Catching an Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena is a big part of downtown Atlanta life, but parking can be confusing if you don’t plan ahead. This guide breaks down where to park, how much to expect to pay, transit options, and local tips so you can focus on the game instead of your car.
The Atlanta Hawks play at State Farm Arena, located at:
The arena sits in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, CNN Center, and the Georgia World Congress Center. Because of the cluster of attractions in a small area, parking fills up fast, especially on:
Planning your Atlanta Hawks parking in advance—either by reserving a spot or choosing MARTA—is the best way to avoid circling crowded streets.
State Farm Arena is surrounded by several official parking decks and surface lots within a short walk. Many fans prefer these because they are close, well-lit, and designed for arena events.
Below is a quick overview of key options commonly used for Hawks games:
| Parking Option | Type | Walking Distance* | Typical Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNN Deck / Red Deck | Garage | 2–5 minutes | Closest, fills fast |
| State Farm Arena / Centennial Decks | Garages | 5–10 minutes | Good balance of distance and convenience |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium / GWCC Decks | Garages | 8–15 minutes | Better for shared event days |
| Surface Lots on Mitchell St / Centennial Olympic Park Dr | Surface lots | 5–12 minutes | Easier in/out, more outdoor walking |
*Walking times vary by entrance, traffic, and mobility needs.
These are often the first to sell out for popular games:
CNN Deck (Red Deck)
State Farm Arena / Centennial Olympic Park Area Decks
These decks are usually signed clearly when you approach downtown on Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, Marietta St, or Centennial Olympic Park Dr.
On nights with overlapping events, some drivers choose to park slightly farther away:
These can be a good option if the closest decks are sold out or if you are familiar with walking through the Home Depot Backyard / Vine City area.
If you prefer open-air lots:
For night games, many locals prefer well-lit, staffed lots or garages.
For big games—playoffs, weekend nights, or rivalry matchups—reserving ahead is highly recommended.
General patterns for reserved parking:
📝 Tip: When buying your game tickets, look for a “Parking” or “Event Parking” section on the same platform. Securing parking at the same time reduces surprises.
Parking rates vary by opponent, day of the week, and city-wide events, but in general:
Because event pricing in downtown Atlanta is dynamic, it’s smart to:
Many Atlanta residents and visitors skip parking downtown entirely and ride MARTA, the city’s rail and bus system.
The main station serving the Atlanta Hawks is:
This station opens directly into the State Farm Arena / CNN Center area, making it one of the most convenient ways to get to a game without worrying about parking.
From Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown hotels:
From East Atlanta/Decatur:
MARTA trains typically run later on major event nights, but schedules can vary by date and time.
📝 Tip: If you park at a MARTA park-and-ride lot in the suburbs (such as Doraville or North Springs), you’ll often pay less overall and avoid downtown traffic.
For updated information:
If you prefer to avoid driving or transit, rideshare services and taxis are heavily used around State Farm Arena.
📝 Tip: Walk a block or two away from the heaviest congestion (while staying in well-lit, busy areas) before requesting a rideshare to shorten your wait and make it easier for drivers.
If you or someone in your party has mobility needs or a disability placard, plan ahead.
Common patterns for accessible parking around State Farm Arena:
When you purchase parking in advance, look for accessible or ADA notes in the listing and verify walking distance and elevator access.
Many fans use a combination of:
📝 Tip: If anyone in your group has difficulty standing for long periods, you may want to arrive when gates open to avoid the crowds and lines at security and concessions.
Downtown Atlanta traffic can be intense on event nights, especially near:
Common approaches locals use:
Street parking is limited and heavily enforced in downtown Atlanta, particularly during events.
Important considerations:
Because of this, most fans rely on garages, official lots, or MARTA instead of trying to find curbside parking.
Downtown Atlanta around State Farm Arena is used to heavy event traffic, but it’s still smart to follow basic safety practices:
State Farm Arena also hosts concerts, family shows, and special events, and parking patterns are similar:
If you’re attending a back-to-back event (for example, a concert one night and a Hawks game the next), expect higher demand and potentially higher rates across the weekend.
By understanding the layout of downtown Atlanta, the main parking decks near State Farm Arena, and alternatives like MARTA and rideshare, you can make Atlanta Hawks parking much less stressful—so you can get inside, grab your snacks, and enjoy the game.
