Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks: What Fans in Atlanta Should Know About This NBA Matchup
When people in Atlanta search for “Bulls Atlanta Hawks,” they’re usually looking for one of three things:
- Details about an upcoming Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks game
- Tips for attending a Hawks home game at State Farm Arena
- Background on the history and matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls
This guide breaks down all of that with a clear focus on what it means for fans in Atlanta, Georgia—whether you live here, are visiting, or are planning a trip around a game.
Understanding the Bulls–Atlanta Hawks Matchup
Who are the teams?
Atlanta Hawks
- Home city: Atlanta, Georgia
- Home arena: State Farm Arena, downtown Atlanta
- Conference: Eastern Conference, Southeast Division
Chicago Bulls
- Home city: Chicago, Illinois
- Conference: Eastern Conference, Central Division
Because both teams are in the Eastern Conference, they play each other multiple times per regular season, and Atlanta fans get to see the Bulls come through town at least once most years.
Why this matchup matters to Atlanta fans
For basketball followers in Atlanta, Hawks vs. Bulls tends to be a high-interest game because:
- The Bulls have a large nationwide fan base, so there’s often a noticeable visitor presence in State Farm Arena.
- Matchups can feel like a measuring stick for the Hawks against a historic franchise.
- Games are often scheduled in prime viewing windows, making them easy to watch or attend.
How to Find Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Game Dates in Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta and want to know when the Bulls are playing the Hawks at State Farm Arena, here’s how people typically check:
- Official team schedule:
- Look at the Atlanta Hawks regular-season schedule and filter home games.
- Venue listings:
- Check the State Farm Arena event schedule for NBA matchups.
- Local sports coverage:
- Atlanta-based sports radio and TV often highlight big matchups like Bulls vs. Hawks before they happen.
📌 Tip: When you see “vs. Bulls” in the Hawks schedule, that game is in Atlanta. If it lists “@ Bulls,” that game is in Chicago.
Going to a Bulls vs. Hawks Game in Atlanta
Where the Hawks play
State Farm Arena
- Location: Downtown Atlanta, next to Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center
- Address (arena complex): typically listed as part of 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA
- Neighborhood context: Walkable to many downtown hotels, attractions, and MARTA stations
The arena is designed to be fan-friendly, with a mix of lower bowl seating, club levels, and upper deck views. When the Bulls are in town, sections closer to the court and center-court seats usually go first.
Getting to State Farm Arena
For Atlanta residents and visitors, common options include:
MARTA (Public transit)
- The arena is close to GWCC/CNN Center station (Blue/Green Line).
- Many fans prefer MARTA to avoid parking and downtown traffic.
Driving and parking
- Multiple parking decks and surface lots are located around the arena area.
- Expect heavier traffic for high-interest games like Hawks vs. Bulls—plan extra time.
Rideshare / Taxi
- Drop-off zones are usually marked around the arena perimeter.
👍 Local tip: For weeknight games, many Atlanta fans take MARTA to avoid rush-hour congestion and limited parking near tip-off time.
What to Expect Inside the Arena for Hawks vs. Bulls
Atmosphere
When the Bulls visit Atlanta, the crowd is often a mix of Hawks fans and Bulls supporters, especially on weekends or holiday games. That can create:
- A louder, more energetic environment
- A bit of friendly back-and-forth between fan bases
- More neutral fans attending simply for high-level NBA basketball
Seating choices
Fans in Atlanta usually consider:
- Lower bowl
- Closest to the action, often the loudest sections
- Club or mid-level seats
- Balanced view; some include access to lounges or amenities
- Upper level
- More budget-friendly, still with solid sightlines in a modern arena
For a Bulls–Hawks matchup, prices can be higher than less in-demand opponents, especially if the Bulls are playing well that season.
Food and amenities
State Farm Arena has:
- Multiple concession stands with standard arena food and some local options
- Team stores carrying Atlanta Hawks gear, and occasionally apparel for visiting teams like the Bulls
- Scoreboard and video features highlighting both teams, with home-court focus on the Hawks
Watching Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks from Home in Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta but not going downtown, many fans choose to:
- Watch on regional sports networks that carry Hawks games
- Stream through official NBA or team-affiliated platforms (depending on blackout rules and packages)
- Visit local sports bars that commonly show Hawks games, especially for prominent opponents like the Bulls
Because broadcast arrangements can change, Atlanta viewers usually check:
- The Hawks game listing for that night’s channel
- Their TV guide or streaming service for regional sports coverage
Quick Comparison: Following Hawks vs. Bulls as an Atlanta Fan
| Topic | For Atlanta Fans | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Home arena | State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta | All “vs. Bulls” games on the Hawks schedule are at this arena. |
| Travel options | MARTA, driving, rideshare | Public transit often eases game-day traffic stress. |
| Atmosphere vs. Bulls | Mixed crowd, high energy | Expect more noise and visible Bulls fans than usual. |
| Tickets | Team site, arena box office, authorized sellers | Prices may be higher than lower-profile matchups. |
| Viewing from home | Local TV, streaming options, sports bars | Check local listings for the specific broadcast channel. |
Tips for Buying Tickets in Atlanta for Hawks vs. Bulls
Atlanta residents and visitors typically look at:
- Official Hawks ticket platforms for primary sales
- The State Farm Arena box office for in-person purchases and guidance
- Authorized resale channels when primary inventory is limited
Potential considerations:
- Weeknight vs. weekend: Weekend Bulls–Hawks games in Atlanta can sell faster.
- Opponent draw: When the Bulls have star players or are in playoff contention, ticket demand tends to rise.
- Seat location:
- Families often choose mid- to upper-level corners or sidelines for better value.
- Serious fans may aim for lower-bowl sidelines or behind the basket.
Bringing Kids or New Fans to a Hawks–Bulls Game
For families in Atlanta, Bulls vs. Hawks can be a good “first NBA game” because:
- The matchup usually has plenty of energy and crowd involvement.
- The arena includes family-friendly seating areas and standard arena amenities such as restrooms, concessions, and team stores.
- Downtown attractions nearby can turn the game into a full outing (parks, museums, and other walkable destinations).
Parents in Atlanta often:
- Arrive a bit early to avoid rushing through entry lines
- Pick seats with easy access to aisles and restrooms
- Noise-sensitive kids may benefit from ear protection, especially during intros and timeouts
How the Rivalry Feels from an Atlanta Perspective
While Hawks vs. Bulls is not typically considered the Hawks’ top historic rivalry, from an Atlanta fan’s angle it still stands out because:
- The Bulls have a long history of success, so beating them at home can feel especially rewarding.
- Many Atlanta residents grew up watching the Bulls on national TV, so there is a familiar “big game” feeling when they come to State Farm Arena.
- The mix of red, black, and team colors in the crowd gives the game a playoff-like vibe, even in the regular season.
For Hawks fans in Atlanta, these games are a chance to:
- See how the team stacks up against a well-known franchise
- Enjoy a fuller arena environment with engaged home and visiting fans
- Introduce friends or visitors to NBA basketball in Atlanta with a marquee opponent
Practical Next Steps for Fans in Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta and planning around Bulls vs. Hawks, you can:
- Check the upcoming Hawks schedule to find home dates against the Bulls.
- Decide whether you want to attend in person (and plan parking or MARTA) or watch from home.
- For in-person attendance, consider:
- How early you want to arrive downtown
- Where to sit based on budget and comfort
- Whether you want to explore nearby downtown Atlanta attractions before or after the game
By focusing on the local game-day experience, Atlanta residents and visitors can turn a Bulls–Hawks matchup into more than just a game—it becomes a full evening in the heart of the city.