Georgia State University has revealed plans for a more extensive “athletics neighborhood” in Summerhill, where a groundswell of new development has taken shape in recent years and a new MARTA transit line is scheduled to debut next month. 

The vision for new sports-related facilities south of downtown Atlanta, as detailed Wednesday by Georgia State Athletics, calls for remaking a section of Center Parc Credit Union Stadium (formerly Turner Field) and property just outside the gates over the next three to five years.  

The initiative wouldn’t bring all GSU sports under one roof, so to speak, but several would be much closer together—within easy walking distance of Summerhill retail and food-and-beverage corridors, including Georgia Avenue. 

GSU’s ultimate goal for the “cohesive, campus-adjacent hub” is to improve fan engagement, lend student-athletes a more competitive edge, and elevate Georgia State Athletics’ status in a constantly evolving collegiate athletics landscape, according to school officials. 

As seen in 2021, Turner Field refashioned as Georgia State University’s football stadium and major events venue.Jonathan Phillips/Urbanize Atlanta

How the beefed-up "athletics neighborhood" would feature, from left, covered football practice, softball, and beach volleyball facilities. Courtesy of Georgia State University Athletics

Core to GSU’s expansion would be a push to advance the university’s “College Town Downtown” ambitions into Summerhill. 

That would include demolishing a section of the former Major League Baseball stadium (and 1996 Olympics venue) to build a covered football practice field, expanded premium seating, and hospitality areas, plus new basketball and volleyball practice facilities. 

Outside the stadium gates, toward downtown, plans call for a relocated GSU softball stadium and a beach volleyball venue. Tennis courts and—potentially—future retail spaces could also fall within GSU’s scope. 

All of that would join the new GSU baseball stadium currently under construction just north of the football stadium, scheduled to open this fall. 

Looking north toward downtown, over Turner Field's former home plate, the covered football practice facility is shown at right. Courtesy of Georgia State University Athletics

Overview of the baseball stadium project, with views to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and downtown, released by GSU in December. GSU/Georgia State Athletics

Completed GSU projects in the area include the GSU Convocation Center and basketball arena, a standalone parking deck, and Center Parc Credit Union Stadium itself. 

Beyond new construction, GSU says it’s doubling down on a commitment to NIL and revenue-sharing opportunities for athletes. (The goal is to exceed $3 million in the latter category in coming years.) The university’s stated goal is to win conference championships in its flagship programs: men’s football and basketball. 

GSU’s plans also call for hiring a general manager to boost revenue growth initiatives. Within five years, the target is to reach $10 million annually in philanthropic and partnership support, per school officials. 

“We aim to build on our successes and create new momentum through these five-year aspirational goals, which reflect our vision for the future and engage the Panther Family,” said Athletics Director Charlie Cobb in a statement. “Through this work, we’re confident we’ll continue to create meaningful opportunities that positively impact our student-athletes and our community.”

Plans for two full-court basketball and volleyball practice facilities, plus adjacent meeting rooms and sports medicine/strength and conditioning spaces. Courtesy of Georgia State University Athletics

These covered football practice facility plans would require demolition of the stadium's east upper deck, per GSU officials. Courtesy of Georgia State University Athletics

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