickets
Ticket prices start at just $14. Visit our Skyhawks Events Page to purchase.
*Gateway Center Arena is also home to the WNBA Atlanta Dream – their season just ended at the 2025 Playoffs 🎉 but stayed tuned for their return in Spring 2026!
USA Basketball 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifier
The Road to the World Cup Starts in College Park 🏆
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is coming to College Park! The USA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Team tips off their journey to the 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup, facing Nicaragua on December 1st at the Gateway Center Arena. Many players selected to represent the USA in this FIBA World Cup Qualifying match come from the NBA G League, making this a great opportunity to see exciting, young talent in action! (The final roster is still being determined - watch this space for updates!)
The FIBA World Cup is held every four years. Eighty national teams compete in a total of 420 games to qualify for the 2027 FIBA Men's World Cup in Doha, Qatar, and the winning team will be qualified for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. The USA are the five-time defending Olympic Champions (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024) and winner of two of the last four FIBA World Cups (2010, 2014).
Qualification for the 2027 FIBA Men’s World Cup will take place between November 2025 and February 2027.
How to get tickets
The game is Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 7PM | Early bird ticket prices at 25% off can be purchased here.
Visit USA Basketball for all other ticket purchases.
*The USA vs. Nicaragua game in the ATL Airport District will be the first 2027 FIBA Men's World Cup Qualifying Game hosted in the United States.
Toyota 2025 Chris Paul HBCU Classic
Where Tradition Meets Talent 🎓
For the first time, the Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame are bringing the Chris Paul HBCU Classic to Atlanta, sponsored by Toyota, this December.
Eight hand-picked HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) NCAA Division I and Division II teams will compete in two days of dynamic games that highlight outstanding college athletes, a population which NBA legend, Chris Paul, champions with passionate dedication:
"As the support for HBCU basketball continues to grow, I'm excited to provide this year’s teams an opportunity to showcase their talent at the Gateway Center in Atlanta. The HBCU Classic allows these players and their schools to receive their well-deserved recognition on a national platform."
Especially exciting for Atlanta spectators is the chance to cheer on two hometown HBCUs: historic Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.
- Coach Larry Dixon (Morehouse): “Playing in the Chris Paul Classic is a blessing for our program. It gives our student-athletes a big stage, elite competition, and a chance to represent HBCUs the right way.”
- Coach Alfred Jordan (Clark Atlanta): “The Chris Paul Classic reflects everything we believe in – competition, character, and community.”
When will they play?
The games are scheduled in four sessions on Thursday, December 18th and Friday, December 19th.
Thursday 12/18/25
Session 1 (D2): Purchase tickets here
- 10:00 AM EST - Clark Atlanta University (GA) vs. Lincoln University (PA)
- 12:30 PM EST - Fayetteville State University (NC) vs. Morehouse College (GA)
Session 2 (D1): Purchase tickets here
- 5:00 PM EST - Jackson State University (MS) vs. Hampton University (VA)
- 7:30 PM EST - Norfolk State University (VA) vs. Grambling State University (LA)
Friday 12/19/25
Session 3 (D2): Purchase tickets here
- 10:00 AM EST - Lincoln University (PA) vs. Morehouse College (GA)
- 12:30 PM EST - Clark Atlanta University (GA) vs. Fayetteville State University (NC)
Session 4 (D1): Purchase tickets here
- 5:00 PM EST - Hampton University (PA) vs. Grambling State University (LA)
- 7:30 PM - Jackson State University (MS) vs. Norfolk State University (VA)
Free HBCU College Fair
Education Day, a free event geared toward high school sophomores, juniors, seniors and community college students, will be held at the arena each day of the Classic from 10AM – 1PM. This is an incredible opportunity for local students to engage with various universities and educational vendors to discover the exciting programs these HBCUs have to offer:
- Bring your transcripts, letter of recommendation, and test scores and be admitted on the spot to one of the participating schools!
- Event entertainment includes band and cheerleader performances, fraternity and sorority step presentations, live DJ, giveaways, and more.
How to get tickets
General admission tickets are $45, with discounts available for groups. Click here for more information.
Participants of the Education Day College Fair are encouraged to register for the event, but walk-ins accompanied by a chaperone will be accepted. Registration also gains you admittance to the games in Session 1 on 12/17 and Session 3 on 12/18.
* Proceeds of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic benefit the Chris Paul Family Foundation, a non-profit “dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families by focusing on education, health & wellness, and leadership.”
