State Farm Arena in Atlanta: Events, Meetings, and How to Make the Most of the Venue

State Farm Arena is one of downtown Atlanta’s flagship event venues. It’s best known as the home of the Atlanta Hawks, but it also hosts major concerts, family shows, special events, and corporate meetings throughout the year.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are considering the arena for a meeting, convention, or private event, this guide walks through what you can expect and how to plan.

Where State Farm Arena Fits in Atlanta’s Event Scene

Located at 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, State Farm Arena sits right in the heart of downtown, next to:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• CNN Center area
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Major hotels and MARTA stations

For large events and meetings, State Farm Arena is often considered alongside venues like the Georgia World Congress Center and Cobb Galleria Centre, but it stands out for:

• Arena-sized capacity for concerts and rallies
• Premium club and suite spaces for meetings and receptions
• Direct access to MARTA (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station)

Types of Events Hosted at State Farm Arena

H2-Level Overview of Event Types

State Farm Arena regularly hosts:

• Sports events
• Major concerts
• Family and touring shows
• Corporate events and meetings
• Graduations and special ceremonies
• Community and cultural events

Each type has its own feel and planning considerations, especially around timing, tickets, transportation, and seating.

NBA Games and Sports Events

As the home of the Atlanta Hawks, the arena hosts:

• Regular NBA season games (fall through spring)
• Pre-season and potential playoff games
• Occasional college basketball or other sporting events

For Atlantans, NBA game nights are busy downtown:

• Expect heavier traffic on Central Ave, Northside Dr, and around Centennial Olympic Park.
• MARTA trains and buses are generally the easiest way to avoid parking stress.
• Many fans arrive early to dine at nearby downtown and Castleberry Hill restaurants.

Concerts and Touring Shows

State Farm Arena is one of Atlanta’s primary large concert venues, especially for:

• Major pop, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and country tours
• Comedy tours with arena-sized audiences
• Special one-night or multi-night concerts

Things locals and visitors usually pay attention to:

• Seat selection: Floor vs. lower bowl vs. upper levels affects not just the view but also ease of exit after the show.
• Sound and staging: End-stage shows (stage at one end) vs. in-the-round setups can change your experience.
• Accessibility: Elevators, escalators, and accessible seating options are available, but it’s wise to note your section before you arrive.

Family Shows and Special Attractions

Throughout the year, the arena may host:

• Ice shows
• Circus-style performances
• Family entertainment tours
• Seasonal events

If you’re bringing kids:

• Plan arrival early to get through security and bag checks.
• Check bag policies, stroller rules, and entry gate recommendations.
• Look for family restrooms and quieter concourse areas if you have younger children.

Graduations, Ceremonies, and Community Events

Many Atlanta-area schools, colleges, and organizations choose State Farm Arena for:

• High school graduations
• College commencements
• Large community ceremonies or faith-based gatherings

If you’re attending one of these:

• Check which gate your group is using; ceremonies sometimes designate different entries for families, graduates, and VIPs.
• Seats may be general admission or assigned, depending on the organizer.
• Photography and video rules are often set by the school or event organizer, not just the arena.

State Farm Arena as a Meeting and Event Venue

Beyond public events, State Farm Arena is also a corporate and private event venue. This is especially relevant if you’re organizing business gatherings in the Convention Centers and Large Event Venues category.

Types of Business and Meeting Uses

Organizations based in or visiting Atlanta often use the arena for:

• Corporate meetings and town halls
• Sales conferences and product launches
• Networking receptions and client entertainment
• Award ceremonies and employee appreciation events
• Private suite rentals during games or concerts for business hosting

Some planners use the arena on its own; others integrate it into a larger convention at the Georgia World Congress Center or nearby hotels.

Spaces Commonly Used for Meetings and Events

While the main bowl is the most visible part, there are multiple configurable spaces inside State Farm Arena. Options can include:

• Main bowl (arena floor + seating)
  • For large keynotes, rallies, or full-arena meetings
• Club lounges and premium spaces
  • Suitable for receptions, mid-sized meetings, or VIP gatherings
• Suites and loge areas
  • Often used for small group hosting during games or major shows
• Back-of-house and flexible spaces
  • Sometimes available for production offices, staff rooms, or smaller sessions

Capacity and options vary depending on event layout, staging, and production needs, so most planners coordinate directly with the arena’s events or sales team.

Quick Snapshot: State Farm Arena for Events and Meetings

Planning a Corporate Event or Meeting at State Farm Arena

If you’re considering State Farm Arena for a corporate meeting, convention event, or large gathering, planning usually follows a few core steps.

1. Clarify Your Event Goals and Size

Before you contact the arena, it helps to define:

• Estimated attendance (hundreds vs. thousands)
• Event type (meeting, reception, product launch, rally, ceremony)
• Preferred date range and flexibility
• Production needs (stage, lighting, sound, screens)
• Catering and hospitality requirements

The arena is designed for high-capacity events, so it’s typically a stronger fit if your event is too large or too high-profile for a standard hotel ballroom.

2. Contact the Arena’s Events/Sales Team

Event inquiries are usually handled by a dedicated events or premium sales department rather than box office staff.

You can typically:

• Reach out via the general State Farm Arena contact phone line and ask for the events or premium events department
• Submit an event inquiry form through official State Farm Arena or Atlanta Hawks event channels
• Coordinate through a local Atlanta event planner who has prior experience with large venues

When you speak with them, expect questions on:

• Event purpose and audience
• Technical requirements
• Room setup (theater-style, banquet, reception)
• Security and staffing needs
• Budget range and food-and-beverage expectations

3. Coordinate Logistics With Downtown Atlanta in Mind

For large events, logistics often extend beyond the building. In Atlanta, you’ll want to consider:

• Traffic patterns:
  • Avoid timing your event start or end exactly with Hawks games or major concerts unless you’re part of that event.
• Hotel room blocks:
  • Many groups book at nearby downtown hotels within walking distance of the arena.
• Shuttles vs. MARTA:
  • For out-of-town groups, using MARTA from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport can be efficient.
  • Some organizations also run private shuttles from hotels.

If you’re organizing a very large or multi-day event, some planners coordinate with the City of Atlanta or Georgia World Congress Center Authority for broader traffic and operations awareness.

Attending an Event: Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Getting There: Transportation Options

MARTA:

• Rail station: Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center on the Blue/Green Line
• This is usually the most predictable option for big events, especially in rush hour or on weekend nights.

Driving and Parking:

• Multiple parking decks and surface lots are available around the arena, often labeled as official event parking.
• Many attendees pre-purchase parking through official channels when available to avoid last-minute searching.
• Be prepared for congestion after events, especially at the larger decks closest to the building.

Rideshare and Taxis:

• Designated pickup and drop-off zones may be used around the arena on event days.
• Keep in mind that surge pricing and wait times often increase right after big shows or games end.

Security, Entry, and Bag Policies

Common patterns at the arena include:

• Walk-through metal detectors at all main entrances
• Bag size limits and restrictions on certain items
• Mobile or digital tickets scanned at the gate

To make entry smoother:

• 🕒 Arrive 30–45 minutes early for standard events, more for sold-out or high-profile shows.
• 🎒 Bring only what you need; smaller bags usually speed up screening.
• 📱 Have your tickets ready before you reach the front of the line.

Always check for event-specific rules, as some performers or organizations request stricter policies.

Seating and Accessibility

State Farm Arena offers:

• Accessible seating areas throughout multiple levels
• Elevators and escalators between concourses
• Options for guests who need assistance getting to their seat

If you or someone in your party has mobility or sensory needs:

• Look up accessible seating options when you purchase tickets.
• Allow a little extra time for elevator access and crowd navigation.
• For highly crowded events, some guests find it easier to wait a few minutes after the end before exiting to avoid the heaviest crush.

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Amenities

In-Arena Concessions

Inside State Farm Arena, you’ll find:

• Concession stands with standard arena fare (snacks, soft drinks, etc.)
• A range of food and beverage options that may include local or regional offerings
• Alcohol sales subject to ID checks and standard arena policies

Lines are usually longest:

• Just before event start
• At halftime or intermission
• Directly after big moments during games

Planning to eat a bit before you arrive or during less busy parts of the event can help.

Dining and Entertainment Around the Arena

Because the arena sits in downtown Atlanta, you’re close to:

• Restaurants and bars near CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and Luckie Street
• Eateries in nearby hotels and mixed-use developments
• Short drives or rideshares to neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill, Midtown, and Westside

For business events, meeting planners often:

• Arrange group dinners at downtown restaurants
• Use nearby hotels for breakfasts, breakouts, or post-event receptions
• Combine arena events with visits to nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca-Cola

Contact and Location Essentials

For reference, the arena’s core details:

• Name: State Farm Arena
• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Area: Downtown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park and Georgia World Congress Center

For specific questions about:

• Event bookings, meetings, or corporate use – ask for the events or premium sales team through the arena’s main contact channels.
• Tickets and upcoming events – use the official ticket office and event information lines associated with State Farm Arena and the Atlanta Hawks.
• Accessibility or guest services – contact the arena’s guest services department for current policies and support options.

State Farm Arena is a central part of Atlanta’s business and entertainment landscape. Whether you’re catching a Hawks game, seeing a major concert, attending a graduation, or planning a large-scale corporate meeting, understanding the venue’s layout, transportation options, and event capabilities helps you navigate it more smoothly and make the most of what downtown Atlanta offers.