VyStar Arena - Kennesaw State Owls

Lloyd Brown
5 days ago
4 min read

Photos by Lloyd Brown and David Welch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29

VyStar Arena 590 Cobb Ave Kennesaw, GA 30144

Kennesaw State Owls website VyStar Arena website

Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 4,600

The Owl's Nest

Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in the state of Georgia, with a student body of 47,000 students. It was originally a commuter college, but in the last 10 years, it has become a more traditional school, with a vast supply of student housing on campus or nearby.

The athletic teams at the university are known as the Owls. The school originally fielded teams at the NAIA and Division II levels but achieved Division I status in 2005. The Owls now compete in all sports as a member of Conference USA.

The Owls basketball program has been successful at each level of NCAA competition. They won the Division II National Championship in 2005. In 2023, the team won the Atlantic Sun Tournament Championship and received an automatic bid for the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The Owls lost in the first round of the tournament in a buzzer-beater game against Xavier.

The on-campus home of the Owls is the VyStar Arena. It was formerly known as the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center, but the arena portion of the venue has changed names as part of a business partnership with the VyStar Credit Union. The Convocation Center opened in 2005 and has a seating capacity of 3,800 in its basketball configuration. It also serves as the home of women’s basketball and volleyball programs.

Food & Beverage 2

There is one concession stand serving the arena. It carries the arena standards of hot dogs ($6), cheeseburgers ($9.75), hamburgers ($9.25), nachos with cheese/salsa ($10), pretzels ($7), popcorn ($8), cotton candy ($6), chips ($2), and candy ($4). Drink selections include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6/ 20 oz.), Powerade ($6), and bottled water ($5). Adult beverages are available, and they include domestic brand beers ($8), premium brand beers ($9,) and canned cocktails ($14).

Due to the long lines that exist throughout the game and the high prices for a very average menu, we suggest you eat at one of the many restaurants adjacent to the campus.

Atmosphere 4

The spirit teams at KSU do a great job of creating a high energy level at Owl's home games. Scrappy the Owl is always present, leading the cheers and entertaining the crowds during breaks in the action.

The VyStar Arena does a masterful job of promoting the KSU brand, as the midcourt section of the playing surface features a huge “KSU” logo, and the gold/black team colors are prominently used in the seating areas, on signage, and at the concession stands.

Neighborhood 4

Kennesaw State University is in the northern suburb of Atlanta known as Kennesaw. The neighborhood surrounding the 251-acre campus is made up of apartment complexes, retail establishments, and restaurants. It is also known as the Town Center area, after a regional shopping mall located one exit south of the university on I-75.

There are several dining establishments in the Town Center District, including Tin Lizzy, Three Dollar Café, and Taco Mac. Miller’s Ale House and the Mellow Mushroom Kennesaw are also nearby.

Lodging is available within walking distance of the campus at the Hampton Inn Atlanta Kennesaw, the Sonesta Suites Atlanta Kennesaw, or the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kennesaw.

History buffs may be interested in visiting a pair of Civil War-related sites in Kennesaw while in town for a game. The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield played a major role in the Battle of Atlanta, while the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History features the two actual trains that were involved in the Great Locomotive Chase.

Fans 4

The Owl’s fanbase plays a major role in the success of the KSU basketball program. Student seating is located behind the goals at each end of the court. This allows the locals to create havoc for the visiting teams as they interfere with on-court communication, as well as disrupt their concentration at the free-throw line.

In addition to the members of the KSU student body, Owl games also draw fans from many of the local high schools. Many of these younger fans have a sibling at the university, and it’s not unusual to find generations of local family members who also attended the school.

Access 4

VyStar Arena is easily accessed via Exit # 271/Chastain Road off I-75. Once off the interstate, head west on Chastain Road to the first red light. Turn right at Frey Road and continue to the next traffic light. Turn left and park in the East Parking Deck, which is adjacent to the VyStar Arena. The arena is adjacent to the second level of the parking deck. Follow the sidewalk at the back of the parking deck to the front of the arena.

Doors open one hour before the opening tipoff.

Students living on campus can simply walk to the arena, as it is located on the campus green.

Return on Investment 3

KSU students can attend basketball games free of charge, as the activity fee portion of their tuition covers their attendance.

There are a variety of price points for non-students to attend Owls games. These include courtside seats for $37 general admission seating for $30. Guests of KSU students can attend Owls games for $5.25.

Concession prices tend to be high for some very average food items.

Parking for Owls basketball games is free in the East Parking Deck adjacent to VyStar Arena.

Extras 2

VyStar Arena also hosts concerts, seminars, youth camps, community events, and graduations.

Numerous celebrities have appeared at the Convocation Center/VyStar Arena over the years. Tennis stars Billy Jean King, Andy Roddick, Anna Kournikova, and Pete Sampras played in indoor tournaments at the venue, while Elton John and other notable musicians played concerts at the venue.