Los Angeles Clippers vs. Atlanta Hawks: How to Experience This Matchup in Atlanta

When the Los Angeles Clippers face the Atlanta Hawks, it’s not just another NBA game — in Atlanta, it’s an event. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a few days, or are just trying to understand how this matchup works locally, there’s a lot you can do to make the most of a Clippers–Hawks game in Atlanta.

This guide walks you through how to attend the game, where it happens, what to expect inside the arena, and how to enjoy the experience around downtown Atlanta.

Where the Clippers–Hawks Game Happens in Atlanta

All regular-season Los Angeles Clippers vs. Atlanta Hawks games in Atlanta are played at:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Key local points:

• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta, right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park
• Connected transit: Direct access to MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line)
• Nearby landmarks: CNN Center building, College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia World Congress Center

If you see a schedule listing the Clippers “at ATL,” that game will almost always be at State Farm Arena unless it is part of a special neutral-site event (which is rare for this matchup).

When the Clippers Play the Hawks in Atlanta

The NBA schedule rotates every year, but the pattern is simple:

• The Clippers and Hawks usually play twice per regular season
• One game is in Atlanta, one in Los Angeles
• The Atlanta home game typically falls sometime between late October and mid-April

For an Atlanta-focused plan, you’ll want to:

1. Check the Atlanta Hawks regular-season schedule for the exact date listed as vs. “LAC” or “Los Angeles Clippers.”
2. Confirm:
   • Tip-off time (most Atlanta home games are in the evening, often 7:30 p.m. local time)
   • Any theme nights, giveaways, or special promotions (e.g., fan appreciation nights, heritage nights, concert tie-ins)

If you’re visiting Atlanta, planning at least a day or two around the game date makes it easier to handle travel, traffic, and downtown sightseeing.

Getting Tickets in Atlanta

You have several common, Atlanta-friendly ways to secure tickets for a Clippers–Hawks game:

1. Official and Primary Ticket Sources

Most locals start with:

• Atlanta Hawks official ticket platform (the standard place for primary tickets)
• The State Farm Arena box office, located at the arena (hours vary by season and event)

Buying directly through official channels helps you:

• Get upfront pricing
• Avoid invalid or duplicated tickets
• See clear seat maps tailored to State Farm Arena

2. Secondary Ticket Market

If the game is close to selling out or you want a specific section:

• Secondary marketplaces often have resale tickets from season-ticket holders
• Prices may go up (for in-demand games vs. star-driven teams) or down close to tip-off depending on demand

Locals often watch prices for a few days. For a popular matchup like Clippers–Hawks, upper-level seats may stay affordable, while lower-bowl and courtside seats rise quickly.

3. Timing Tips ⏱️

• Weeknight games may be slightly easier and cheaper than weekend games in Atlanta
• Games featuring star players on the Clippers tend to push demand higher
• Buying at least a couple of weeks early is helpful if you want good seats in lower levels or center court

Seating at State Farm Arena: What to Expect

State Farm Arena is designed with a strong fan experience focus, and your seat location can shape your night:

Main Seating Areas

• 100 Level (Lower Bowl): Closest to the court; great atmosphere, louder, more intense view
• 200 Level (Middle/Club): Often includes club or premium sections, some with upgraded food and lounge access
• 300 Level (Upper Bowl): Budget-friendly, still very watchable, especially near center court

Family-Friendly vs. Super-Fan Zones

• Families often prefer:
  • Mid- to upper-level sideline seats
  • Sections away from the loudest fan groups
• Hardcore Hawks fans often gravitate toward:
  • Lower-bowl corners and behind the baskets
  • Areas near the Hawks’ bench for energy and interaction

Simple Seat-Selection Snapshot

Getting to the Game: Transportation in Atlanta

Using MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach a Clippers–Hawks game:

• Take the Blue or Green line to GWCC/CNN Center Station
• Follow signs toward State Farm Arena; it’s a short indoor/outdoor walk

Benefits:

• Avoid downtown traffic
• Skip searching for parking
• Easier post-game exit when downtown streets are congested

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Downtown Atlanta has multiple decks and surface lots around State Farm Arena
• You’ll find parking near:
  • State Farm Arena official parking decks
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium area
  • Various lots along Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Marietta Street

Tips:

• Arrive at least 45–60 minutes early to comfortably park, go through security, and find your seats
• Pay attention to whether other events (Falcons, United, concerts, conventions) are happening the same night — these can heavily affect traffic and parking availability

Rideshare and Drop-Off

Rideshare is common for Hawks games:

• Designated pick-up and drop-off zones are typically set around the arena perimeter
• Plan a meeting spot a block or two away after the game to avoid congestion right at the arena doors

Inside State Farm Arena: Game Day Experience for Clippers–Hawks

Security and Entry

Expect:

• Security screenings, such as metal detectors or wands
• A bag policy, often with size restrictions (clear bags or small clutches only, in many cases)

Checking the latest arena policies before leaving home helps you avoid delays at the entrance.

Food and Drinks

State Farm Arena is known locally for:

• A range of local-style food options (Southern flavors, classic arena fare, and more modern concessions)
• Easy access to snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages at various price points

If you’re visiting Atlanta, arriving a bit early lets you:

• Try out local-style food options before the game starts
• Explore different concourses and viewpoints

Atmosphere: Hawks Fans vs. Visiting Fans

When the Clippers come to town:

• Most of the arena will be Hawks fans, but you’ll often see a noticeable pocket of Clippers supporters, especially when big-name players are active
• The crowd energy is often strongest in close games and when there are highlight plays from either team

If you’re a visiting Clippers fan in Atlanta:

• Wearing Clippers gear is common and generally welcomed as part of the NBA atmosphere
• Seating in upper and mid-level sections often mixes fans of both teams, making for a lively but typically friendly environment

Making It a Full Atlanta Outing

Because the arena is in downtown Atlanta, a Clippers–Hawks game can easily be part of a full day out.

Nearby Attractions

Before a night game, locals and visitors sometimes spend time at:

• Centennial Olympic Park – public green space with views of the downtown skyline
• Georgia Aquarium – one of the largest aquariums in the world, a short walk away
• World of Coca‑Cola – museum-style attraction about the Coca‑Cola brand
• College Football Hall of Fame – interactive exhibits popular with sports fans

If you’re visiting Atlanta, planning one or two of these earlier in the day, then walking to the arena, is a common way to structure your trip.

Pre-Game and Post-Game Dining

Downtown and nearby neighborhoods offer options before and after the game:

• Downtown Atlanta: Casual spots, sports bars, and quick-service restaurants close to the arena
• Castleberry Hill: Just southwest of the stadium/arena area, with local restaurants and bars in a neighborhood setting
• Midtown (via MARTA): A few stops away, offering more restaurants, cafes, and late-night spots

If you’re driving, allow extra time to park, eat, and still arrive at the arena at least 30 minutes before tip-off.

Watching Clippers–Hawks in Atlanta Without Going to the Arena

If you can’t get tickets or prefer a more relaxed setting, there are Atlanta-friendly ways to follow the game:

At Home

Most locals watch via:

• Regional sports channels that carry Hawks games
• National broadcasters if the matchup is selected for nationwide coverage
• Streaming services that include NBA coverage or league-specific packages

Check which provider carries Hawks games in the Atlanta area before game day, especially if you’re visiting and staying in a short-term rental or hotel.

Sports Bars and Public Viewing

Across metro Atlanta, especially in:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Buckhead
• Popular intown neighborhoods (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown)

you can usually find sports bars with:

• Multiple screens showing NBA games
• Game audio turned up for major matchups, especially if the Hawks are playing

If you’re specifically interested in the Clippers–Hawks game:

• Calling ahead to confirm they’ll have the Hawks game with sound on can be helpful on nights when multiple big events are happening.

Practical Tips for First-Time Game-Goers in Atlanta

For someone new to Atlanta or new to NBA games at State Farm Arena, a Clippers–Hawks matchup is an easy entry point. A few final pointers:

• Arrive early: Aim to get to the arena 30–60 minutes before tip-off to enjoy warmups, find your seats, and explore the concourse.
• Plan your route: Decide if you’re using MARTA, rideshare, or driving ahead of time; last-minute changes can be stressful with downtown traffic.
• Check the arena rules: Look up bag policies, prohibited items, and payment methods (many venues lean cashless) before you leave.
• Wear team colors: Hawks gear helps you blend into the home crowd; Clippers gear is fine if you’re supporting the visitors.
• Budget for extras: Factor in possible additional costs like parking, food, drinks, and souvenirs.

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, a Los Angeles Clippers vs. Atlanta Hawks game is a chance to experience high-level NBA basketball in a lively downtown setting, with plenty to do before and after tip-off just steps from State Farm Arena.