Atlanta Hawks Logo: What It Means, How It’s Used, and Where You’ll See It in Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks logo is more than just a team symbol—it’s part of the visual identity of the city itself. If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or follow local sports culture, you’ve probably seen versions of the Hawks logo on jerseys, buildings, streetwear, and community courts across the metro area.

This guide explains what the logo is, what it represents, and how it actually shows up in everyday life around Atlanta, Georgia.

The Story Behind the Atlanta Hawks Logo

From “Pac-Man” to the Modern Hawk

The logo most Atlanta residents recognize is the stylized hawk head inside a circular shape, often called the “Pac-Man” logo by fans. It first appeared in the 1970s, disappeared for a while, and then returned in a modernized form.

Today’s primary logo typically features:

• A hawk’s head profile in a circular outline
• A clean, minimalist design that works well on both digital and physical surfaces
• The team’s core colors: usually red, white, and sometimes black or volt green accents depending on era and uniform set

For someone in Atlanta, this logo is one of the quickest visual signals of:

• The city’s NBA team
• Downtown sports culture, especially around the arena district
• Local pride, especially on hats, shirts, and car decals

What the Atlanta Hawks Logo Represents for the City

A Symbol of Atlanta Basketball Culture

In Atlanta, the Hawks logo has become shorthand for:

• Professional basketball in the city
• Downtown game nights, watch parties, and gatherings
• The city’s growing sports identity, alongside teams like the Falcons, Braves, and Atlanta United

You’ll often see the logo:

• On apparel in neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and around Georgia Tech
• At sports bars and local restaurants that put up Hawks signs during the season
• On youth jerseys and local leagues that mirror the Hawks design style

Colors That Match the City’s Energy

While exact shades have changed over the years, the consistent bold red and bright accents in the logo fit the city’s high-energy feel—especially visible during night games at State Farm Arena, when the building is lit up and fans show out in team colors.

Where You’ll See the Atlanta Hawks Logo in Atlanta

1. State Farm Arena: The Home of the Hawks

The primary home of the Atlanta Hawks logo is State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta.

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Inside and around the arena, you’ll typically see:

• Large Hawks logos on the exterior and concourses
• The logo on center court during games
• Branded signs on merchandise stands, courtside tables, and digital scoreboards

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want the most immersive Hawks logo experience, attending a home game is one of the clearest ways to see it in full context.

2. Official Team Stores and Merchandise Spots

In and around Atlanta, the Hawks logo is a staple on:

• Official jerseys and T-shirts sold at the arena
• Licensed merchandise at major sporting goods stores and local shops
• Hats, hoodies, and accessories popular in neighborhoods like Little Five Points, Midtown, and Atlantic Station

For residents, this makes it easy to incorporate the logo into everyday wear—especially during playoff runs or big rivalry games.

3. Community Courts and Local Basketball Spaces

The Hawks have been involved in supporting basketball courts and community programs across metro Atlanta. On some outdoor courts and community facilities, you may see:

• Hawks colors or logo-inspired designs painted on the court
• Banners or signage featuring the hawk emblem
• Youth programs using Hawks-themed uniforms or branding elements

These spaces help connect the official team brand with everyday pickup games and youth leagues across the city.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Hawks Logo at a Glance

How the Hawks Logo Shows Up in Daily Atlanta Life

On the Streets and in Neighborhoods

Around Atlanta, you may spot the Hawks logo:

• On car decals and license plate frames in commuter traffic on I-75/85 or the Connector
• On jackets and shirts at MARTA stations, especially on game days
• In barbershops, sports bars, and local businesses that put up Hawks signs or posters

If you’re new to the city, noticing how often the logo appears is an easy way to see how embedded the team is in local culture.

On Game Days and During Playoff Runs

During the season—especially if the team is making a strong push—expect:

• More Hawks flags and banners in windows and on porches
• Retailers and restaurants near Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena using the logo or team colors in decor
• Fans wearing logo-heavy gear on Peachtree Street, around Five Points, and in Downtown before and after games

If You Want to Use the Atlanta Hawks Logo in Atlanta

Personal vs. Commercial Use

If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about using the logo, it helps to distinguish:

• Personal use (for yourself):

  • Wearing licensed merch
  • Displaying a poster or decal at home
  • Using fan gear at pickup games

• Business or promotional use in Atlanta:

  • Putting the logo on promotional flyers
  • Printing it on uniforms for a business-sponsored team
  • Using it in store signage or advertising

The Hawks logo is intellectual property. For commercial or public-facing use, businesses in Atlanta generally need to follow team and league licensing rules. Personal, non-commercial display—like wearing a hat or hanging a flag at home—works differently from printing it on items you plan to sell or use to promote a business.

If your use is more than normal fan display (for example, printing the logo on products), it’s a good idea to check official team guidelines or consult a legal or branding professional familiar with sports licensing.

How to Spot Authentic Hawks Logo Merchandise in Atlanta

When buying Hawks gear in the city, you’ll typically know it’s legitimate if:

• It includes official NBA or team tags or labels
• The logo is clean, sharp, and correctly colored, not blurry or distorted
• The seller is a well-established retailer, arena shop, or reputable sports store

Common places in Atlanta where fans often find authentic logo merchandise include:

• Official shops in State Farm Arena
• Large sporting-goods retailers in metro Atlanta shopping areas
• Longstanding local sports apparel stores that clearly sell NBA-licensed items

This matters if you care about durability, correct logo design, and supporting the team through official channels.

Seeing the Logo as Part of Atlanta’s Identity

Whether you’re walking through Downtown, catching a game at State Farm Arena, shopping in Buckhead, or just riding MARTA on a game night, the Atlanta Hawks logo is one of the most visible symbols tying together Atlanta’s sports culture, local pride, and city identity.

Understanding what it looks like, where it appears, and how it’s used helps you read the visual language of the city—especially if you’re new to Atlanta or starting to follow the team more closely.