Atlanta Hawks: Your Complete Guide to Atlanta’s NBA Team 🏀

The Atlanta Hawks are more than just a professional basketball team—they are a central part of Atlanta’s sports identity and downtown energy. Whether you live in the city, are planning a visit, or just want to understand how the Hawks fit into Atlanta life, this guide walks you through what to know and how to experience the team up close.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play

The Atlanta Hawks play their home games at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

State Farm Arena sits right in the heart of downtown, next to Centennial Olympic Park and connected to the CNN Center complex. It’s easy to reach from many Atlanta neighborhoods and major highways.

Getting to State Farm Arena

By MARTA (highly recommended for busy game nights):

• Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station.
• Follow the signs—State Farm Arena is directly connected to the station via indoor walkways.

Using MARTA helps you avoid downtown parking traffic and is popular with local fans, especially for weeknight games.

By car:

• The arena is near the intersections of I-20, I-75, and I-85.
• Parking is available in surrounding decks and lots, including those around the CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Center.
• On high-demand games, parking can sell out or be pricey, so many fans recommend arriving early or pre-arranging parking when possible.

The Hawks’ Place in Atlanta Sports Culture

Basketball is part of Atlanta’s cultural rhythm, especially during the NBA season (typically October through April, plus playoffs). The Hawks are one of the city’s major pro teams alongside the Braves, Falcons, and United.

For locals and visitors, Hawks games are:

• A downtown night out option, often combined with dining in nearby areas like Castleberry Hill, Westside, or Midtown.
• A way to experience Atlanta’s music and entertainment scene, as games frequently feature local DJs, performances, and themed nights.
• A family-friendly event, with many weekend and early-evening games catering to families and youth groups.

Season Overview: When the Hawks Play

The Hawks’ schedule follows the standard NBA timeline:

• Preseason: Early October
• Regular Season: Mid-October through mid-April
• Playoffs: Mid-April onward (if the team qualifies)

How the Home Game Experience Typically Works

1. Tickets:
   You can buy tickets in advance or sometimes day-of for less in-demand games. Weeknight games against non-rival teams tend to be easier to get, while weekend or marquee matchups draw larger crowds.

2. Arrival Time:
   Many fans aim to arrive 30–60 minutes before tip-off to get through security, find seats, and grab food.

3. Game Length:
   Including breaks and halftime, expect to spend about 2.5 hours at the arena.

4. Family and Group Options:
   There are often promotions, group seating options, and theme nights that appeal to kids, schools, and community organizations.

What to Expect Inside State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is designed as a multi-purpose, fan-focused venue, not just a basketball court.

Seating and Viewing

You’ll find a range of seating options, from upper-level budget seats to courtside and premium club areas. Even upper-level seats still give you a solid full-court view, which many fans prefer for seeing plays develop.

Food and Concessions

The arena typically offers:

• Classic stadium food (burgers, hot dogs, pizza)
• Vendors with Southern and local flavors, reflecting Atlanta’s dining culture
• Bars and social spaces where fans can stand, eat, and watch the game from railings and concourses

Prices are generally higher than standard restaurants, as expected for major sports venues, so many locals plan this into their night-out budget.

Atmosphere

Expect:

• Music and in-game entertainment between plays
• Fan contests, dance team performances, and video segments featuring Atlanta culture
• A crowd that ranges from dedicated basketball fans to visitors looking for an Atlanta experience

Key Atlanta Hawks Basics

Who the Hawks Are

• The Hawks are Atlanta’s NBA franchise, part of the Eastern Conference.
• The team moved to Atlanta decades ago and has become a fixture of the city’s sports landscape.
• Over the years, the Hawks have featured notable players who are widely recognized among basketball fans.

Regular Season Structure

Each season, the team plays:

• 41 home games at State Farm Arena
• 41 away games across the U.S. and Canada

For Atlanta residents, this means frequent home dates throughout fall, winter, and early spring—plenty of chances to catch a game without leaving the city.

Experiencing a Hawks Game as an Atlantan

Planning Your Night

If you live in or around Atlanta, a Hawks game can anchor a full evening:

• Before the game:
  • Dinner in Downtown, Castleberry Hill, or Midtown
  • A quick walk through Centennial Olympic Park
• After the game:
  • Drinks or dessert at nearby lounges or late-night spots
  • A short walk or ride-share back to central hotels or MARTA stations

Locals often combine games with other downtown attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola, especially when hosting out-of-town guests.

Tips for Families

• Look out for earlier tip-off times (e.g., weekend afternoons) that work better for kids.
• Bring ear protection for sensitive children; NBA arenas can be loud.
• Many families use MARTA to avoid walking kids through crowded parking areas.

Visiting Atlanta and Want to See the Hawks?

If you’re visiting Atlanta, a Hawks game is a straightforward way to plug into the city’s culture.

Choosing Where to Stay

Common areas that make it easy to get to State Farm Arena:

• Downtown Atlanta: Walkable access to the arena and major attractions
• Midtown: A short MARTA ride or drive, with plenty of dining and nightlife
• Buckhead: Further north, but accessible by MARTA or car for those wanting an upscale hotel area

How a Game Fits Into Your Itinerary

A Hawks game pairs well with:

• A day spent at nearby attractions like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights or College Football Hall of Fame
• A business trip with free evenings, since the arena is close to many major downtown hotels and offices
• Conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center, which is within walking distance

Atlanta Hawks Community and Youth Involvement

The Hawks are active in community outreach around the metro area. While specific programs can change over time, they generally focus on:

• Youth basketball clinics and camps
• Support for schools and local organizations
• Court refurbishments and neighborhood engagement

For parents or youth coaches in Atlanta, this often translates into:

• Occasional opportunities for group tickets or fan experiences for school teams
• Local clinics that provide structured basketball instruction and exposure to the pro environment

Information about specific programs is usually available through the team’s official communication channels and is often shared with local schools, recreation centers, and community groups.

Comparing a Hawks Game to Other Atlanta Sports Experiences

If you’re deciding how a Hawks game stacks up against other Atlanta sports:

For rainy, cold, or very hot days, a Hawks game is especially convenient because it’s fully indoors and centrally located.

Practical Details Atlanta Consumers Often Ask About

Accessibility

State Farm Arena is designed with accessibility in mind, including:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating areas
• Elevators and ramps
• Clear signage and staff available to direct guests

Visitors with specific accessibility questions are usually encouraged to contact the arena’s guest services before the game to plan seating or drop-off arrangements.

Safety and Security

Standard major-venue security procedures apply:

• Bag size limitations
• Walk-through metal detectors
• Restrictions on certain items (such as outside food, professional cameras, or large signs)

Local fans often recommend reviewing current arena policies before heading downtown, as rules can change between seasons.

Weather Considerations

Because the arena is indoors, typical Atlanta weather—summer heat lingering into fall, winter rain, or chilly nights—doesn’t affect the game itself. You mainly need to plan for:

• Walking from parking or MARTA in whatever the weather is that day
• Dressing in layers, since arena temperatures can feel cool compared to the outside

How the Hawks Fit Into Daily Life in Atlanta

For many Atlantans, the Hawks are:

• A regular after-work option, especially for those who work downtown or in Midtown
• A social meetup choice for friends or coworkers
• A go-to activity when relatives visit and ask, “What’s something uniquely Atlanta we can do tonight?”

Even for residents who are not die-hard basketball fans, going to at least one Hawks game a season is a common way to stay connected to the city’s energy.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Hawks Essentials

Team: Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
Home Arena: State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
Location: Downtown Atlanta, next to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park
Primary Transit Access:

• MARTA Blue/Green Line – GWCC/CNN Center Station
• Major highways: I-20, I-75, I-85
  Season:
• Regular season generally runs from October to April
• Home games mainly in evenings, with some weekend afternoons

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, the Hawks offer a central, accessible, and distinctly local way to experience professional sports, city culture, and downtown nightlife all in one place.