Atlanta Hawks Home Games: How to Experience NBA Basketball in Downtown Atlanta

Catching an Atlanta Hawks home game is one of the most exciting things you can do in the city, whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re just visiting. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about home games at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta—tickets, parking, MARTA, seating, food, and game-day tips that are specific to Atlanta.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play in Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks play all their home games at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

The arena sits right in the heart of downtown, next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the CNN Center area, and just a short walk from Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center.

You’ll be in a dense part of the city, so it’s important to plan:

• How you’ll get there (MARTA vs. driving)
• Where you’ll park
• What time you’ll arrive
• Where you want to sit inside the arena

When Hawks Home Games Happen

Regular Season Timing

The NBA regular season typically runs from October through April, with:

• Evening games on weeknights (often 7:30 p.m. local tip-off)
• Afternoon or early evening games on weekends

If the Hawks make the NBA Playoffs, home games can extend into late April, May, and possibly June.

Finding the Home Schedule

You can usually see a clear calendar showing:

• Home vs. away games
• Start times (Eastern Time – Atlanta local time)
• Special theme nights (e.g., fan giveaways, heritage nights, kids-focused games)

Most people in Atlanta either:

• Check the full Hawks schedule online, or
• Follow the team’s mobile app or social pages for updated home-game dates and any time changes

Getting to State Farm Arena: Best Options for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Taking MARTA to Hawks Home Games

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest and most predictable way to get to a Hawks home game.

• Nearest station:GWCC / CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
• Exit signs typically guide you directly toward State Farm Arena.

From the station, you can walk into the arena area without needing a car, which is especially helpful on busy game nights.

Tips for using MARTA on game day:

• 🚇 Load your Breeze Card in advance to avoid long lines before popular games.
• Plan for crowded trains right after the game ends; if you prefer less crowding, wait 10–15 minutes before heading back to the platform.
• If you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport, you can transfer between the Red/Gold and Blue/Green lines at the downtown core stations (Five Points is a common transfer point).

Driving and Parking Near State Farm Arena

If you decide to drive to a Hawks home game, expect traffic to build up around:

• I-20, I-75, and I-85 exits leading into downtown
• Streets around State Farm Drive, Marietta Street NW, Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, and Northside Drive NW

Common options for parking include:

• Official arena parking decks and surface lots within walking distance
• Private lots and garages around Philips Drive, Marietta Street NW, and nearby downtown office buildings
• Pre-booked parking through common parking reservation platforms (often suggested for high-demand games)

Local tips for drivers:

• Allow extra time if it’s a Friday night game, a weekend matinee, or if there’s another big event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Georgia World Congress Center.
• Expect higher prices in lots immediately next to the arena; walking a few blocks may be less expensive.
• Pay attention to road closures and event-only traffic patterns around major downtown events.

Atlanta Hawks Home Game Tickets: What to Know

Where People Typically Buy Tickets

For Atlanta Hawks home games, fans often buy:

• Directly from the team’s official ticketing partner
• Through verified ticket marketplaces for resale
• At or near the arena’s box office area on game day (subject to availability)

Buying in advance usually gives you better selection of seats and can help avoid sold-out sections for popular opponents.

Ticket Types You’ll Commonly See

You’ll see a range of options for home games at State Farm Arena, such as:

• Lower bowl seats close to the court
• Club and premium seating with lounge access or upgraded food options
• Upper level seats that are more budget-friendly but still offer a full view
• Standing-room or specialized sections, depending on the game and configuration

Prices vary significantly based on:

• Opponent (high-profile teams draw higher prices)
• Day of the week
• Time of the season (opening night, rivalry games, and late-season matchups can be in higher demand)

Where to Sit: Understanding the Arena Layout

State Farm Arena is designed so that even upper-level seats can still feel connected to the action, but there are distinct differences across sections.

Common Seating Areas

Lower Level (100 sections):

• Closest to the court
• Popular with fans who want to see players up close and feel the in-game energy

Club and Premium Sections:

• Often located mid-level or along the sidelines
• May include exclusive entrances, private lounges, upgraded seating, and in-seat service depending on the specific area

Upper Level (200 sections and above):

• More affordable
• Good for families and larger groups
• Offers a full-court view and a general “stadium” feel

Quick Seating Comparison

What It’s Like Inside a Hawks Home Game

Pre-Game and In-Game Experience

At an Atlanta Hawks home game, you can usually expect:

• Music and entertainment starting well before tip-off
• On-court introductions, light shows, and fan contests
• A mix of local Atlanta flavor—music, visuals, and fan culture that reflects the city

If you’re bringing kids, getting to State Farm Arena a bit early allows time for:

• Finding your seats
• Exploring food options
• Visiting team merchandise stands without heavy crowds

Food and Drink at State Farm Arena

Concession stands and vendors throughout the arena offer:

• Classic game-day food such as burgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and pretzels
• Beverages including soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic options for adults
• Specialty items or rotating offerings that sometimes highlight local or regional food options

Prices are typically higher than restaurants outside the arena, so many Atlanta locals either:

• Eat a meal before they head downtown, then snack during the game, or
• Plan on a full in-arena meal as part of the overall experience

Arriving, Security, and Arena Policies

Entry and Security

State Farm Arena generally uses:

• Security screening at entrances (such as metal detectors)
• Bag size limits and restrictions on outside food and drink

To make entry smoother:

• 📧 Have your ticket ready on your phone (brightness up, correct app or QR code open).
• Carry only small, allowed bags and check the arena’s specific requirements ahead of time.
• Arrive 30–60 minutes before tip-off, especially for weekend or high-profile games.

Accessibility at Hawks Home Games

The arena includes:

• Accessible seating areas
• Elevators and ramps
• Signage and staff who can help with mobility, seating access, and directions

If you or someone in your group needs wheelchair-accessible seating, assistive listening devices, or other accommodations, it’s best to arrange this through the arena or ticketing service before game day when possible.

Family and Group Considerations

Bringing Kids to a Hawks Home Game

Many Atlanta families take children to Hawks games, especially:

• Weekend afternoon or early evening games
• Special family or youth-themed nights

Helpful tips:

• Choose seats near aisles if you expect frequent bathroom or snack breaks.
• Consider upper-level or corner seats for better value if you’re bringing several kids.
• Use MARTA or pre-booked parking to reduce stress arriving with a family group.

Large Groups and Work Outings

For Atlanta-based organizations, churches, or schools, Hawks home games are a common choice for:

• Employee outings
• Youth group events
• Alumni meetups

Group ticket arrangements are often available for larger parties, frequently in the same seating section, and sometimes paired with experience add-ons (such as group photos or pre-game activities, depending on availability).

Staying Nearby: Downtown Atlanta Lodging and Attractions

If you’re traveling into Atlanta for a Hawks home game and want to stay close to the arena, look near:

• Centennial Olympic Park area
• Marietta Street NW and Luckie Street NW
• The CNN Center vicinity

From these downtown hotels, State Farm Arena is usually:

• A short walk (often 5–10 minutes)
• Or a quick MARTA ride from nearby stations

While in town for a game, visitors often add:

• A stop at World of Coca-Cola
• The Georgia Aquarium
• A walk around Centennial Olympic Park
• A ride on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel

These are all within a reasonable walking distance of the arena.

Game-Day Checklist for Atlanta Hawks Home Games

Use this quick list to make your Atlanta Hawks home game experience smoother:

• ✅ Check the game date and tip-off time (account for local Eastern Time).
• ✅ Decide whether to take MARTA or drive, and plan parking or train routes.
• ✅ Buy tickets in advance when possible and store them where you can access them easily.
• ✅ Review bag and security policies for State Farm Arena.
• ✅ Aim to arrive 30–60 minutes early, especially on busy nights.
• ✅ If you’re with kids or a group, plan meeting spots inside and outside the arena.

With a bit of planning around transportation, tickets, seating, and timing, Atlanta Hawks home games at State Farm Arena can be one of the most enjoyable sports experiences in the city, whether you’re a longtime local or seeing Atlanta basketball for the first time.