Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks: What Fans in Atlanta Need to Know

When people search for “Chicago Bulls Atlanta Hawks”, they’re usually looking for one of three things:

• When and where the teams play in Atlanta
• How to get tickets and plan a game day at State Farm Arena
• The history and vibe of this NBA matchup from an Atlanta fan’s perspective

This guide walks through all of that with a clear focus on Atlanta, Georgia—how to watch, how to attend, and how this rivalry feels from the Hawks’ home city.

Where the Chicago Bulls Play the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta

All regular-season home games between the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta are played at:

State Farm Arena

• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta, right next to Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Key details about the venue:

• Home team: Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Capacity: Around 17,000+ for basketball
• Transit access: Directly connected to MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green lines)
• Parking: Multiple nearby garages and surface lots, including CNN Center and State Farm Arena decks

If you’re visiting from out of town, staying in Downtown, Midtown, or around Centennial Olympic Park makes it easy to walk or ride MARTA to Hawks–Bulls games.

How to Find Hawks vs. Bulls Game Dates in Atlanta

The NBA schedule changes every season, but there are a few consistent patterns:

• The Hawks typically play the Bulls multiple times each season, with at least one or two games in Atlanta.
• Games usually fall between October and April for the regular season.
• Start time is typically 7:30 p.m. Eastern on weeknights, with occasional afternoon or earlier evening starts on weekends.

To find exact dates and times in Atlanta for Hawks vs. Bulls:

• Check the Atlanta Hawks season schedule (filter by Chicago Bulls or by home games).
• Look specifically for games listed as “vs. Chicago Bulls”—that means the game is in Atlanta.
• Games listed as “@ Chicago Bulls” are played in Chicago (United Center).

If you live in Atlanta, it’s helpful to look at:

• Weekend vs. weekday games for traffic and commute time
• Games around major downtown events (concerts, Falcons games, large conventions) that can affect parking and crowds

Tickets for Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Games in Atlanta

Where to Buy Tickets

Fans in Atlanta typically use:

• The official Atlanta Hawks box office (online or at State Farm Arena on event days)
• Verified ticket marketplaces
• Team or corporate packages for group outings

When searching, use keywords like “Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls tickets State Farm Arena” to make sure you’re looking at Atlanta games, not Chicago.

Typical Ticket Price Factors

Ticket prices for Hawks–Bulls games in Atlanta can vary based on:

• Day of the week: Weekend games often cost more
• Opponent popularity: The Bulls are a well-known franchise, which can raise demand
• Section and view:
  • Courtside or lower bowl center sections are the most expensive
  • Upper level corners or baseline seats are usually more budget-friendly
• Timing: Prices can be higher close to game day if demand is strong

For families or groups in Atlanta, many people:

• Choose upper-level center seats for a good balance of view and price
• Look for weeknight games to avoid higher weekend demand

Getting to State Farm Arena for Hawks vs. Bulls

Using MARTA 🚆

MARTA is often the simplest way for Atlanta locals and visitors to reach Hawks–Bulls games.

• Take the Blue or Green line to:
  Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station
• Follow signs inside the station directly to the arena entrance.

This option is especially useful if you’re coming from:

• Decatur, East Lake, Avondale, Inman Park (East/Blue Line)
• Bankhead, West End, College Park, or connecting via Five Points

Tip: On busy game nights, trains can be crowded right before tip-off and after the final buzzer, so arriving a bit early can make the trip smoother.

Driving and Parking 🚗

If you prefer to drive to Hawks–Bulls games:

Nearby parking options usually include:

• State Farm Arena parking decks
• CNN Center garage
• Additional lots around Marietta Street NW, Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, and near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Common Atlanta driving considerations:

• Rush hour traffic: Weeknight games starting around 7:30 p.m. overlap with evening traffic on I‑20, I‑75/85, and the Connector.
• Events overlap: If there’s a major event at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or a big concert downtown, parking rates and availability may change.

Many locals aim to:

• Arrive 60–90 minutes before tip‑off
• Reserve parking in advance when possible

Inside State Farm Arena: What to Expect at a Hawks–Bulls Game

Atmosphere

When the Chicago Bulls come to Atlanta, the arena crowd can feel mixed:

• Strong Hawks fan base filling the lower bowl and supporters’ sections
• A noticeable pocket of Bulls fans, including Chicago transplants living in Atlanta

The matchup often feels energetic, with:

• High-scoring games being common
• A lot of focus on star players, past and present
• Classic NBA arena entertainment—music, in-game contests, and fan cams

Seating Basics

Here’s a simplified look at the seating layout for a Hawks vs. Bulls game:

For Atlanta families or casual fans, upper-level center often balances price and view well.

Watching Hawks vs. Bulls Games in Atlanta Without Going to the Arena

If you’re in Atlanta but not attending in person, you still have good options to watch the Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks:

Local Viewing Options

Depending on the season and TV rights:

• Many Hawks games, including those vs. the Bulls, are available on regional sports networks that carry Hawks broadcasts in the Atlanta market.
• Select matchups might appear on national networks, which are accessible in most Atlanta cable and streaming lineups.

Atlanta residents typically watch via:

• Cable or satellite packages that include regional sports channels
• Streaming services that carry NBA and local sports coverage (availability depends on rights for that year)

Sports Bars and Local Spots

Around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the Battery Atlanta, sports bars often show major NBA games, especially when:

• The Hawks are playing at home
• The opponent is a recognizable team like the Chicago Bulls

If you want the game-day atmosphere without going into the arena, look for Atlanta bars that:

• Advertise themselves as Hawks watch spots
• Have multiple screens and audio dedicated to the game

Historical Context: Hawks vs. Bulls From an Atlanta Perspective

The Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks have met frequently over the decades as Eastern Conference teams, creating a familiar, if not always headline-grabbing, rivalry.

From an Atlanta-centered viewpoint:

• The Bulls’ 1990s dominance made trips to Atlanta feel like big events for fans in the city.
• Many Atlanta residents grew up watching Michael Jordan and the Bulls, so games in Atlanta still draw nostalgia and attention.
• In more recent years, the focus has shifted to newer stars and how the Hawks match up with Chicago in the playoff picture.

Hawks–Bulls games in Atlanta often feel important for:

• Playoff seeding if both teams are in the race
• Measuring how the Hawks stack up against another big-market Eastern Conference opponent

For fans in Atlanta, it’s a classic matchup—not always a bitter rivalry, but nearly always a game with high interest and strong energy in the building.

Planning a Game Day in Atlanta Around Hawks vs. Bulls

If you’re making a whole evening—or day—out of a Hawks vs. Bulls game in Atlanta, downtown offers plenty to do nearby.

Before the Game

You can easily pair the game with activities near State Farm Arena, such as:

• Centennial Olympic Park (short walk away)
• Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• World of Coca‑Cola (121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)

Many fans:

• Grab dinner in Downtown or Centennial Park District
• Then walk or take a short rideshare to the arena

After the Game

Depending on game time and day of the week, options include:

• Late-night dining in Downtown, Castleberry Hill, or nearby neighborhoods
• Heading back via MARTA to Midtown, Decatur, or other residential areas

If you’re visiting Atlanta, choosing a hotel near Peachtree Street, Centennial Olympic Park, or directly next to State Farm Arena makes attending night games simpler.

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors Attending Hawks vs. Bulls

Here are some practical pointers tailored to Atlanta:

• Arrive early: Downtown traffic plus parking lines can delay your arrival, especially for weeknight games.
• Use MARTA when possible: It often saves time and stress, and the station exits right by the arena.
• Check the schedule carefully: Make sure the listing says “vs. Chicago Bulls” before assuming the game is in Atlanta.
• Plan food and drinks: Inside State Farm Arena, you’ll find a variety of concessions; outside, Downtown offers many pregame options.
• Consider family-friendly sections: If you’re bringing kids, upper-level sideline seats can provide a calmer, more panoramic view.

For anyone in Atlanta—whether you live here or are just visiting—Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks games offer a lively NBA experience right in the heart of the city, with easy access, a strong crowd atmosphere, and plenty to do before and after tip-off.