Atlanta Hawks Stadium: Your Guide to State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta

If you’re searching for the Atlanta Hawks stadium, you’re looking for State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. Whether you’re planning to catch a Hawks game, a concert, or just want to understand how the arena fits into the city, this guide walks you through what to know, where it is, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play: State Farm Arena Basics

Official name: State Farm Arena
Home team: Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / CNN Center area

State Farm Arena sits right in the heart of downtown, next to Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center, and across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For locals, this makes it one of the easiest major venues to reach by MARTA, car, rideshare, or even on foot if you’re staying downtown.

What happens there besides Hawks games?

• NBA games (Atlanta Hawks regular season, preseason, and playoffs)
• Major concerts and tours
• College basketball and special sporting events
• Family shows and large-scale events

Getting to the Atlanta Hawks Stadium

Using MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)

For most Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to reach State Farm Arena and avoid event traffic.

Closest MARTA stations:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – Direct access to State Farm Arena. Follow signs for CNN Center / State Farm Arena and you’ll walk right toward the venue.
• Five Points Station (Red/Gold Line connection) – You can transfer here to the Blue/Green line, or walk about 10–15 minutes via surface streets.

Tips for MARTA on game nights:

• Load your Breeze Card or Breeze Mobile in advance to avoid lines.
• Plan extra time after the game for crowds returning to the platforms.
• Trains typically run later after large events, but it’s smart to check schedules in advance.

Driving and Parking Near State Farm Arena

If you prefer to drive, there are several parking decks and surface lots around the Atlanta Hawks stadium.

Common parking options include:

• State Farm Arena official lots and decks (adjacent or within a short walk)
• Red Deck and Yellow Lot near Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Private downtown lots and garages around Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Marietta Street, and Andrew Young International Boulevard

Local driving tips:

• Traffic gets heavy on I-75/85 and I-20 close to game time; arrive early.
• One-way streets and event-only closures are common; follow posted signs and officers’ directions.
• Many fans use rideshare and get dropped off along Centennial Olympic Park Drive or nearby streets to avoid parking altogether.

Walking and Biking

If you’re staying in a downtown hotel near Peachtree Street, Centennial Olympic Park, or Fairlie-Poplar, State Farm Arena is walkable in about 5–15 minutes, depending on your starting point.

For biking or scooters:

• Downtown has bike lanes in some areas and scooter availability varies.
• Plan a route that uses larger streets with sidewalks and designated crossing areas.
• Lock up bikes only where permitted and away from major entrances and emergency exits.

Seating, Layout, and Views Inside State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is designed to feel modern and fan-friendly, with multiple levels of seating, clubs, and premium areas.

General Seating Areas

You’ll typically see tickets listed in these broad categories:

• 100 Level (Lower Bowl): Closest to the court, best for being near the action.
• 200 Level (Middle/Club Areas): Many club and premium seat options; good balance of view and amenities.
• 300 Level (Upper Bowl): More budget-friendly, higher up but still solid views for most sections.

Court orientation: The court is set up so that sideline seats run longer along the floor, while baseline seats are behind each basket. If you care about watching plays develop, sideline sections are usually preferred; for a more energetic fan experience, baseline and corner sections can be loud and lively.

Premium and Club Options

State Farm Arena includes:

• Courtside and VIP seating
• Suites and loge boxes
• Club seats with access to lounges, upgraded food options, and private bars

These areas are popular with corporate groups, special occasions, and fans who want a more comfortable, all-inclusive experience.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities for Fans

One of the things Atlanta locals notice is that State Farm Arena leans into local flavors and more modern concessions.

Typical amenities include:

• Concession stands with arena favorites (burgers, hot dogs, pizza, snacks)
• Bars and drink stations throughout the concourses
• Grab-and-go markets in some locations
• Local and regional food concepts depending on current partners
• Team store locations, especially a large one on the main level for Hawks gear

For the best experience:

• Eat a light snack before arrival if you’re coming during rush hour.
• On busy nights, lines are shorter early in the game and right after halftime tips off.
• Cashless payment is common, so bring a card or mobile payment option.

Accessibility and Accommodations

State Farm Arena is built to serve fans with a wide range of needs. If you or someone in your group requires accommodations, it helps to understand what’s typically available.

Common accessibility features:

• Accessible seating areas on multiple levels
• Elevators and escalators between concourses
• Accessible restrooms
• Drop-off zones near entrances for those with mobility challenges

For specific requests (such as wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, or service animal access), it’s best to contact the arena’s guest services or box office in advance of the event date so you can be seated appropriately and know where to enter.

Atlanta Hawks Stadium: Key Info at a Glance

Ticket Buying and Game Day Tips for Atlanta Fans

Getting Tickets

You can buy Atlanta Hawks tickets through:

• Official team and arena channels
• Authorized ticket platforms
• Verified resale options for sold-out games

For locals, weeknight games sometimes offer more affordable prices, while weekend and marquee matchups can be in higher demand. If your schedule is flexible, choosing an opponent with less hype can save money and still give you the full Hawks stadium experience.

When to Arrive

To avoid rushing:

• Plan to arrive 45–60 minutes before tipoff, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Factor in extra time if you’re:
  • Coming through MARTA at peak hours
  • Picking up tickets at will call
  • Traveling with kids or a large group

Arriving early also gives you time to walk the concourses, find your section, grab food, and watch warmups.

Security and Entry

Like most major venues, State Farm Arena uses security screening at all entrances.

General expectations:

• Bag size limits (very large bags are usually not allowed)
• Walk-through metal detectors or similar screening
• Prohibited items list (common items: outside alcohol, some types of containers, weapons, and certain electronic devices)

It’s smart to:

• Bring only what you need.
• Check bag rules ahead of time so you don’t have to bring items back to your car or hotel.

Nearby Attractions and Things To Do Around the Arena

One of the big perks of State Farm Arena is its location in a dense part of downtown Atlanta. You can easily turn a Hawks game into a full day or night in the city.

Close-by attractions include:

• Centennial Olympic Park – Green space, fountains, and walking paths.
• Georgia Aquarium – One of the city’s top family attractions.
• World of Coca-Cola – Museum-style experience focused on Coca-Cola history and products.
• CNN Center complex – Former global headquarters area with access to dining and indoor walkways.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of the Falcons and Atlanta United, just a short walk away.

If you’re visiting from out of town, many downtown hotels are within walking distance, making it easy to park once, check in, and walk or take MARTA to the Hawks game.

Practical Tips for Locals and Visitors

Here are some quick pointers tailored to how people actually use the arena in Atlanta:

• For locals:

  • Consider weeknight games if you want smaller crowds and sometimes better prices.
  • Use MARTA from neighborhood stations like Lindbergh, Brookhaven, or East Lake to skip downtown parking.

• For visitors staying downtown:

  • Walking to the arena is often faster than arranging a car.
  • Check with your hotel for the best walking route and security advice for late returns.

• For families:

  • Plan bathroom and snack breaks during timeouts or between quarters to avoid halftime rushes.
  • Decide on a meeting spot inside in case anyone gets separated.

• For large groups or corporate outings:

  • Look into group or premium seating options early.
  • Arrange transportation (charter, shuttle, or ride coordination) with downtown traffic in mind.

If you’re in Atlanta and you hear someone mention the Atlanta Hawks stadium, they’re talking about State Farm Arena in downtown. Knowing where it is, how to get there, and what to expect inside will help you enjoy the game, the concert, or any big event like a local.