Atlanta Hawks Game Guide: How to Enjoy an NBA Night in Downtown Atlanta

Catching an Atlanta Hawks game is one of the best ways to experience sports and nightlife in the city. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re in town for a weekend, or you’re planning a trip around the NBA schedule, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to enjoy a Hawks game in Atlanta.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play

The Atlanta Hawks play their home games at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

The arena sits in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the CNN Center area. It’s an easy walk from several hotels, restaurants, and attractions like Centennial Olympic Park and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Getting to a Hawks Game

MARTA: Easiest Option for Many Fans

For a lot of locals, MARTA is the simplest way to get to an Atlanta Hawks game, especially on busy nights.

• Closest Station:
  GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  This station exits directly near State Farm Arena.
• Alternative Station:
  Five Points Station (transfer hub for all lines), about a 10–15 minute walk.

Using MARTA helps you avoid downtown parking traffic, especially for evening or weekend games.

Tips for riding MARTA to a Hawks game:

• Load your Breeze Card or Breeze Mobile app before you get to the station.
• Check train frequency if you’re leaving late after an overtime or doubleheader.
• If you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Airport, you can ride one line the entire way with a simple transfer at Five Points if needed.

For schedules or route planning, you can contact:

MARTA Customer Information Center
Phone: 404-848-5000

Driving and Parking Near State Farm Arena

If you prefer to drive, there are multiple parking decks and surface lots around the arena, typically with event pricing on game days.

Common parking options within a short walk include:

• Arena-adjacent decks and lots managed for events
• Nearby garages in the CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park area
• Private lots further out with lower prices but a longer walk

Driving tips:

• Plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes early to deal with traffic and security lines.
• Consider using a navigation app with live traffic to pick the best route from I-285, I-75/85, or I-20.
• Be prepared for higher parking rates for premium games or weekends.
• If you park in a smaller lot, take a photo of the lot sign and intersection so you can find your car easily after the game.

Buying Atlanta Hawks Tickets

Official Ticket Sources

Most fans buy digital tickets for Hawks games. You can typically purchase tickets:

• Directly through the team’s official ticketing platform
• Through verified resellers or the NBA’s official resale marketplace

Digital tickets are usually stored in a mobile wallet or app and scanned at the gate.

Key tips:

• Verify that tickets are mobile-compatible; some venues do not accept printed screenshots.
• Make sure you know whether your ticket includes any perks (for example, club access or food credits) before you arrive.
• Always double-check section, row, and seat number so you know where you’re headed once you’re inside.

Choosing the Right Seats for Your Experience

Different parts of State Farm Arena offer different experiences:

• Lower bowl (100-level):
  Closer to the action, more expensive, best if you want to really feel the intensity of the game.
• Club and premium seating:
  Often includes access to lounges, upgraded food options, or cushioned seats.
• Upper bowl (200-level):
  More budget-friendly, still good views for most fans, especially center-court sections.
• Behind the baskets:
  Sometimes more affordable, fun for watching dunks and free throws but with a different viewing angle.

When deciding:

• Families with kids may prefer aisle seats or lower rows in the upper bowl for easier in-and-out.
• Fans focused on X’s and O’s often like mid-court seats, even higher up, for a full view of plays.
• If you’re combining the game with downtown nightlife, you may not need the most premium seats to enjoy the full experience.

When to Arrive and What to Expect on Game Day

Typical Game Day Timeline

Times can vary, but a general pattern for an evening Hawks game looks like this:

Best practice: Aim to be through security at least 30 minutes before tipoff. This gives you time to find your seat, get food, and watch warmups.

Security, Bags, and Entry Policies

Like most NBA arenas, State Farm Arena uses metal detectors and has bag policies that fans must follow.

Common patterns you can expect:

• Small clutches or clear bags are usually allowed up to a certain size.
• Large purses, backpacks, and luggage are often not allowed.
• All fans typically go through magnetometers or hand-held wands.
• Certain items (weapons, outside alcohol, large signs, noisemakers) are normally prohibited.

Because policies can change, it’s smart to:

• Travel light—bring only what you really need.
• Have keys, phones, and metal items ready to place in the provided trays if asked.
• Plan a few extra minutes for security, especially for high-demand games.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities Inside the Arena

One of the perks of an Atlanta Hawks home game is the variety of food and drink options inside State Farm Arena.

You’ll typically find:

• Classic arena fare: burgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos
• Local-style options: Southern-inspired items, wings, and regional flavors
• Bars and drink stands: soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and cocktails

Money and payment:

• Many modern arenas lean toward cashless or limited-cash operations.
• It’s wise to bring a debit/credit card or mobile payment option.

If you’re coming with kids, you can often find:

• Family-friendly concession items
• Kid-favorite snacks and desserts
• Team stores with youth jerseys, shirts, and souvenirs

The In-Arena Experience: More Than Just Basketball

An Atlanta Hawks game is as much an entertainment event as it is a sporting event.

During the game, you can expect:

• Halftime performances (dance teams, local acts, or special shows)
• Timeout entertainment (fan contests, t-shirt tosses, fan cams)
• Music and lights that add to the energy of the arena

Many fans arrive early or stay a bit after to enjoy:

• The team store for Hawks jerseys, hats, and memorabilia
• Photos on the concourse with team logos and murals
• Social spots and lounges if their seating level includes access

Family-Friendly Tips for Hawks Games

If you’re bringing children to State Farm Arena:

• Look for family restrooms on the concourse.
• Consider ear protection for younger kids; NBA arenas can be very loud.
• Choose seats that allow easy access to aisles if you expect frequent bathroom or snack trips.
• Plan your transportation home—young kids are often tired by the end of an evening game.

Some families prefer earlier tipoff times (often weekend matinees) so they can be home before it gets too late.

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

State Farm Arena generally provides accommodations for fans who need accessible seating or assistance.

You can usually find:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating in multiple sections
• Elevators and ramps for those who cannot use stairs
• Assistance from guest services or ushers if you need help getting to your seat

If someone in your party needs accommodations, it’s wise to:

• Look for accessible-designated seats when purchasing tickets.
• Arrive earlier to avoid crowded elevators and stands.
• Ask an usher or guest services representative immediately if you need assistance.

Where to Eat and Hang Out Before or After the Game

One advantage of going to a Hawks game in Atlanta is the number of nearby spots to grab a meal or drink.

Areas to consider:

• Downtown Atlanta:
  Restaurants and bars within walking distance of the arena, good if you’re staying nearby.
• Castleberry Hill:
  Just south of the stadium/arena area, with local bars and eateries, popular on game nights.
• Midtown Atlanta:
  A short drive or MARTA ride away with a wide range of restaurants if you want to eat before heading downtown.

If you’re with a group, planning a pre-game meet-up at a nearby restaurant or bar can make parking, ticket coordination, and arrival easier.

Making a Hawks Game Part of a Bigger Atlanta Visit

Visitors often like to combine a Hawks game with other Atlanta attractions in the same area:

• Centennial Olympic Park – green space for walking before an evening game
• Georgia Aquarium – a major daytime stop before a night tipoff
• World of Coca-Cola – near the park and arena area
• College Football Hall of Fame – right across from the park

If you’re staying downtown, you can walk to most of these and then head directly to State Farm Arena for the game.

Practical Checklist for Your Atlanta Hawks Game

Use this simple list to streamline your game-day planning:

• ✅ Tickets ready on your phone (and fully charged battery)
• ✅ Transportation decided (MARTA vs. parking, route planned)
• ✅ Arrival time set (aim for 30–60 minutes before tipoff)
• ✅ Bag checked to make sure it meets arena size rules
• ✅ Payment ready (card or mobile pay for concessions and souvenirs)
• ✅ Weather considered (for walking to/from MARTA or parking)

Attending an Atlanta Hawks game in downtown Atlanta is a straightforward and fun experience when you know what to expect. With the right tickets, a clear transportation plan, and a bit of extra time built into your schedule, you can focus on enjoying the game, the atmosphere, and everything that comes with NBA basketball in Atlanta.