Atlanta Hawks Basketball: How to Experience the Team in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and searching for “Atlanta Hawks basketball,” you’re probably trying to figure out one of a few things:
Where do they play? How do you get to a game? What’s the game-day experience like? How do locals follow and enjoy the team all year?

This guide walks you through how Atlanta Hawks basketball fits into city life and how you can get the most out of it as a resident, visitor, or new fan.

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

It’s located in Downtown Atlanta, right next to CNN Center and connected to the GWCC/CNN Center MARTA Station.

Getting to State Farm Arena

You have several options from around the city:

By MARTA (often the easiest on game days):

• Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station.
• Follow the signs directly into the State Farm Arena area—there’s a short indoor walk to the entrances.
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, take the Red or Gold Line to Five Points, transfer to Blue/Green, and exit at GWCC/CNN Center.

By car:

• Major routes: I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85 all connect near Downtown.
• Nearby parking decks and lots serve the arena. Prices and availability usually vary by game and event.
• On big game nights, traffic can back up near the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium / GWCC / State Farm Arena area, so locals often arrive early or take MARTA.

By rideshare or taxi:

• Designated rideshare pickup/drop-off areas are usually set around the arena perimeter.
• Drivers often stage near Marietta Street, Centennial Olympic Park Drive, and the surrounding downtown corridors.

What It’s Like to Attend an Atlanta Hawks Game

Whether you live in Midtown or you’re visiting from out of town, a Hawks game is one of the more accessible big-league experiences in Atlanta.

Game-Day Atmosphere

Inside State Farm Arena, fans usually experience:

• High-energy in-game entertainment: music, in-arena hosts, dance teams, and on-court contests.
• Family-friendly sections and activities, including fan zones and interactive areas (these can vary by game).
• Modern video boards and lighting effects that make even regular-season games feel like an event.

Regular season runs roughly from October through April, with potential playoff games in late spring if the team qualifies.

Seating and Sections

State Farm Arena has a mix of:

• Lower bowl seats close to the court for intense, up-close action.
• Mid-level and upper-level seating with broader views of the floor.
• Premium and club areas for those looking for a higher-end experience (often accessed via special ticket packages).

Prices vary depending on:

• Opponent (marquee teams often cost more)
• Day of the week
• Where the seat is located

Locals often check weekday games or less high-profile matchups for more budget-friendly options.

How to Buy Atlanta Hawks Tickets in Atlanta

You have a few common ways to buy tickets as an Atlanta-based fan or visitor:

• Official team channels:
  Many fans purchase directly through the Hawks’ primary ticketing system, either online or by phone, for standard game tickets and verified resale options.

• Box office at State Farm Arena:
  When open on event days, you can often buy tickets in person at the arena. This is useful if you’re already downtown or want to avoid some online fees.

• Season tickets and mini-plans:
  Local residents who plan to attend multiple games sometimes explore season plans or partial-season packages to secure seats and spread out costs.

If you’re staying at a Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotel, the concierge or front desk often has basic information on getting to the arena, game times, and where to check for official ticket options.

Atlanta Hawks Schedule and When to Go

Regular Season

The NBA regular season usually runs:

• Preseason: Early October
• Regular season: Mid/late October through mid-April
• Playoffs (if applicable): Mid-April through May and possibly into June

Most Atlanta Hawks home games are scheduled in the evenings, typically between 7:00–7:30 p.m. local time. Weekend games can have earlier or varying tip-off times.

Popular Matchups

Games against major conference rivals and star-studded teams often draw bigger crowds and a louder atmosphere. These games can:

• Sell out faster
• Have higher ticket prices
• Create heavier traffic around downtown

Locals who prefer a calmer environment sometimes target:

• Weeknight games against less prominent opponents
• Earlier-season games before playoff races intensify

Getting Around Downtown on Game Day

Because State Farm Arena is in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, it’s easy to combine a Hawks game with other activities.

Nearby Attractions

Within walking distance of the arena, you’ll find:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola

Many visitors plan a full day downtown, then walk over to the Hawks game in the evening.

Safety and Practical Tips

• Plan your route ahead: Decide whether you’re taking MARTA, parking in a specific deck, or using rideshare.
• Give yourself extra time: Security screening and crowds can slow entry, especially on weekends and big matchups.
• Check bag policies: Arena rules may limit bag size or types; locals often bring only the essentials.

Food and Drink Options at Hawks Games

State Farm Arena typically offers a range of concession stands and food concepts, including:

• Classic game-day favorites (burgers, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn)
• Regional and local-style options that reflect Atlanta’s food culture
• Bars and stands with soft drinks, water, and adult beverages for those of legal drinking age

For many Atlanta residents, a Hawks game doubles as a chance to sample a variety of foods in one place. Visitors often combine it with a meal in:

• Downtown near the arena
• Castleberry Hill (just south of the stadium and arena district)
• Midtown or Westside before riding MARTA or driving downtown

Following the Hawks If You Live in Atlanta

You don’t have to attend every game to stay close to the team. For many Atlanta-based fans, “Atlanta Hawks basketball” means a year-round connection.

Watching from Home or Around Town

Fans in Atlanta commonly follow games by:

• Local and regional TV broadcasts, where available
• Radio coverage based in Atlanta
• Sports bars and restaurants that regularly show NBA games, especially in areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown

On big game nights, many neighborhood bars and restaurants feature the Hawks on their main screens, especially during playoff runs.

Merchandise and Team Gear in Atlanta

Hawks gear is widely available around the metro area. Fans often shop for:

• Jerseys
• T‑shirts and hoodies
• Hats and accessories

These can usually be found:

• Inside State Farm Arena at official team shops on game days
• At larger sporting goods and apparel stores across Metro Atlanta

Youth Basketball and Hawks-Inspired Activities in Atlanta

For families and younger fans, Atlanta Hawks basketball often serves as inspiration to get involved in the sport locally.

Youth and Community Basketball in the Atlanta Area

Around the city, you’ll find:

• Recreation leagues run by city and county parks departments
• School teams in Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding districts
• Community gyms and centers where kids and teens can play pickup or organized ball

Some community programs and camps in the metro area use the Hawks brand or colors as motivation, helping young players feel connected to the city’s NBA team.

If you live in Atlanta city limits, you can explore youth opportunities through:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
72 Marietta St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line (commonly listed for city services): 404‑330‑6000

This department oversees city recreation centers and can help point families to basketball programs in different Atlanta neighborhoods.

Practical Game-Day Checklist for Hawks Fans in Atlanta

Here’s a simple overview of what to think about if you’re heading to a game at State Farm Arena.

How Atlanta Hawks Basketball Fits Into City Life

For Atlanta residents, the Hawks are more than just a team—they’re a regular part of Downtown’s event calendar and a shared experience across neighborhoods:

• Office groups in Midtown and Downtown often attend weeknight games together.
• Families from neighborhoods like East Atlanta, Grant Park, and Westside head to Sunday or early-evening games.
• Visitors staying near Peachtree Street or Centennial Olympic Park frequently add a Hawks game to their itinerary as a distinctly Atlanta experience.

If you live here, going to at least one game each season is a common tradition. If you’re visiting, a Hawks home game is one of the most direct ways to feel the city’s energy in a single evening.