Atlanta Hawks Basketball: How to Experience the NBA in Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks (NBA) are more than just a basketball team in Atlanta—they’re a central part of the city’s sports culture, nightlife, and downtown identity. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re visiting for a few days, or you’re just trying to understand how NBA basketball fits into the city, knowing how the Hawks operate locally can help you get the most out of the experience.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play in Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks play their home games at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta.

• Arena name: State Farm Arena
• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown, next to CNN Center and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium area

State Farm Arena sits right on the edge of Centennial Olympic Park and is connected to multiple major roads and transit options. It’s one of the main anchors of the downtown entertainment district, so on game nights the whole area feels active—restaurants, bars, and nearby attractions all get busier.

Getting to a Hawks Game: Transportation & Parking

Using MARTA

For many locals and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to get to a Hawks game.

• Closest station: GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – a short walk to the arena
• Nearby alternative: Five Points Station (Red/Gold/Blue/Green Lines), then a short walk downtown

Using MARTA helps you avoid heavy event-night traffic and high parking rates. Trains and stations around the arena are usually busy but manageable on game days, especially if you arrive early.

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Expect heavier traffic on game nights, especially along Northside Drive, Marietta Street, and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.
• Parking lots and decks around State Farm Arena often have event pricing, especially those closest to the entrances.
• Many locals choose to park a bit farther away in downtown or Midtown garages and walk or take a short rideshare into the arena area.

Some fans also park near other MARTA stations with park-and-ride options, then take the train downtown.

Buying Atlanta Hawks Tickets in Atlanta

For most fans, getting tickets is a straightforward process, and there are several typical options:

• Single-game tickets: Popular with visitors and casual fans who want to catch one game while in town.
• Mini-plans or partial season plans: Often used by Atlantans who attend multiple games each year but don’t want full season tickets.
• Season tickets: Common for dedicated fans and corporations; comes with seat location consistency and usually extra perks.

In Atlanta, ticket availability and pricing can vary significantly based on:

• Opponent: Games against marquee teams and star players draw higher prices and larger crowds.
• Day of the week: Weekend evening games tend to be more expensive and more crowded than midweek matchups.
• Time of season: Early-season games can be easier to get into; late-season games with playoff implications often see stronger demand.

If you’re local, it’s common to plan around the most attractive matchups during the season and build your game-going calendar from there.

What to Expect on Game Day at State Farm Arena

Security and Entry

On arrival, you’ll go through security screening, which generally includes:

• Bag size limits or clear bag requirements
• Metal detectors at entrances
• Checks for prohibited items (varies by event)

Arriving 30–60 minutes before tipoff typically provides enough time to get through lines, find your section, and get food or drinks before the game starts.

Seating Experience

State Farm Arena is designed so even upper-level seats generally have a good view of the court. Common seating options include:

• Lower bowl: Closest to the court, best for an immersive experience
• Club and premium areas: Often include upgraded food, lounge access, or better sightlines
• Upper level: More budget-friendly and popular with families and larger groups

Many Atlantans consider the sideline upper-level seats a good balance of view and price.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The Hawks’ home games typically feature:

• Music and in-game entertainment: DJs, halftime shows, contests, and fan cams
• Food options: A mix of typical arena concessions and more local-style offerings
• Family-friendly environment: Many families with children attend, especially on weekends

If you’re new in town or visiting, a Hawks game is a practical way to get a feel for Atlanta’s energy and diversity in one place.

Atlanta Neighborhoods to Pair with a Hawks Game

Because the arena is downtown, game nights are often combined with other activities:

• Downtown Atlanta
  • Visit nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, SkyView Atlanta, and other landmark sites before an evening game.
• Midtown Atlanta
  • Many residents grab dinner or drinks in Midtown, then take MARTA to GWCC/CNN Center Station.
• Westside / Castleberry Hill
  • Popular among locals for pregame or postgame meals and bars within a short drive or rideshare.

This makes Hawks games an easy anchor for dinner + game + quick city exploring in one outing.

When the Hawks Play: Understanding the NBA Season in Atlanta

Regular Season

The NBA regular season typically runs from October through April. In Atlanta, this means:

• Early season (fall): Games overlap with football season; crowds can vary depending on matchup.
• Mid-season (winter): A steady flow of home games; locals sometimes choose these as indoor entertainment during colder weather.
• Late season (spring): Games can become more intense and well-attended if the Hawks are in playoff contention.

Playoffs

If the Hawks qualify for the playoffs:

• Home games are scheduled with shorter notice than regular-season games.
• Tickets and hotel rooms near downtown can be in heavier demand.
• The downtown atmosphere becomes especially lively, with more events and fan activities around the arena.

Atlanta Hawks for Families, Groups, and Visitors

Attending with Kids

Going to a Hawks game is a common family outing in Atlanta. Many parents:

• Choose earlier tipoff times when possible.
• Sit a bit farther from the court for a more budget-friendly family experience.
• Use MARTA to reduce the stress of parking and walking with children.

Some games or promotions are specifically geared toward family-friendly themes, making them easier choices for kids’ first NBA game.

Groups, Schools, and Work Outings

Many Atlanta-area:

• Schools and youth programs
• Workplaces and corporate teams
• Community groups and clubs

organize group outings to Hawks games. These outings often provide:

• Discounted group tickets (depending on availability and the game)
• The chance to sit together with a large group
• Sometimes special experiences (group photos, fan activities, etc.) organized in advance

Locally, this is a popular way to build team spirit or offer a reward outing.

Atlanta Hawks and the Local Community

The Hawks brand shows up across Atlanta neighborhoods, not just at the arena. Around the city you may notice:

• Hawks-branded community courts and recreation initiatives
• Youth basketball activities or camps that reference the Hawks
• Team-colored murals, signage, and fan gear in local shops

For many residents, especially younger basketball fans, the Hawks are a local identity marker—something that ties together various parts of the metro area, from in-town neighborhoods to the suburbs.

Watching the Atlanta Hawks Without Going to the Arena

If you’re in Atlanta but not going downtown for a game, you can still join in the local NBA experience:

• Local watch spots: Many Atlanta sports bars and restaurants show Hawks games, especially in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and Westside.
• Home viewing: For many Atlantans, Hawks games are part of a regular weeknight or weekend routine during the season.

On big matchup nights or playoff games, certain areas of the city develop a noticeable game-night buzz, even away from State Farm Arena.

Basic Atlanta Hawks Snapshot for Local Fans

Here’s a simple summary to help you quickly understand how the Hawks fit into Atlanta life:

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Hawks Games in Atlanta

• Plan your route early: Decide whether you’ll use MARTA, rideshare, or drive and park, especially for weekend or rivalry games.
• Arrive ahead of tipoff: Gives you time for security, food, and photos without rushing.
• Check the opponent and schedule: Some matchups are better if you want a packed, high-energy environment; others are easier for more relaxed, budget-conscious outings.
• Pair with nearby activities: Take advantage of being downtown to explore, eat, or walk around before or after the game.

Experiencing the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta is as much about the city as it is about the basketball. Whether you’re cheering from the upper level, exploring downtown before the game, or watching from a neighborhood hangout, the Hawks offer a clear window into how Atlanta comes together around sports.