I'm going to be driving up from south GA before the concert Friday, and I'll barely make it there in time for the concert--if I'm lucky, I'll arrive around 7:30. Between traffic, parking and picking up the will call tickets, I'm a little nervous, to say the least.

I've never been to Phillips Arena before, so I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on how to park near the stadium quickly--I don't want to waste half an hour driving around for a spot, and I don't want to park a mile away and have to hike to the arena. Is there a solution, or is it pretty much impossible?

Would it be better to park somewhere else and take Marta in?

Jessica said:

I have tickets. I can't make it to the concert due to a work schedule that can't be altered. Something's wrong here.

Let me know if you know anyone that wants to go.

I don't know much about parking.

GeSmi1

If you are pressed for time, I would just find the first spot that is reasonably close and then sprint to the arena . There is a large parking deck by the arena and the Georgia Dome though, so maybe try that first.

If you are cutting it that close, then definitely don't take Marta. It will take much longer.


.
[This message was edited Thu Apr 29 2:03:06 2004 by RupertZ]

one of the problems will be that friday will be the first day of music midtown. music midtown is a very large music festival held in midtown atlanta. they block off several blocks of midtown atlantaand there will be thousands of people there. the good thing is that it is a little north of phillips arena, and if you're coming from the south, you have less chance of hit as much congestion. definitely make sure you exit I-75/85 south of phillips, because if you go too far north you could hit some trouble trying to make your way back. good luck

Marta's your best bet, unless you don't mind spending $20.

or try http://www.ticketmaster.c...rcatid=103

I am coming in from NORTH of Atlanta on 75. Mapquest says to take Exit 249C toward Georgia Dome/Downtown. Is this setting me up for something bad tomorrow? I have been to Atlanta before and have used this Exit to get to Olympic Park. That is the only way I have used.

So, someone please give me some advice here on getting to Philips Arena without messing up and getting stuck in that downtown music festival. Should I go South of that Exit and come back up towards the arena? Remember, I am not famliar with Atlanta, so you probably have to give me major help. Thanks.

Music Midtown traffic will *probably* tie up the North Ave (near GA Tech and the Varsity) and 10th/14th/16th (near new yellow bridge) street exits off 75/85. Sadly, this will be compounded by the usual Friday log jam that is Atlanta traffic.
I would suggest going early to get good parking near the Arena. There are lots of parking lots and police around on concert nights. Centennial Olympic park is across the street and there's restaurants, bars and hotels to explore if you get bored.
MARTA is not quick unless you get lucky, but it is cheaper than your parking options and do-able with enough time.

Jessica: Even if you can't go earlier, there *should* still be $$$ parking. There are a ton of lots around the area, most are off Centennial Olympic Drive around the park and next to/behind the arena. Police typically turn off the lights and direct traffic so it does move. Ask them what they suggest, but smile sweet, sometimes they're grumpy.

Parade 86: If you're travelling south on I-75 from north of town I would get off on Northside Drive. I think it's exit 252. There are small signs that say "Georgia Dome" this way. (This is north of the congestion between you and Phillips at 10th/14th/16th and North Ave.)
Go south on Northside Drive until Simpson Street. Left on Simpson (GA World Congress Convention Center will be on the corner) then a right on Marietta Street will take you directly in front of the Arena. Be careful, plenty of streets split off Northside, but follow the middle lane/majority of cars and you should be ok.
But please, double check a map before you take my word. Even mapquest is pretty reliable downtown.
Can you tell I'm SO excited from my long winded answer?

Thanks, everyone, for all the suggestions. I think I'm just going to drive in, park in the closest lot I can find, and hope for the best. Should I exit before 248C (coming from the south), which is the exit Phillips recommends, or should I exit a good bit earlier and take the surface roads?

I really appreciate the help, you guys are definitely easing my mind.

Angelarocks:

Thank you. That is way more help than I expected. This eases my mind considerably. I didn't know if I should exit early and drive south toward arena OR exit later and drive north up to arena. Your suggestion seems best. Thanks for the time.