Atlanta Hawks: Guide to Atlanta’s NBA Team, Arena, and Fan Experience

The Atlanta Hawks are more than just a basketball team in Atlanta — they’re a major part of the city’s sports, entertainment, and downtown experience. Whether you live in the metro area, are planning a trip, or are just trying to understand how Hawks games and events work in Atlanta, this guide walks you through what you need to know.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play in Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks play their home games at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Located in Downtown Atlanta, the arena sits right next to:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• CNN Center area
• Centennial Olympic Park

The arena is integrated into one of the busiest parts of the city, with MARTA access, walkable attractions, and plenty of food options nearby.

Getting to a Hawks Game: Transportation & Parking

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the most convenient way to get to a Hawks game:

• Primary station:GWCC / CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • This station opens directly into the State Farm Arena area.
• Alternative:Five Points Station (Red/Gold + Blue/Green connection)
  • Often used if you’re connecting from other lines.

Using MARTA helps avoid downtown traffic and the hassle of parking, especially for evening games or major events.

Tips for MARTA on game days:

• Load your Breeze Card or Breeze ticket ahead of time to avoid lines.
• Expect crowds before tip-off and right after the game ends.
• If you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport, you can usually reach the arena with one train transfer or less.

Driving & Parking

If you prefer to drive to a Hawks game, you’ll find multiple parking decks and surface lots around the arena and stadium district.

Common nearby parking options include:

• State Farm Arena parking decks
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium garages/lots
• Adjacent CNN Center and downtown parking decks

Parking prices can vary by opponent, day of the week, and whether other events are happening nearby.

Driving tips:

• Plan for heavy traffic on major roads like I‑75/85, especially around the GWCC / Mercedes-Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena exits.
• Arrive early (at least 45–60 minutes before tip-off) to find parking more easily.
• Consider using a navigation app and looking at live traffic conditions before you leave.

Buying Atlanta Hawks Tickets

Where People Commonly Buy Tickets

Consumers typically purchase Atlanta Hawks tickets through:

• The team’s official ticketing platform
• The arena box office (in person on game days or during posted hours)
• Well-known resale marketplaces for last-minute or sold-out games

If you’re in Atlanta, you can walk up to State Farm Arena box office windows on many event days, but availability varies by game.

Choosing the Right Seats

Hawks ticket prices vary widely depending on:

• Opponent (marquee teams cost more)
• Day of the week
• Seat location and amenities

General seat categories you’ll see:

• Lower bowl: Closest to the court, more expensive, great viewing angles.
• Club and premium sections: Often include lounge access or food and beverage options.
• Upper level: More affordable, especially good if you’re attending with a group or just want to experience the atmosphere.

If you’re new to NBA games:

• Families often prefer upper-level center-court seats for a good overall view at a lower price.
• Fans looking for energy and atmosphere sometimes seek sections near the Hawks’ bench or supporter-heavy areas.

What to Expect at a Hawks Game in Atlanta

Game-Day Atmosphere

Hawks games in Atlanta often feel like a mix of:

• Pro basketball
• Concert-style production
• Local culture (music, food, and fan traditions)

You’ll typically find:

• In-arena entertainment: Mascot, dance teams, contests, and fan games during timeouts.
• Music-heavy environment: Atlanta’s hip-hop and R&B influence is noticeable in the arena playlist.
• Themed nights: Heritage nights, fan appreciation games, and special promotions.

Family-Friendly Considerations

Many local families bring kids to Hawks games. Helpful things to know:

• Security screening: Metal detectors and bag checks at entry; small bags only, so check the arena’s bag policy before coming.
• Noise level: The arena can get loud; some families bring ear protection for younger children.
• Concessions: Standard arena fare (pizza, burgers, snacks) along with more upscale or local-style options in certain concourses.

Arena Amenities, Food, and Accessibility

Food and Concessions

State Farm Arena offers a mix of:

• Classic arena food (hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn)
• Local-style or regional items, depending on current vendor line-up
• Premium clubs with expanded menus for certain ticket holders

Vegetarian and lighter options are often available, but choices may vary by section.

Accessibility

The arena is designed with accessibility in mind. Common features include:

• Accessible seating areas on multiple levels
• Elevators and ramps to seating and concourse levels
• Designated drop-off areas near entrances

If you or someone in your group needs specific accommodations (wheelchair seating, accessible entrances, etc.), it’s a good idea to contact the arena’s guest services in advance to confirm arrangements.

Atlanta Hawks Practice, Community Events, and Local Presence

Practice Facility

The Hawks typically practice at a dedicated training facility in the metro area rather than at State Farm Arena. This facility is not usually open to the general public on a walk-in basis.

For most fans in Atlanta, interactions with the team happen through:

• Games at State Farm Arena
• Community events, youth programs, and basketball clinics
• Public appearances promoted by the team

Community & Youth Basketball

The Hawks organization is often involved in:

• Basketball camps and clinics for kids and teens
• Court refurbishments and community outreach projects
• Local school and nonprofit partnerships

Atlanta-area families looking to get children involved in Hawks-related youth basketball typically check for:

• Seasonal youth clinics in the city or nearby suburbs
• Summer camps hosted under the Hawks brand or in partnership with local programs

These programs usually require advance registration and may fill up quickly, especially during summer break and school holidays.

Watching the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta Without Going to the Arena

If you want to follow the Hawks but don’t plan to attend games in person, you still have several options within the city.

TV and Streaming

Many Atlanta residents watch Hawks games via:

• Regional sports networks that carry NBA broadcasts
• Streaming services that include those channels, depending on the package
• National broadcasts for high-profile matchups

Availability can change based on carrier agreements, so local fans often confirm whether their TV or streaming plan includes regional sports channels that show Hawks games.

Sports Bars and Restaurants

Across Atlanta — especially in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and popular neighborhood hotspots — many sports bars and restaurants regularly show Hawks games, particularly:

• Evening games on weeknights
• Weekend matchups
• Playoff appearances

If you want a watch-party feel, choose venues that are known locally for showing Atlanta team games and ask ahead if they’ll have the sound on for the Hawks.

Atlanta Hawks and the Downtown Experience

Going to a Hawks game usually becomes part of a larger downtown Atlanta outing.

Many visitors combine a game with:

• A visit to Centennial Olympic Park
• A trip to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or College Football Hall of Fame
• A meal at one of the downtown restaurants before or after the game

Because this area is compact and walkable, you can often park once (or ride MARTA) and enjoy multiple attractions the same day you attend a Hawks game.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Hawks Essentials for Locals and Visitors

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Hawks in Atlanta

• Plan your route: Decide early whether you’re using MARTA or driving; traffic can be heavy on game nights.
• Check the arena’s current policies: Bag restrictions, prohibited items, and cashless payment rules can affect what you bring.
• Layer your clothing: Temperatures inside large arenas can vary; a light jacket or hoodie is often useful.
• Explore the area: If you’re visiting Atlanta, use the game as an anchor for a full downtown day — museums, park, then the Hawks.
• Look for themed or value nights: Many locals watch for special promotions that bundle food, merch, or discounted tickets.

For anyone living in the city, visiting for a weekend, or getting to know Atlanta’s sports scene, the Atlanta Hawks offer a central, easy-to-access way to experience big-league basketball and the energy of downtown Atlanta.