Atlanta Hawks Preseason: How to Catch the Action in Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks preseason is the unofficial kickoff to basketball season in the city. It’s when fans in Atlanta, Georgia get their first real look at new draft picks, offseason additions, and how the team might play once the regular season starts.

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting during the fall, the preseason is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to experience NBA basketball up close.

What the Atlanta Hawks Preseason Is (and Why It Matters)

The preseason is a short series of exhibition games the Hawks play before the regular NBA schedule begins. These games:

• Usually run from late September through mid-October
• Include a mix of home games at State Farm Arena and road games
• Do not count in the official standings
• Are often used to test lineups, give younger players more minutes, and shake off rust

For Atlanta fans, the preseason is valuable because you can:

• See new players and rookies in meaningful game action
• Watch coaches experiment with rotations and playing styles
• Enjoy lower-intensity crowds and more relaxed vibes than some regular-season matchups
• Often find more affordable tickets and better seating options

Where the Hawks Play Preseason Games in Atlanta

State Farm Arena: Home of the Hawks

Most Atlanta Hawks preseason home games are played at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

This arena is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, near CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park. If you’re planning to attend a preseason game:

• MARTA access:
  • Use the GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line)
  • The station exits close to State Farm Arena, making it a practical option if you want to avoid downtown parking.
• Driving and parking:
  • There are multiple garages and lots around the arena.
  • Pre-purchasing parking is often recommended for night games on weekdays, when downtown traffic can be heavy.
• Nearby areas for food and drinks:
  • Downtown and Castleberry Hill have several restaurants and bars within a short walk or drive.
  • Many fans grab food before or after the game to avoid arena concession lines.

Occasionally, the Hawks may participate in neutral-site preseason games outside metro Atlanta, but the core “home” preseason experience for locals is at State Farm Arena.

When the Preseason Happens (Typical Timeline)

The exact dates change every year, but fans in Atlanta can usually expect:

Because dates and opponents change each season, it’s best to:

• Check the Atlanta Hawks’ official schedule before making plans.
• Pay attention to weeknight vs. weekend games if you’re dealing with Atlanta traffic or traveling from the suburbs.

How to Get Atlanta Hawks Preseason Tickets

Buying Tickets

Preseason tickets are usually easier to get than regular-season seats and can be friendlier for families or larger groups.

Common ways Atlanta fans get tickets include:

• Official team ticketing channels (single-game tickets once the schedule is released)
• Season-ticket or partial-plan holders who release preseason seats they don’t plan to use
• Verified ticket resale platforms

Because preseason demand is generally lower than marquee regular-season games:

• You may find good lower-bowl or mid-level seats at more accessible prices.
• Kids and casual fans can often sit closer to the court than they might during the regular season.

Tips for Locals

If you live in the Atlanta area:

• Look for weeknight games if you work downtown or in Midtown and can walk or take MARTA.
• Watch for early tip-off times, which can be convenient for families with younger children.
• Consider using MARTA park-and-ride lots from areas like North Springs, Indian Creek, or College Park to avoid central city parking costs.

What to Expect at a Hawks Preseason Game in Atlanta

Even though the games don’t count in the standings, the in-arena experience at State Farm Arena is usually similar to the regular season:

• Player Introductions & Music: You’ll still get full introductions, music, and light shows.
• Halftime & Timeouts: Expect in-arena entertainment, contests, and dance team performances.
• Concessions:
  • Multiple food options, from standard arena fare to more Atlanta-inspired choices.
  • Many fans arrive early to explore the concourse if it’s their first visit.
• Game Intensity:
  • Star players may play fewer minutes, especially early in the preseason.
  • Younger players and bench players often see extended playing time.

If you’re bringing someone who’s new to basketball, the preseason’s lower-pressure atmosphere can make it a more approachable first-time experience.

Why Atlanta Fans Pay Attention to the Preseason

1. Seeing New Hawks in Action

Every year, the Hawks may add:

• Rookies from the NBA Draft
• Free-agent signings
• Players acquired via trade

For Atlanta fans, preseason is the first chance to:

• See how a rookie fits with the existing core
• Watch new lineups and combinations
• Get a feel for any changes in offensive or defensive styles

This matters if you follow the team closely and want to understand how they might match up with conference rivals once the regular season starts.

2. Tracking Player Development

Fans in Atlanta often use preseason to gauge:

• Whether young players have improved their shooting, defense, or decision-making
• How returning players look after the offseason (conditioning, added skills)
• Which players might earn more minutes in the regular rotation

You won’t get final answers in October, but it can give you early clues.

How to Follow the Preseason if You Can’t Go in Person

If you’re in Atlanta but can’t make it downtown for a game, there are still several ways to keep up.

Common options include:

• Television broadcasts for select preseason games, which may be carried by local or regional sports networks
• Radio coverage, which can be especially useful if you commute or are driving around the metro area during game time
• Team and local media coverage, including:
  • Pre- and post-game shows
  • Interviews with coaches and players
  • Box scores and highlights summarizing key performances

Atlanta-based fans often follow preseason through a combination of broadcasts and social media updates to keep up with trends without watching every minute.

Getting to State Farm Arena from Around Atlanta

Because preseason games usually fall on weeknights or weekends in early fall, traffic and transit are important to consider.

By MARTA

For most fans, MARTA is one of the simplest ways to reach Hawks preseason games:

• Rail Lines:
  • Take the Blue or Green line to GWCC/CNN Center Station.
  • You’ll exit very close to State Farm Arena.
• From North Atlanta (e.g., Sandy Springs, Dunwoody):
  • Use the Red line to reach Five Points and transfer to the Blue/Green line.
• From East/West Atlanta (e.g., Decatur, East Lake, West End):
  • Use the appropriate line to connect through Five Points if needed.

📝 Tip: For night games, check MARTA’s most current service hours and train frequency, especially if you’re relying on it to get home after the final buzzer.

By Car

If you’re coming from:

• Buckhead, Brookhaven, or Sandy Springs:
  • Expect traffic along GA-400 and I-85 during rush hour.
  • Build in extra time for downtown exits.
• Decatur or Eastside neighborhoods:
  • I-20 West into downtown is the typical route, but it can be congested before 7 PM.
• Southside (College Park, East Point, Clayton County):
  • I-75/85 North brings you into downtown with multiple exit options.

Parking near State Farm Arena is typically available in:

• Dedicated arena garages
• Nearby surface lots and private garages

Many Atlanta residents prefer to arrive early, both to secure easier parking and to avoid the heaviest pre-game traffic.

Preseason vs. Regular Season: What’s Different for Atlanta Fans?

While the venue and basic experience are similar, a few important differences matter if you’re planning your visit.

Key differences:

• Intensity:
  • Regular-season games have higher stakes, especially against rivals.
  • Preseason games are more about evaluation and preparation.
• Star Minutes:
  • Starters and key players may play fewer or uneven minutes in the preseason.
  • Bench and fringe roster players often play extended stretches.
• Tickets and Crowds:
  • Preseason crowds are usually lighter.
  • You might experience shorter lines and easier navigation through the arena.
• Timing:
  • Preseason is short, with only a handful of games.
  • If you want to attend, you have a relatively small window in late September and early October.

For many Atlantans, this makes preseason ideal for:

• Families with kids who want a lower-pressure environment
• Fans who care more about seeing the team up close than about the outcome of the game
• People who want to explore the arena without the highest peak-season crowds

Planning Your Atlanta Hawks Preseason Experience

To make the most of the Atlanta Hawks preseason if you live in or are visiting Atlanta:

1. Check the schedule early.
   • Look for home preseason games at State Farm Arena in late September and early October.
2. Choose your game strategically.
   • Consider weekend games if traveling from outside the Perimeter.
   • Consider weeknight games if you work or stay downtown or in Midtown.
3. Decide how you’ll get there.
   • MARTA can simplify the experience, especially for evening games.
   • If driving, account for rush-hour traffic and parking.
4. Arrive early.
   • Give yourself time to find your seats, explore the arena, and enjoy warmups.
5. Set expectations.
   • Remember that the focus is on player development and preparation, not final scores.

For basketball fans in Atlanta, the preseason is a convenient, often more relaxed way to connect with the team, get a feel for the upcoming year, and enjoy NBA-level action in the heart of the city before the regular-season buzz fully kicks in.