State Farm Arena & Centennial Olympic Park Area in Atlanta: What “State Farm Park Center” Usually Means
If you’re searching for “State Farm Park Center Atlanta,” you’re most likely looking for one of two things:
- State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta (near Centennial Olympic Park), or
- The State Farm presence and fan areas around the arena and nearby parks, especially during games and events.
There isn’t a facility formally named “State Farm Park Center” in Atlanta, but the phrase often gets used by visitors and locals to describe the cluster of attractions, greenspaces, and venues around State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park.
This guide breaks down what’s actually there, how everything fits together, and how to make the most of this part of the city.
Understanding the Area Around State Farm Arena
Where State Farm Arena Is Located
State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303
It sits in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, directly next to:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- CNN Center complex
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Georgia World Congress Center
Locals often treat this whole space as one big “center” for events, sports, and entertainment, which is likely why terms like “State Farm Park Center” show up when people talk about this area.
Key Places People Mean by “State Farm Park Center”
1. State Farm Arena
The arena is a major anchor of this district. It’s the home of the Atlanta Hawks and hosts concerts, family shows, and special events year-round.
What to know if you’re visiting:
- Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Typical uses: NBA games, concerts, comedy shows, large events
- Parking: Multiple decks and lots nearby, including CNN Deck, GWCC Red/Gold/Blue Decks, and private surface lots
- Transit: Directly connected to the GWCC/CNN Center MARTA station (Blue/Green lines)
If someone says “meet me at State Farm near the park,” they usually mean outside State Farm Arena near Centennial Olympic Park or the CNN Center side.
2. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is the large green space directly across the street from State Farm Arena:
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Avenue W NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
This is often the “park” people associate with State Farm, since you can walk from the arena into the park within a few minutes.
Highlights:
- Wide lawns and walking paths with skyline views
- Fountain of Rings (popular with kids in warm weather)
- Open areas for pre-event meetups and photos before Hawks games or concerts
If you’re coming from out of town looking for a “park by State Farm” for a stroll or to hang out before an event, this is the spot you’re probably thinking of.
3. The “Center” of Downtown Attractions
Within a short walk of State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park, you’ll find a dense cluster of major destinations that function like a central entertainment district:
- Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- World of Coca-Cola – 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights – 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- College Football Hall of Fame – 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Because these sit next to each other, many visitors think of this as one big, connected “park center” around State Farm Arena.
Quick Reference: The Downtown “State Farm + Park” Area
| Place | Type | How It Relates to “State Farm Park Center” |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm Arena | Sports & events venue | The “State Farm” piece; anchor building for the district |
| Centennial Olympic Park | Public park/greenspace | The “park” people often mean; right across from the arena |
| GWCC / CNN Center area | Event & office complex | Connects arena and park; common meetup and walking route |
| Nearby attractions cluster | Museums & experiences | Makes the district feel like a central, walkable “center” around the park |
Getting Around the State Farm / Park Area
Using MARTA
If you don’t want to deal with downtown parking:
- Take the Blue or Green MARTA line
- Get off at GWCC/CNN Center Station
- Follow signs to State Farm Arena or Centennial Olympic Park
From the station, you can walk:
- 2–3 minutes to State Farm Arena
- 5–7 minutes to Centennial Olympic Park
- 10–12 minutes to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
Driving and Parking Tips 🚗
- Event nights (Hawks games, big concerts) cause heavy traffic around Northside Drive, Marietta Street, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive.
- Pre-booking parking decks near the arena or Aquariums/World of Coca-Cola area often saves time.
- For a calmer exit, some locals park a bit farther away (for example, near the Civic Center area or south of the stadium district) and walk in.
What to Do Before or After an Event at State Farm Arena
Because the arena sits inside this larger “park center” district, it’s easy to turn a game or show into a full day in Downtown Atlanta.
Family-Friendly Options
- Spend time at Centennial Olympic Park
- Visit the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola before a night event
- Let kids run around the Fountain of Rings (in warm weather)
Food & Hangout Spots
The blocks around the arena, CNN Center, and Marietta Street offer:
- Casual sports bars and grills
- Quick-service options ideal just before a show
- A few spots with views of the park and skyline
If you’re planning to eat right before a big arena event, expect crowds and arrive earlier than you normally would.
How Locals Talk About This Area
You’ll hear Atlantans refer to this part of town in several ways:
- “The arena” – meaning State Farm Arena specifically
- “Over by the park” – often referring to Centennial Olympic Park and the adjacent museums
- “Downtown by the stadiums” – grouping State Farm Arena with Mercedes-Benz Stadium and GWCC
So if you hear or see “State Farm Park Center,” it’s a reasonable guess that someone means this combined arena-and-park zone in Downtown Atlanta, not a single official building.
Practical Tips for Visitors and New Residents
- For an event ticket: Look for State Farm Arena as the venue name and double-check the address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303.
- For fresh air and open space nearby: Head to Centennial Olympic Park, directly adjacent to the arena area.
- For a walkable day: Plan a loop that includes the park, State Farm Arena exterior, Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coke.
- For transit-first trips: Use MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center Station to avoid downtown parking stress, especially on high-traffic nights.
If your search started with “State Farm Park Center Atlanta,” you’re really looking at a compact, highly walkable pocket of Downtown Atlanta where a major arena and a major public park sit side by side—with plenty to see, do, and explore in between.