Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks: What Fans in Atlanta Need to Know

When you search for “Indiana Pacers Atlanta Hawks” and you’re in Atlanta, you’re usually looking for one of a few things:
When and where the teams are playing, how to get Atlanta Hawks tickets, what to expect at State Farm Arena, or how this Eastern Conference matchup fits into the NBA landscape.

This guide focuses on everything an Atlanta-based fan, visitor, or newcomer needs to know about Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks games in the city.

Where the Hawks Play the Pacers in Atlanta

Home games for the Atlanta Hawks are played at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

This is where the Hawks host the Indiana Pacers during the regular NBA season (and potentially the playoffs, if the matchup happens that way).

Getting to State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is in downtown Atlanta, right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the CNN Center. For Pacers vs. Hawks games, especially on weekends or big nights, traffic and parking can be tight, so it helps to plan ahead:

• MARTA (recommended for many fans):
  • Take the Blue or Green line to GWCC/CNN Center Station.
  • The arena is a short walk from the station, mostly indoors through connected walkways.
• Driving and Parking:
  • Garages and lots around the arena usually offer event parking on game nights.
  • Many fans use the State Farm Arena Deck or surrounding lots off Marietta St NW and Centennial Olympic Park Dr.
• Rideshare:
  • Rideshare zones are typically marked near the arena; drivers often use Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW as a pick-up and drop-off area.

What Makes Pacers vs. Hawks Games Interesting in Atlanta

While the Indiana Pacers are not a traditional long-time rival like some Eastern Conference teams, games between the Pacers and Hawks are often:

• High-scoring – Both teams frequently lean into offensive play and faster pace.
• Guard-focused – Atlanta fans often watch how the Hawks’ backcourt stacks up against Indiana’s perimeter players.
• Playoff-relevant – These are both Eastern Conference teams, so wins and losses can affect seeding, tiebreakers, and standings.

For someone in Atlanta, this matchup is often seen as:

• A good value game on the schedule (compared with marquee opponents that drive up prices).
• A fun option if you like fast-paced, offensive-minded basketball.
• A chance to see different roster styles and coaching approaches than you’d see from traditional powerhouse franchises.

How to Find When the Pacers Play the Hawks in Atlanta

If you’re trying to figure out when the Indiana Pacers come to State Farm Arena, here’s how Atlanta fans usually check:

• The Atlanta Hawks official team schedule for the season
• NBA-wide schedules and apps
• Local sports sections from Atlanta-based media outlets

To keep things simple, look for:

• Home games listed as “vs. Indiana Pacers” – These are in Atlanta at State Farm Arena.
• Away games listed as “@ Indiana Pacers” – These are in Indiana, not Atlanta.

Because the NBA season schedule changes every year, it’s best to check the newest schedule once it’s released, usually in late summer before the upcoming season.

Buying Tickets in Atlanta for Hawks vs. Pacers

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta and want to see the Pacers vs. Hawks at State Farm Arena, you have a few common options:

• Team/arena ticket platforms – The most direct way for verified tickets.
• Season ticket holders and resale marketplaces – Often used when games sell out or you’re looking for specific sections or prices.
• Box office at State Farm Arena – Open on event days and select hours; many fans prefer this if they’re already downtown.

Where to Sit for a Pacers-Hawks Game

Different parts of the arena can offer very different experiences:

• Lower Bowl (100 level):
  • Closest to the action, best for seeing player matchups and bench interactions.
• Club and Suite Levels:
  • Often chosen by businesses, groups, or fans looking for a more premium experience.
• Upper Level (200 level):
  • More budget-friendly; sightlines are typically still solid in an NBA arena setting.

If you’re specifically following Indiana Pacers players (for example, an Indiana transplant living in Atlanta), you might prefer:

• Seats behind the Pacers’ bench side of the court (varies by arena configuration each season).
• Lower sidelines where you can clearly watch play sets and bench reactions.

Game Day in Atlanta: What to Expect

Arriving for a Pacers vs. Hawks Matchup

On busy game nights:

• Arrive early – Security screening, ticket scanning, and navigating the concourses can take time.
• Many fans aim to be inside the arena 30–45 minutes before tip-off, especially if they want:
  • Warm-up views
  • Food and drinks before the opening tip
  • Time to find seats without rushing

Food and Atmosphere

State Farm Arena typically features:

• A variety of concession stands, including local Atlanta food influences.
• Music, in-game entertainment, and contests that highlight Atlanta’s culture.
• A strong emphasis on a fan-friendly, family-accessible environment.

Pacers vs. Hawks games tend to have:

• A mix of local Hawks fans and a smaller number of Pacers supporters (including Indiana natives living in Atlanta or visiting).
• A more relaxed, basketball-focused vibe compared with certain rivalry or marquee games that can feel more intense.

Watching Pacers vs. Hawks in Atlanta Without Going to the Arena

If you’re in Atlanta but don’t want to go downtown for the game, there are several ways locals usually watch:

• Television broadcasts – Regional sports networks or nationally televised games, depending on the matchup and schedule.
• Streaming services – Platforms that carry NBA games, subject to local blackout rules.
• Sports bars and restaurants – Many spots in areas like:
  • Downtown and Midtown
  • Atlantic Station
  • Buckhead
  • The Battery Atlanta (Cobb County, just northwest of the city)
    often show NBA games, especially when the Hawks are playing.

If you prefer a crowd atmosphere but not the full arena experience, a sports bar near downtown on game night can be a good compromise.

Comparing Home vs. Away: Hawks in Atlanta vs. Pacers in Indiana

When you follow the Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks matchup from an Atlanta perspective, it helps to keep these differences in mind:

Most Atlanta residents simply follow the away games on TV or streaming and circle the home game(s) against the Pacers on the calendar for a potential in-person outing.

Tips for Out-of-Town Pacers Fans Visiting Atlanta

If you’re a Pacers fan traveling to Atlanta for the game:

• Stay close to downtown if possible:
  • Popular areas include Downtown, Midtown, and nearby neighborhoods with easy MARTA access.
• Use MARTA on game night to avoid parking stress:
  • GWCC/CNN Center Station drops you near State Farm Arena.
• Take time before or after the game to explore nearby attractions:
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • College Football Hall of Fame

This makes a Pacers vs. Hawks game a central part of a short trip to Atlanta, rather than the only activity on your schedule.

How This Matchup Fits Into Being a Hawks Fan in Atlanta

For people who live in Atlanta:

• The Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks matchup is one of many Eastern Conference games that shape the regular season path.
• It’s often a good choice for families, casual fans, and visitors who want:
  • A quality NBA experience
  • Reasonable ticket opportunities
  • A game that’s usually competitive and entertaining

If you’re planning your NBA experiences in Atlanta, it can be helpful to:

1. Look at the full Hawks home schedule early in the season.
2. Mark games like Pacers vs. Hawks as potential outings when you want:
   • Lively but not overly hectic crowds
   • A good shot at finding seats in your preferred price range
3. Coordinate game day with downtown activities, especially if friends or visitors are in town.

By focusing on State Farm Arena, local transit, and the role this matchup plays in the Hawks’ season, you can make the most of every Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks game in Atlanta—whether you’re a lifelong local, a new resident, or just passing through the city.