Where the Atlanta Hawks Play: Your Guide to State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta

If you’re wondering “Where do the Atlanta Hawks play?”, the answer is straightforward:
The Atlanta Hawks play their home games at State Farm Arena, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

Whether you live in the city, are visiting, or planning your first NBA game, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Hawks’ home court and how it fits into Atlanta life.

The Atlanta Hawks’ Home Court: State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is the official home of the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Basic arena details:

• Name: State Farm Arena
• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / CNN Center area
• Primary use: Atlanta Hawks home games, concerts, and major events

The arena sits right beside Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the CNN Center, forming a major entertainment hub in downtown Atlanta.

What It’s Like to See a Hawks Game in Atlanta

If you’re attending a game, you’re not just seeing basketball — you’re getting a full downtown Atlanta experience.

Arena layout and seating

State Farm Arena is designed so fans are close to the action:

• Lower bowl: Closest to the court; popular for those who want to be near the players and benches.
• Club and premium seating: Various club sections with upgraded amenities and lounges.
• Upper levels: More budget-friendly seats with a wide view of the court and the video board.

Many Atlanta residents note that even upper-level seats still offer a clear view of the game, which is helpful if you’re trying to keep costs down.

Food, drinks, and in-arena experience

Inside the arena, you’ll typically find:

• Local-style concessions: Classic arena food plus options inspired by Atlanta’s food scene.
• Bars and lounges: Various spots to grab a drink before or during the game.
• Team store: Hawks gear, jerseys, and accessories for fans of all ages.

For families, there are usually kid-friendly food options and plenty of places to sit, walk around, and take photos.

Getting to State Farm Arena from Around Atlanta

One of the biggest advantages of watching the Hawks in Atlanta is that the arena is easy to reach by multiple transit options.

Using MARTA 🚆

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is often the simplest way to get to the Hawks’ home games, especially during busy nights.

• Closest MARTA Station:
  • GWCC–CNN Center Station (on the Blue/Green lines) – this station essentially connects right into the State Farm Arena/CNN Center complex.
• Alternative nearby stations:
  • Vine City Station – a short walk, useful if you’re coming from the west.
  • Five Points Station – you can transfer here to reach the Blue/Green lines if you’re coming from North, South, or East lines.

If you live in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur, you can usually board MARTA on the Red, Gold, or Blue lines and make an easy connection to reach the arena.

Driving and parking 🚗

If you prefer to drive:

• Major highways: The arena is close to Interstate 20, Interstate 75/85 (Downtown Connector).
• Parking: There are multiple parking decks and surface lots around State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the CNN Center area.

Because downtown Atlanta traffic can be heavy before and after games, many locals plan to:

• Arrive at least 45–60 minutes early
• Consider pre-booked parking in nearby decks when available
• Use rideshare and have pickup/drop-off points a short walk away to avoid congestion near the front entrance

Nearby Atlanta Landmarks and Things To Do Before or After a Game

If you want to make a full day or evening out of your trip to see the Hawks, the arena’s location makes it easy.

Within walking distance of State Farm Arena:

• Centennial Olympic Park – A large public park perfect for strolling before a game.
• Georgia World Congress Center – Major convention center next door.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, right across the way.
• CNN Center area – Former headquarters site now transitioning, but still a recognizable landmark.
• Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola – A bit farther by foot but still very walkable from the arena.

This makes the Hawks game a convenient anchor for a downtown Atlanta outing, especially if you’re visiting from out of town.

When Do the Atlanta Hawks Play Home Games?

The NBA regular season generally runs from October through April, with potential playoff games into May or June if the Hawks qualify.

At State Farm Arena, you’ll typically see:

• Evening games on weekdays (often 7:00–7:30 p.m. local time)
• Afternoon or evening games on weekends

For people living in Atlanta, this means:

• Weeknight games are popular after work.
• Weekend games are common family outings or social events with friends.

Game times can vary, so it’s important to check the official game schedule before heading downtown.

How to Buy Tickets for Hawks Games in Atlanta

While specific purchasing platforms can change over time, most Atlanta fans typically buy digital tickets in advance.

Common local patterns include:

• Buying ahead of time for big matchups or weekend games
• Looking for last-minute seats for weekday games when schedules are more flexible
• Using mobile tickets that can be scanned directly from your phone at arena entry

If you live in Atlanta and plan to attend several games a year, it can be useful to keep track of:

• Which sections fit your budget
• How weeknight vs. weekend prices tend to differ
• Whether you prefer to be near the court, the bench, or behind the basket

Accessibility and Family-Friendly Information

State Farm Arena is designed to serve a wide range of visitors, including families and guests with accessibility needs.

Accessibility

The arena generally offers:

• Accessible seating areas across multiple levels
• Elevators and ramps for easier movement between sections
• Designated drop-off points around the arena for guests who need closer access

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, it’s a good idea to:

• Review accessibility information before your visit
• Arrive a bit early to get oriented and locate seating, restrooms, and elevators

Bringing kids to a Hawks game

Many Atlanta families bring children to Hawks games as a first live sports experience. Things parents often find helpful:

• Shorter lines if you arrive early
• Restrooms and family-friendly food located on multiple concourses
• Plenty of staff and signage to help you find your seats quickly

If you’re visiting from the suburbs like Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, or College Park, planning your trip around traffic, nap schedules, and MARTA timing can make the outing smoother.

Quick Reference: Where the Atlanta Hawks Play

Here’s a simple summary you can reference when planning your trip:

If you’re in Atlanta or planning a visit, seeing the Atlanta Hawks play at State Farm Arena is one of the city’s most recognizable sports experiences. With its central downtown location, convenient MARTA access, and plenty to do nearby, it’s easy to build a full Atlanta day or night around a Hawks home game.