Atlanta NBA Guide: How to Experience Pro Basketball in the ATL

Atlanta and the NBA go hand in hand. Whether you live in the metro area, you’re visiting for a weekend, or you’re just trying to understand how NBA basketball works in Atlanta, this guide walks you through everything you need to know: the Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena, tickets, game-day logistics, and local NBA culture.

The NBA in Atlanta: What It Really Means

When people say “Atlanta NBA”, they’re almost always talking about:

• The Atlanta Hawks (Atlanta’s NBA team)
• Games at State Farm Arena in Downtown
• NBA-related events, watch parties, and youth basketball around the city

If you’re in or near Atlanta, your NBA experience will center on:

• Regular-season Hawks games (October–April)
• Possible playoff games (April–June, depending on the season)
• Preseason games in early fall
• Occasional special events, like NBA player appearances, youth clinics, or tournaments

Atlanta’s NBA Team: The Atlanta Hawks

Basic Facts

• Team: Atlanta Hawks
• League: National Basketball Association (NBA)
• Conference: Eastern Conference
• Home arena: State Farm Arena
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta, next to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park

The Hawks are Atlanta’s only NBA franchise and a big part of the city’s sports identity, alongside the Falcons (NFL), Braves (MLB), and Atlanta United (MLS).

What Hawks Fans in Atlanta Typically Care About

If you’re in Atlanta and following the NBA, you’ll usually want to know:

• Schedule: When are the next home games at State Farm Arena?
• Tickets: How much they cost, where to sit, and how to avoid hassles
• Transportation: MARTA vs. driving, parking options, and game-day timing
• Fan experience: Where to eat nearby, what’s inside the arena, and family-friendly areas

State Farm Arena: Home of the Atlanta Hawks

Address:
State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

What to Expect Inside

State Farm Arena is designed for basketball, concerts, and large events, so for Hawks games you’ll find:

• Lower-level seats close to the court for a high-energy, up-close view
• Club and suite areas with premium food and lounge access
• Upper-level seating with a broader view of the court and usually more affordable pricing
• Multiple concession stands, including local Atlanta food options
• Team stores with Atlanta Hawks gear (jerseys, hats, shirts, etc.)

Nearby Landmarks

If you’re planning your day around a game, the arena is near:

• CNN Center
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons and Atlanta United)

This makes it easy to combine a Hawks game with sightseeing, conventions, or other events Downtown.

Getting to an Atlanta NBA Game

Using MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)

MARTA rail is one of the simplest ways to reach State Farm Arena.

• Closest stop:GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue/Green lines
• The station exits directly near State Farm Arena and the surrounding complex
• This option helps you avoid Downtown parking costs and traffic

Tips for MARTA on game day:

• Load or tap your Breeze Card before peak times
• Allow extra time, especially for weeknight games during rush hour
• Trains usually run later on event nights, but it’s smart to check current schedules

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Expect heavy traffic near Downtown around game time
• Parking is available in multiple official and nearby lots/garages
• Prices vary by game, opponent, and demand

If you’re not used to Downtown driving, plan:

• To arrive at least 45–60 minutes early
• To check whether your event ticket includes any parking info or recommendations

Buying Tickets for Atlanta Hawks NBA Games

Common Ways People in Atlanta Get Tickets

Most locals and visitors buy tickets:

• Directly through the team or primary ticket platforms
• Through resale marketplaces for last-minute or sold-out games
• As part of season tickets, partial plans, or group packages (common among companies, schools, and fan groups)

Price Basics

Ticket prices depend on:

• Opponent (big-name teams usually cost more)
• Day of the week (weekends and holidays can be pricier)
• Seat location (lower bowl vs. upper levels vs. courtside)
• Timing (buying very late or very early can affect pricing)

If you live in Atlanta and want to attend multiple games, it can be helpful to:

• Compare weekday vs. weekend games
• Look at early-season or opponent tiers that may be more budget-friendly
• Watch for matinee or special theme nights that often draw families

Best Areas to Sit for Different Atlanta NBA Experiences

Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide where to sit at State Farm Arena:

Game-Day Experience: What It’s Like at an Atlanta NBA Game

Before Tip-Off

Most Atlanta fans:

• Arrive 30–60 minutes before game time
• Grab food at Downtown restaurants or inside the arena
• Take photos around the arena entrance and court (if early enough)

If you’re visiting, you may want to walk around Centennial Olympic Park or the College Football Hall of Fame area beforehand to make a day out of it.

In-Arena Atmosphere

During a Hawks NBA game in Atlanta, you’ll typically see:

• High-energy intros with lights, music, and video boards
• A team DJ, in-game host, and dance team performances
• Fan contests, T-shirt tosses, and promotions during timeouts
• A mix of hardcore basketball fans, families, and casual attendees

The vibe varies by opponent:

• Big-market teams usually bring larger, louder crowds
• Weeknight games against less prominent opponents tend to be more relaxed

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

Inside State Farm Arena, you’ll typically find:

• Standard arena offerings: burgers, fries, pizza, chicken tenders
• Select local Atlanta favorites (these may change over time)
• A range of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

For families and groups:

• Look for family bathrooms and clear signage for sections
• Check your section number before ordering so it’s easier to get back to your seats

For those with accessibility needs:

• The arena includes accessible seating and entrances
• It’s best to check current accessibility information or contact the arena box office in advance for accommodations

Atlanta NBA for Visitors vs. Locals

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

Key tips:

• Stay near Downtown or Midtown if a Hawks game is your priority; that simplifies transportation
• Use MARTA or rideshare to avoid navigating unfamiliar Downtown streets at peak times
• Plan nearby attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Civil Rights Museum) on the same day as the game

If You Live in Metro Atlanta

Common approaches:

• Some fans from the suburbs (Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Clayton) drive to MARTA park-and-ride stations and ride in
• Others drive all the way Downtown, often carpooling to split parking costs
• Many Atlantans choose a few key games per season: big-name opponents, weekend games, or rivalry matchups

If you plan to go regularly, it can be helpful to:

• Learn your preferred parking garage or MARTA route
• Set expectations for traffic after the game, especially for weeknights

Youth, Community, and NBA Culture in Atlanta

Youth and Community Basketball

The Atlanta Hawks organization is often involved in:

• Youth basketball clinics and camps
• Community outreach programs in schools, parks, and recreation centers
• Court refurbishments and local events with Hawks branding

Local families looking for NBA-connected youth opportunities can:

• Check with Atlanta Parks & Recreation centers
• Watch for Hawks-branded camps or clinics announced during the season
• Ask local leagues or schools if they participate in any Hawks-related programs

NBA Watch Parties and Local Sports Bars

Across Atlanta, particularly in:

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

you’ll often find sports bars and restaurants showing:

• Hawks away games
• National NBA broadcasts, playoffs, and Finals

If you don’t have tickets, catching a game at a local spot can still feel like a shared Atlanta NBA experience, especially during playoff runs or marquee matchups.

Practical Contacts and Key Locations

While most tickets and schedules are handled online, these physical details help if you need in-person support or are planning a visit:

• Atlanta Hawks / State Farm Arena
  1 State Farm Drive
  Atlanta, GA 30303

If you have questions about:

• Tickets or seating changes
• Accessibility or special accommodations
• Arena policies (bags, security, etc.)

it is typically best to contact the arena box office or guest services through their published phone numbers or customer service channels.

When the NBA Season Runs in Atlanta

For planning purposes, the NBA schedule generally follows this pattern:

• Preseason: early October
• Regular season: late October through mid-April
• Playoffs: mid-April through June (if the Hawks qualify)

In Atlanta, that means the busiest basketball months at State Farm Arena are usually:

• November–March for regular-season games
• April–May if there’s a playoff run

If you’re visiting in midsummer (June–August) or deep offseason (July–September), you won’t see regular Hawks home games, but you may still find:

• NBA coverage in local sports bars
• Summer basketball events or youth programs

If your goal is to experience “Atlanta NBA” firsthand, the clearest path is simple: pick a Hawks home game at State Farm Arena, decide how you’ll get there (MARTA or driving), choose a seat that fits your budget and comfort level, and arrive early enough to enjoy both the arena and the surrounding Downtown Atlanta energy.