Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets: What Fans in Atlanta Should Know

If you searched for “Atlanta Hawks Hornets”, you’re almost certainly interested in the matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets—two Southeastern rivals that Atlanta basketball fans know very well.

Whether you live in the city, are visiting downtown, or are planning your first NBA game at State Farm Arena, this guide walks through how the Hawks–Hornets matchup works specifically from an Atlanta perspective.

The Hawks–Hornets Rivalry in Context

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets both play in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, Southeast Division, so they face each other several times each season.

For fans in Atlanta, this matchup matters because:

• It often affects division standings and playoff positioning.
• Many fans travel between the two cities, so road games in Charlotte are popular.
• The teams frequently have exciting, high-scoring games, with star guards and fast-paced offenses.

You’ll usually see multiple Hawks vs. Hornets games each regular season, split between:

• Home games in Atlanta at State Farm Arena
• Away games in Charlotte at Spectrum Center

Game dates, start times, and promotions change each year, so you’ll want to check the current NBA schedule or the Atlanta Hawks schedule for up-to-date details.

Where the Hawks Play the Hornets in Atlanta

All Atlanta home games, including those against the Hornets, are played at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

This is in downtown Atlanta, right next to Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center area.

Getting to Hawks vs. Hornets Games in Atlanta

If you’re headed to a Hawks–Hornets game in Atlanta, here are your main options:

• MARTA (Recommended for busy games)

  • Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station – this is the closest stop to State Farm Arena.
  • The Five Points Station is also within walking distance, especially if you need to transfer lines.

• Driving and Parking

  • There are multiple parking decks and lots around the arena and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium area.
  • For big rivalry games like Hawks vs. Hornets, parking can fill quickly; planning ahead and arriving early is important.

• Rideshare / Taxi

  • Designated rideshare zones around the arena help with pickup and drop-off, especially after the game, when traffic is heavy.

📝 Tip: For weekday games, downtown traffic can be dense, especially near I-85/I-75 and the connector. Give yourself extra time to get parked, walk in, go through security, and find your seat before tipoff.

Buying Tickets in Atlanta for Hawks vs. Hornets

Tickets for Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets games in Atlanta can be purchased through the Hawks’ official ticketing channels or common ticket outlets.

Common patterns Atlanta fans notice:

• Weeknight games may be a bit easier to get at lower prices than big weekend matchups.
• Promotional nights (giveaways, theme nights, or family nights) can increase demand.
• Games late in the season that affect playoff seeding sometimes see a spike in interest.

When you’re shopping for tickets:

• Check seat location vs. budget – lower-level sides, club sections, and center court will cost more than upper levels or corners.
• Consider family sections or upper-level seats if you’re bringing kids or just want a more budget-friendly experience.
• Keep an eye on parking add-ons or bundled options if you plan to drive.

Game Day Experience for Hawks vs. Hornets in Atlanta

A Hawks–Hornets game in Atlanta offers more than just the on-court action. As an Atlanta visitor or resident, you can build a whole evening around it.

Before the Game

Many fans:

• Arrive 1–1.5 hours early to avoid lines.
• Grab food at nearby downtown spots or eat inside the arena.
• Walk around the Centennial Olympic Park area, the College Football Hall of Fame, or the CNN Center area if they have extra time.

Inside State Farm Arena, you’ll find:

• Multiple food and beverage stands, including local and national options
• Team stores with Atlanta Hawks gear
• Pre-game entertainment and music

During the Game

When the Hawks host the Hornets, you can expect:

• Energy from both fan bases – Charlotte fans sometimes make the trip, which adds to the atmosphere.
• Frequent three-point shooting and fast breaks, depending on the teams’ lineups in a given season.
• In-game entertainment: music, contests, t-shirt tosses, and timeout shows.

After the Game

After a Hawks–Hornets game:

• Many fans walk to nearby restaurants and bars in downtown or along Marietta Street.
• MARTA trains remain a popular way out of downtown to avoid post-game traffic.

If you’re from out of town, staying at a hotel near Centennial Olympic Park or Peachtree Street can make walking to and from the arena much easier.

Hawks vs. Hornets: Home vs. Away for Atlanta Fans

Some Atlanta fans watch both the home game at State Farm Arena and an away game in Charlotte.

Here’s a quick overview from an Atlanta-based perspective:

For road trips, Atlanta-based fans often drive I-85 North directly to Charlotte and turn the game into a weekend getaway.

How Often Do the Hawks Play the Hornets?

In a typical NBA regular season:

• The Hawks and Hornets meet multiple times, often 3–4 times per season, since they’re in the same division.
• At least one of those will be a home game in Atlanta, and at least one in Charlotte.

The exact number and breakdown change slightly with the NBA schedule, so for a given season:

• Look up the Atlanta Hawks regular-season schedule, and
• Filter for games against the Charlotte Hornets to see home vs. away.

Postseason matchups are less predictable; if both teams qualify for the playoffs and seeds line up, they could meet again in a play-in game or playoff series, which would add even more intensity for Atlanta fans.

Following Hawks vs. Hornets From Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and can’t make it to State Farm Arena, you still have several options to follow the Hawks–Hornets matchup:

• Local TV broadcasts that carry Hawks games during the season
• Radio broadcasts with Atlanta play-by-play and commentary
• Watching at sports bars and restaurants throughout the metro area that usually tune in to Hawks games on game nights

Many Atlanta basketball fans also follow:

• Team social media accounts for highlights, injury updates, and starting lineup info
• Local Atlanta sports coverage for pre-game breakdowns and post-game reactions

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

If you’re planning to catch an Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets game in Atlanta, here are some quick pointers:

• Check the schedule early. Rivalry and division games can be popular, especially on weekends.
• Decide your transportation ahead of time. MARTA is often easier than driving downtown for night games.
• Plan some time around the game. The downtown Atlanta area offers plenty to do before and after the game, especially for visitors.
• If you’re bringing kids, consider earlier tipoff times and family sections, and bring ear protection if they’re sensitive to loud arenas.
• If you’re visiting from out of town, staying near downtown or Midtown Atlanta simplifies your game-day logistics.

For many in Atlanta, Hawks–Hornets is one of those regular-season matchups that feels familiar, competitive, and fun—whether you’re watching from the upper deck at State Farm Arena, a downtown sports bar, or your living room on the northside.