Atlanta Hawks Parking: How to Park Smart at State Farm Arena

Catching an Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena is a big part of downtown Atlanta life, but parking can be confusing if you don’t plan ahead. This guide breaks down where to park, how much to expect to pay, transit options, and local tips so you can focus on the game instead of your car.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play (and Why Parking Is Tricky)

The Atlanta Hawks play at State Farm Arena, located at:

The arena sits in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, CNN Center, and the Georgia World Congress Center. Because of the cluster of attractions in a small area, parking fills up fast, especially on:

• Weekend games
• Primetime evening games
• Days when there are multiple events nearby (Falcons, United, concerts, conventions)

Planning your Atlanta Hawks parking in advance—either by reserving a spot or choosing MARTA—is the best way to avoid circling crowded streets.

Official Parking Garages and Lots Near State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is surrounded by several official parking decks and surface lots within a short walk. Many fans prefer these because they are close, well-lit, and designed for arena events.

Below is a quick overview of key options commonly used for Hawks games:

*Walking times vary by entrance, traffic, and mobility needs.

1. Closest Garages to State Farm Arena

These are often the first to sell out for popular games:

• CNN Deck (Red Deck)

  • Adjacent to State Farm Arena and CNN Center
  • Very short walk to arena entrances
  • Popular with families and those who want the shortest walk

• State Farm Arena / Centennial Olympic Park Area Decks

  • Garages on or near Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr
  • Good mix of closeness and price
  • Often available if the closest deck is full

These decks are usually signed clearly when you approach downtown on Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, Marietta St, or Centennial Olympic Park Dr.

2. Mercedes-Benz Stadium and GWCC Garages

On nights with overlapping events, some drivers choose to park slightly farther away:

• Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) decks
  • Typically along Mangum St, Marietta St, and Northside Dr
  • Well-managed event parking
  • Around a 10–15 minute walk to State Farm Arena depending on the deck

These can be a good option if the closest decks are sold out or if you are familiar with walking through the Home Depot Backyard / Vine City area.

3. Surface Lots Around the Arena

If you prefer open-air lots:

• Look around Mitchell St SW, Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Forsyth St, and Marietta St
• These lots are usually easy in-and-out but may involve a longer walk and more exposure to weather

For night games, many locals prefer well-lit, staffed lots or garages.

Reserving Parking in Advance

For big games—playoffs, weekend nights, or rivalry matchups—reserving ahead is highly recommended.

General patterns for reserved parking:

• Prices typically increase the closer the deck is to the arena
• Many garages offer prepaid event parking through arena/event platforms or parking apps
• Some decks may only accept prepaid reservations during major events

📝 Tip: When buying your game tickets, look for a “Parking” or “Event Parking” section on the same platform. Securing parking at the same time reduces surprises.

Typical Atlanta Hawks Parking Costs

Parking rates vary by opponent, day of the week, and city-wide events, but in general:

• Premium, closest decks: often higher-priced, especially for in-demand games
• Mid-range garages within a 5–10 minute walk: moderate pricing
• Farther garages/surface lots: usually more budget-friendly, but require a longer walk

Because event pricing in downtown Atlanta is dynamic, it’s smart to:

• Check prices before you leave home
• Compare prepaid vs. drive-up rates if available
• Factor in whether you are comfortable walking a few extra blocks to save money

Using MARTA for Hawks Games (Avoid Parking Altogether)

Many Atlanta residents and visitors skip parking downtown entirely and ride MARTA, the city’s rail and bus system.

MARTA Station for State Farm Arena

The main station serving the Atlanta Hawks is:

This station opens directly into the State Farm Arena / CNN Center area, making it one of the most convenient ways to get to a game without worrying about parking.

How to Use MARTA for a Hawks Game

• From Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown hotels:

  • Take the Red or Gold Line to Five Points Station
  • Transfer to the Westbound Blue or Green Line
  • Get off at Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center

• From East Atlanta/Decatur:

  • Take Westbound Blue Line directly to Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center

MARTA trains typically run later on major event nights, but schedules can vary by date and time.

📝 Tip: If you park at a MARTA park-and-ride lot in the suburbs (such as Doraville or North Springs), you’ll often pay less overall and avoid downtown traffic.

For updated information:

Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off Options

If you prefer to avoid driving or transit, rideshare services and taxis are heavily used around State Farm Arena.

Common Rideshare Patterns

• There are usually designated pickup and drop-off areas set up around the arena, often near Centennial Olympic Park Dr, Mitchell St, or the surrounding blocks, depending on event operations.
• After the game, expect heavy demand and surge pricing, especially for weekend or primetime games.
• Be prepared for street closures or directional signs guiding ride services and vehicles.

📝 Tip: Walk a block or two away from the heaviest congestion (while staying in well-lit, busy areas) before requesting a rideshare to shorten your wait and make it easier for drivers.

Accessible Parking and Mobility Considerations

If you or someone in your party has mobility needs or a disability placard, plan ahead.

Accessible Parking

Common patterns for accessible parking around State Farm Arena:

• Accessible spaces are typically available in official arena and CNN/Red Deck garages
• Accessible parking is often first-come, first-served, so arriving early is important
• Valid state-issued disability placards or license plates are required

When you purchase parking in advance, look for accessible or ADA notes in the listing and verify walking distance and elevator access.

Drop-Off for Guests With Limited Mobility

Many fans use a combination of:

• Drop-off close to the arena entrance
• Driver then parks farther away in a more affordable or less crowded deck
• Time a meetup after the game at a visible, easy-to-find location nearby

📝 Tip: If anyone in your group has difficulty standing for long periods, you may want to arrive when gates open to avoid the crowds and lines at security and concessions.

Traffic Patterns and Best Routes to the Arena

Downtown Atlanta traffic can be intense on event nights, especially near:

• I-20, I-75/I-85 Connector (Downtown Connector)
• Northside Dr, Centennial Olympic Park Dr, Marietta St, and Andrew Young International Blvd

General Driving Tips

• Plan to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before tipoff, particularly for high-demand games
• Use navigation apps that account for real-time closures and event traffic
• Consider using surface streets from Midtown or Old Fourth Ward instead of only relying on the Connector

Common approaches locals use:

• From North Atlanta / Buckhead:
  • I-75/I-85 South to Williams St NW / Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd / Courtland St exits, then follow signs to event parking
• From West / I-20:
  • I-20 East to Spring St / Windsor St exit, or use Northside Dr and work toward the decks
• From East / Decatur / I-20:
  • I-20 West to Capitol Ave / Windsor St or use Courtland St / Piedmont Ave and cross into downtown

Street Parking Around State Farm Arena

Street parking is limited and heavily enforced in downtown Atlanta, particularly during events.

Important considerations:

• Many meters and curbs are signed as “No Event Parking” or have restricted hours
• Illegally parked cars risk tickets, booting, or towing
• Even legal metered spots may not allow you to stay long enough for the full game and post-game traffic

Because of this, most fans rely on garages, official lots, or MARTA instead of trying to find curbside parking.

Safety Tips for Parking at Atlanta Hawks Games

Downtown Atlanta around State Farm Arena is used to heavy event traffic, but it’s still smart to follow basic safety practices:

• Park in well-lit, staffed garages or lots, especially for late-night games
• Remove valuables from view or take them with you
• Note where you parked (deck name, level, and section) before heading into the arena
• Stick to main sidewalks and busy routes when walking to and from the game
• If you’re unsure of your route, ask parking attendants or arena staff for directions to exits and main streets

Parking for Other Events at State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena also hosts concerts, family shows, and special events, and parking patterns are similar:

• Official garages and decks near the arena remain the primary options
• MARTA remains a top choice for avoiding traffic
• Prepaid parking is often available and recommended for high-demand shows

If you’re attending a back-to-back event (for example, a concert one night and a Hawks game the next), expect higher demand and potentially higher rates across the weekend.

By understanding the layout of downtown Atlanta, the main parking decks near State Farm Arena, and alternatives like MARTA and rideshare, you can make Atlanta Hawks parking much less stressful—so you can get inside, grab your snacks, and enjoy the game.