Where the Atlanta Hawks Play: Your Guide to State Farm Arena and Game Day in Atlanta
If you’re wondering where the Atlanta Hawks play, the answer is clear:
The Hawks play their home games at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
This isn’t just a basketball court—it’s a major entertainment hub right in the heart of the city, surrounded by some of Atlanta’s biggest attractions and transit options. If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want to catch a game, knowing how State Farm Arena works, where it’s located, and how to navigate game day can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Where Do the Atlanta Hawks Play?
The Atlanta Hawks play at State Farm Arena, located at:
State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone (arena box office / info line is typically available through the arena’s main number, which can be found via its official site or directory assistance.)
State Farm Arena is in the downtown Atlanta area, directly next to:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- CNN Center
- Centennial Olympic Park
For anyone in Atlanta, this is one of the most central, transit-connected spots in the city.
What Is State Farm Arena Like?
State Farm Arena is an indoor multipurpose arena that hosts:
- Atlanta Hawks home games (NBA)
- Concerts and major touring shows
- Family events, special events, and other sports
Inside, you’ll find:
- Lower, club, and upper-level seating
- Courtside seating options
- Multiple concessions with classic arena food plus some local flavors
- Team merchandise shops with Hawks gear
- Digital boards, light shows, and in-game entertainment
For basketball, the setup centers around the main hardwood court, with a bowl-style seating layout that gives most sections a clear view of the action.
Getting to State Farm Arena from Around Atlanta
One of the advantages of the Hawks playing downtown is that it’s fairly easy to reach from many Atlanta neighborhoods.
By MARTA 🚆
For many fans, MARTA is the most convenient way to get to Hawks games.
- Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station.
- When you exit, follow signs for State Farm Arena. The arena is a short, mostly indoor walk away.
If you’re already on the Red or Gold Line, you can transfer at Five Points Station to Blue/Green and go one stop to GWCC/CNN Center.
This is especially useful if you’re coming from:
- Midtown
- Buckhead
- North Springs / Doraville areas
- East Lake / Decatur
- Airport (transfer at Five Points)
MARTA helps you avoid downtown traffic and parking delays, which can be significant on busy game nights.
By Car 🚗
Driving is possible from anywhere in the metro area:
Common routes include:
- I-75/85 (Downtown Connector) – use exits near Andrew Young International Blvd, Williams St, or Martin Luther King Jr. Dr depending on your parking plan.
- I-20 – connect to I-75/85 or use surface streets into downtown.
Expect heavy traffic close to tip-off and just after the game ends, especially when multiple events are happening (for example, a Hawks game and a big event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium).
Parking Near the Arena
There are multiple official and nearby parking decks around State Farm Arena and the surrounding downtown district. You’ll typically see:
- Arena-operated decks and lots
- Nearby private parking garages
- Event pricing on surrounding surface lots
Many game-goers choose to:
- Pre-pay for parking through the Hawks or arena’s official channels when available
- Park a bit farther away and walk a few blocks to save on cost and avoid congestion right next to the arena
If you’re coming from suburban areas like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Gwinnett, planning your parking in advance can reduce game-day stress.
Nearby Landmarks and What’s Around the Arena
One reason people like going to Hawks games in Atlanta is that the arena is embedded in a busy downtown area.
Within easy walking distance, you’ll find:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Georgia World Congress Center
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
This makes it easy to turn a Hawks game into a full downtown outing, especially if you’re visiting Atlanta or bringing family.
Food options include:
- Concessions inside State Farm Arena with standard stadium fare and some local vendors
- Restaurants and bars in the Centennial Park district and nearby streets
- Options inside nearby hotels and buildings in the CNN Center area
When Do the Hawks Play in Atlanta?
The Hawks’ regular season typically runs from October through April, with:
- Home games spread throughout the week, including weekends and some weekday evenings
- Occasional afternoon games, especially on weekends or holidays
If the Hawks reach the NBA playoffs, additional home games may be scheduled at State Farm Arena in late April, May, and sometimes June.
To catch a game:
- Look up the current Atlanta Hawks schedule
- Check which games are marked as “home” versus “away”
- Confirm tip-off time and any special event (theme nights, giveaways, etc.)
Buying Tickets for Hawks Games in Atlanta
Ticket options for Hawks games at State Farm Arena usually include:
- Single-game tickets
- Season tickets or multi-game plans
- Club and premium seating areas
- Limited standing-room or special experience options for some games
Fans in Atlanta often:
- Purchase tickets online ahead of time
- Use mobile tickets for entry (your phone is scanned at the gate)
- Compare prices across different sections depending on how close they want to sit
On popular nights—like games against big-market teams or rivalry matchups—availability can be tight, so planning ahead helps.
Entering the Arena: What to Expect on Game Day
When you arrive at State Farm Arena, you’ll go through:
- Security screening
- Ticket scanning at the entry gates
Common things to be aware of:
- Bag policies – arenas often limit size and type of bags allowed
- Prohibited items – such as weapons, certain containers, and large signs or noisemakers
- Mobile-only tickets – many events rely on your phone rather than printed tickets
It’s usually a good idea to:
- Arrive 30–60 minutes before tip-off, especially if you want to get food, find your seats easily, or watch warmups
- Check the specific arena rules for that season or event day, since policies can be updated
Seating and Viewing Experience
Inside State Farm Arena, you’ll find a typical NBA seating layout:
- Lower Level (100s sections) – closest to the court
- Club / Mid-level sections – often with upgraded amenities or lounges
- Upper Level (200s sections) – more elevated, with a broad view of the entire court
Here’s a simple overview:
| Seating Area | General Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Courtside / Lower | Closest to the court | Up-close view, premium pricing, intense atmosphere |
| Club / Mid-level | Around mid-bowl | Balanced sightlines, possible lounge access, comfort |
| Upper Level | Higher up in the arena | Wider view of plays, often more budget-friendly |
Fans in Atlanta often choose based on:
- Budget
- Whether they want to feel the energy right on the floor or see the whole play develop
- Proximity to concessions, restrooms, and family-friendly areas
Tips for Locals vs. Visitors
If You Live in Atlanta
You may want to:
- Use MARTA to bypass parking costs and traffic
- Explore weeknight games, which locals may find easier to attend than visitors
- Watch for local promotions or theme nights that appeal to families, young professionals, or specific neighborhoods
If You’re Visiting Atlanta
If you’re staying in:
- Downtown – You can often walk to State Farm Arena from nearby hotels.
- Midtown or Buckhead – Use MARTA (Red/Gold Line to Five Points, then Blue/Green Line one stop) or a rideshare service.
- Near the Airport – The MARTA Gold/Red Line runs directly from Hartsfield-Jackson to downtown (transfer at Five Points).
Pairing a Hawks game with a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or Centennial Olympic Park makes for a full Atlanta day or night out.
Other Events at State Farm Arena
Although your main question is about where the Hawks play, it’s helpful to know the arena is also used for:
- Concerts and tours by major artists
- College basketball and other sporting events
- Special events like graduations or large public gatherings
So even in the offseason, State Farm Arena remains a central venue in Atlanta’s event calendar.
Key Takeaways for Atlanta Fans
- The Atlanta Hawks play their home games at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta.
- The arena’s address is 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303.
- It is easily reached by MARTA (GWCC/CNN Center Station) and major interstates.
- The surrounding area includes many of Atlanta’s top attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
- Planning your transportation, parking, and arrival time can make your game-day experience much smoother.
If you’re in or around Atlanta and want to see the Hawks in person, State Farm Arena is where you’ll go to watch the team play on their home court.
