Sports Events in Atlanta this Winter

By Demetrius Bell

Published December 7, 2023

This season, watch our local Atlanta teams battle it out in venues around the city. With the holiday season comes bowl games, too, with plenty of fan-friendly experiences. 

Atlanta Falcons

As the NFL season heads into its final stages, the Atlanta Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 10. The Falcons will play their home season finale Dec. 24 against the Indianapolis Colts. Make sure you take these chances to watch Bijan Robinson, Desmond Ridder and Drake London help lead the Falcons against their NFL rivals.

Atlanta Hawks

It’s full speed ahead for Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and the rest of the Atlanta Hawks as far as the NBA regular season is concerned. The action continues at State Farm Arena with plenty of special nights. Dec. 18 against the Detroit Pistons is Kids’ Night where kids will receive a special Hawks Squishmallow. Jan.15, 2024, against 2023 first overall draft pick Victor Wenbayama and the San Antonio Spurs, is the prestigious MLK Day game. Two days after that against the Orlando Magic is Pride Night. Feb. 5, 2024, against the Los Angeles Clippers, is Dejounte Murray Bobblehead Giveaway Night, and Feb. 23, 2024, against the Toronto Raptors, is HBCU Night.

Cricket Celebration Bowl

The Cricket Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will serve as the host of the annual de facto HBCU National Championship. The Howard University Bison (MEAC) will face the Florida A&M Rattlers (SWAC) at noon on Dec.16. This game is usually one of the most exciting games of the bowl season and it’s also a prime showcase for both college football’s FCS level and the vibrant atmosphere of HBCU football. In addition, the inaugural Band of the Year National Championship will kick off the Celebration Bowl weekend on Dec. 15 featuring the nation’s top bands from HBCUs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With tickets available for as low as $35, it’s a great and affordable way to experience one of the most unique events in all of college football. 

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Finally on Dec. 30, the college football showcase in Atlanta comes to its conclusion with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl featuring Ole Miss and Penn State at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While this season’s edition isn’t a College Football Playoff game, it still involves two of the best teams that the Football Bowl Subdivision has to offer. In addition to the game itself, there’s the annual Battle for Bowl Week. Both squads will participate in events ranging from go kart racing to trivia where the winner has gone on to win the actual game in seven of the last 11 instances.

The College Scene

Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets have embarked on another season of ACC basketball. The men,  led by new head coach Damon Stoudamire, will face North Carolina at McCamish Pavilion on Georgia Tech’s campus on Jan. 30, 2024. Meanwhile, Nell Fortner’s women’s team plays its first home conference game Jan. 4, 2024, against Virginia.

Georgia State University

Two upcoming home games for the Georgia State University Panthers are Dec. 19 vs. Toccoa Falls at the GSU Convocation Center and Dec. 30 vs. Arkansas State also at the GSU Convocation Center. 

Holiday Hoopsgiving

Holiday Hoopsgiving College edition is a men’s basketball showcase that has historically been ranked as one of the top college basketball programs in the country. The event, taking place at State Farm Arena, will happen Dec. 9 and 17.