State Farm Arena: Guide to 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

State Farm Arena, located at 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303, is one of downtown Atlanta’s biggest hubs for sports, concerts, and major events. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are trying to figure out how to get there and what to expect, this guide walks you through the essentials.

Where State Farm Arena Is and What It’s Known For

State Farm Arena sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, right next to Centennial Olympic Park and within walking distance of:

  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • CNN Center area
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

The mailing and navigation address is:

Locals mostly know it as the home of the Atlanta Hawks and a major stop for large touring concerts, family shows, and special events.

Getting to State Farm Arena in Atlanta

MARTA and Public Transit

Using MARTA is often the easiest way to get to 1 State Farm Dr, especially for big events.

Nearest station:

  • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – This station essentially drops you at the arena’s doorstep.

From GWCC/CNN Center Station:

  • Follow signs for State Farm Arena / CNN Center
  • You’ll come out right near the arena entrances and the surrounding plaza.

Other nearby transit options:

  • Five Points Station (Red/Gold/Blue/Green) – You can walk from Five Points (about 10–15 minutes) or transfer to Blue/Green to go one stop to GWCC/CNN Center.
  • Downtown bus routes often stop along Marietta St NW, Centennial Olympic Park Dr, or near Philips Dr (the former arena name may still appear on older maps or signs).

👍 Tip: For late-night events, check MARTA train schedules in advance so you’re not rushing for the last train.

Driving and Parking Near 1 State Farm Dr

You can drive directly to State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303, but traffic can be heavy before and after big events.

Common parking options around the arena area include:

  • Official arena garages and lots (often labeled with “State Farm Arena” or “Hawks” signage)
  • Nearby Georgia World Congress Center garages
  • Private lots around Marietta St NW, Northside Dr NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW

Most event days use event pricing for parking, and many spots can be reserved in advance through parking services. Street parking in this area is limited and heavily enforced.

🚗 Driving tips:

  • Build in extra time for I-20, I-75/85, and I-285 traffic, especially during rush hour or when a Falcons game or other downtown event is scheduled the same day.
  • Watch for one-way streets and temporary road closures around State Farm Dr and Centennial Olympic Park during large events.

Rideshare and Drop-Off

Rideshare services (and taxis) usually have designated pick-up and drop-off zones near the arena. These are typically located on surrounding streets rather than directly at the main front doors to keep traffic flowing.

Common patterns:

  • Drop-off before the event is close to the arena entrances.
  • After the event, you may need to walk a block or two to a designated rideshare area.

📍 It’s a good idea to set your pin to “State Farm Arena” rather than typing the exact address if your app recognizes the venue. This often routes drivers to the correct side of the building.

What Happens at State Farm Arena?

Sports: Home of the Atlanta Hawks

For Atlanta residents and visitors, State Farm Arena is best known as the home arena of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. During basketball season, the arena hosts:

  • Regular season Hawks games
  • Occasional preseason and playoff games
  • Special theme nights and fan events

Game nights are busy, so plan for:

  • Packed MARTA trains on the Blue/Green Line
  • Higher parking demand and congestion around Baker St, Marietta St, and State Farm Dr

Concerts, Shows, and Special Events

Beyond basketball, State Farm Arena regularly hosts:

  • Large-scale concerts by national and international artists
  • Family shows (ice shows, kid-focused tours, etc.)
  • Comedy tours, faith-based events, and other live performances
  • Corporate gatherings, conventions, and special community events

If you’re attending a show:

  • Check your ticket for which entrance is recommended.
  • Doors often open earlier than showtime; arriving early makes security and concessions easier.

Arena Layout Basics for First-Time Visitors

While exact maps and levels may change over time, there are some common layout features that help you navigate:

  • Multiple entrances: Main entrances typically face the Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center side.
  • Lower, club, and upper levels: Seating is generally stacked in multiple tiers around the court/stage.
  • Floor seating: For concerts and some special events, seats may be added on the arena floor.

If you’re unsure where to go:

  • Look for event staff and directional signs as soon as you approach the building.
  • Your ticket section (e.g., 100, 200, or floor) usually points you to a specific concourse level.

Accessibility at State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is designed with accessibility in mind for fans and guests with mobility or other needs.

Common accessibility features typically include:

  • Accessible entrances with ramps or step-free routes
  • Elevator access to upper levels
  • Accessible seating areas in various price ranges
  • Areas for wheelchairs and companion seating
  • Visual and auditory assistance options for some events

If you or a member of your group needs accommodations, it’s a good idea to:

  • Review event information in advance
  • Arrive a little early to speak with guest services or security staff about accessible routes and seating

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

Inside the arena, you’ll find a mix of:

  • Classic stadium food (burgers, hot dogs, fries, popcorn)
  • Local-style options that may reflect Atlanta’s food scene (like wings, barbecue, or Southern-inspired dishes)
  • Bars and drink stands offering soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (for guests of legal drinking age)

💡 Practical tips:

  • Concessions are typically cashless, so have a card or mobile pay option ready.
  • Lines are often shorter if you avoid breaks between quarters or periods during basketball games, or the intermission during concerts.

Security, Entry, and What to Expect at the Door

For most events at 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303, you can expect:

  • Bag checks and metal detectors at entrances
  • Clear bag policies or size limits for purses and backpacks
  • Restrictions on certain items such as:
    • Outside food and drink
    • Large professional cameras
    • Weapons or anything that could be considered dangerous

It’s smart to:

  • Bring only what you really need
  • Use a small clear bag if possible
  • Have your ticket ready on your phone with brightness turned up, or a printed copy if you prefer

Neighborhood Around State Farm Arena

One reason the 1 State Farm Dr location is so popular is the number of things to do nearby in downtown Atlanta.

Within walking distance you’ll find:

  • Centennial Olympic Park – a public green space with fountains, walking paths, and city views.
  • Georgia Aquarium – one of the largest aquariums in the world.
  • World of Coca-Cola – a museum dedicated to the Coca-Cola brand and history.
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights – a museum exploring civil rights and global human rights.
  • Numerous restaurants and bars along Marietta St NW, Luckie St, and around the College Football Hall of Fame and CNN Center areas.

This makes it easy to turn a game or concert at State Farm Arena into a full day or evening downtown.

Simple Snapshot: State Farm Arena at 1 State Farm Dr

DetailInformation
Venue NameState Farm Arena
Address1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
Primary UseHome of the Atlanta Hawks and major events
Nearby MARTA StationGWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
AreaDowntown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park
Typical EventsNBA games, concerts, family shows, special events
Transportation TipsUse MARTA for big events; arrive early if driving

When to Arrive and How to Plan Your Visit

To make your visit smoother:

  • Check your event time and door-opening time in advance.
  • If you’re taking MARTA, plan your transfers and check the last train time.
  • If you’re driving, aim to arrive at least 45–60 minutes early for major events.
  • Build time into your evening if you want to enjoy nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park or a meal before or after the event.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, knowing how to navigate to and around State Farm Arena at 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 makes it much easier to enjoy a game, concert, or show in the center of the city.