Where Is State Farm Arena in Atlanta? A Local’s Guide to Location, Parking, and Getting There

If you’re heading to a Hawks game, concert, or special event, you’ll want to know exactly where State Farm Arena is in Atlanta and how to get around the area smoothly.

Exact Location of State Farm Arena in Atlanta

State Farm Arena is located in downtown Atlanta at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

It sits right next to Centennial Olympic Park and is part of the larger downtown entertainment district, often called the Centennial Park District.

You’ll find it:

• Just west of Peachtree Street
• Directly south of the CNN Center area
• A short walk from attractions like the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the College Football Hall of Fame

What Neighborhood Is State Farm Arena In?

State Farm Arena is in Downtown Atlanta, specifically near the Centennial Olympic Park / Georgia World Congress Center area.

This area is known for:

• Major sports and entertainment venues (State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Tourist attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola)
• Convention and conference activity (Georgia World Congress Center)

If someone says an event is “downtown by the park” or “at the arena by Mercedes-Benz Stadium,” they’re often talking about this cluster of venues around State Farm Arena.

Getting to State Farm Arena by MARTA

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach State Farm Arena, especially during big events.

Nearest MARTA Station

The closest MARTA station is:

GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)

• Exit directly toward State Farm Arena / CNN Center
• The station opens out into the plaza area right by the arena

From this station, it’s typically a short walk (just a few minutes) to the arena entrances.

Using MARTA From Other Parts of Atlanta

• From midtown or Buckhead:
  • Take the Red or Gold Line south to Five Points
  • Transfer to the Blue or Green Line toward GWCC/CNN Center
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  • Take the Gold or Red Line north to Five Points
  • Transfer to the Blue or Green Line westbound, get off at GWCC/CNN Center

💡 Tip: On game and concert nights, trains and platforms around Five Points and GWCC/CNN Center are usually crowded. Plan to arrive earlier than you think you need to.

Driving Directions to State Farm Arena

If you prefer to drive, State Farm Arena is easily accessible from major interstates that cross through Atlanta.

From I-75 / I-85 (Downtown Connector)

Heading Southbound (from Midtown/Buckhead):

1. Take Exit 249C Williams St NW
2. Follow signs for GWCC/Centennial Olympic Park/Philips Drive
3. Use Baker St NW or Simpson St NW (Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd) to navigate toward arena parking decks

Heading Northbound (from Airport/South Atlanta):

1. Take Exit 246 Central Ave/MLK Jr. Dr
2. Follow signs for Mercedes-Benz Stadium/State Farm Arena/GWCC
3. Loop around to the stadium/arena side streets and parking structures

From I-20

• Take I-20 East or West to the Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
• Use one of the downtown exits above to get toward Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Marietta Street, or Northside Drive, all of which lead to the arena’s general area

⚠️ Local note: On big event nights, streets around the arena and stadium can quickly become gridlocked, and some turns may be temporarily restricted. It’s smart to follow event signs and police officer directions rather than relying only on your GPS.

Parking Near State Farm Arena

There are multiple parking decks and surface lots around State Farm Arena, shared with Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Common parking areas include:

• Arena-adjacent parking decks (connected or within a short walk)
• GWCC parking decks
• Lots along Marietta Street NW, Northside Drive NW, and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW

What Locals Typically Do

• Pre-pay or reserve parking when possible for major events
• Arrive 60–90 minutes early to avoid last-minute congestion
• Use MARTA when there’s a Hawks game and another event nearby (for example, a concert at the same time at the stadium)

🚗 Parking tip: If you prefer a quick getaway after the event, some Atlanta drivers choose slightly farther lots (a 10–15 minute walk) to avoid post-event traffic near the main decks.

Walking Landmarks Around State Farm Arena

If you’re walking from another downtown attraction, it helps to know what’s around the arena.

Nearby Well-Known Spots

• Centennial Olympic Park – Just across from the broader district area
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – A short walk southwest from the arena
• CNN Center area – Directly adjacent, historically connected by walkways and plazas
• Georgia World Congress Center – Just to the west

You’ll typically see clear signage directing you to State Farm Arena from most of these locations.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off Areas

For rideshare or taxi drop-off, there are usually designated areas around the arena perimeter, especially during events.

Common patterns:

• Temporary rideshare zones are often set up along streets near the arena
• Police and event staff frequently direct vehicles to specific drop-off and pick-up points to manage flow

If you’re using a rideshare app, it’s helpful to:

• Set your destination as “State Farm Arena”
• Follow in-app instructions for the official event pickup/drop-off zone
• Be prepared to walk a short distance if the closest streets are restricted for traffic control

Where Is the Main Entrance?

The exact entrance you use can depend on your tickets, but in general:

• The most common access routes are from the plaza side, close to the GWCC/CNN Center MARTA station and the Centennial Olympic Park side
• Signage around the area points to main gates, club entrances, and VIP access

If you’re unsure which gate to use, looking at your event ticket or posted arena maps near the plaza area is the easiest way to orient yourself.

Quick Reference: State Farm Arena Location & Access

Helpful Tips If You’re New to Downtown Atlanta

• Plan your route in advance. Downtown streets can feel confusing if you’re not used to one-way roads and event detours.
• Check your event details. Some events open doors well before start time; arriving early makes parking, security, and finding your seat easier.
• Stay aware after dark. As in any major city, keep track of your surroundings when walking to and from the arena at night, especially if you’ve parked a bit farther away.

With the address, transit options, and neighborhood layout in mind, you’ll know exactly where State Farm Arena is in Atlanta and how to get there with minimal hassle.