Atlanta Basketball Tickets: How to Find the Best Seats for Games in the City

Atlanta is a major basketball town, from NBA action at State Farm Arena to college rivalries and special events. Whether you live in the city or you’re planning a visit, understanding how Atlanta basketball tickets work can help you save money, pick better seats, and avoid common hassles.

Below is a practical guide to buying tickets for basketball in Atlanta—focused on the teams, venues, timing, and local tips that actually matter.

Main Basketball Options in Atlanta

Atlanta Hawks (NBA)

The Atlanta Hawks are the city’s centerpiece for professional basketball.

• Home arena: State Farm Arena
• Location: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Downtown, next to Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center)
• Season: Preseason (October), regular season (October–April), playoffs (April–June, if qualified)

Most people looking for “Atlanta basketball tickets” are trying to see a Hawks game, so most of this guide focuses on that experience.

College Basketball in and Around Atlanta

College hoops can be a more affordable and intimate option:

• Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (NCAA Division I, ACC)
  • Arena: McCamish Pavilion, 965 Fowler St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Georgia State Panthers (NCAA Division I, Sun Belt)
  • Arena: GSU Convocation Center, 455 Capitol Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Nearby programs (short drive from Atlanta): Kennesaw State, Emory (Division III), and others

College games often offer cheaper tickets, easier parking, and family-friendly environments.

Where to Buy Atlanta Basketball Tickets

You have several options, each with pros and cons. Always compare prices and fees before buying.

1. Official Team and Arena Channels

For Hawks and many college games, the most straightforward path is the official ticketing partners and arenas.

Advantages:

• Clear seat maps and pricing
• Reliable access to primary market tickets (face value)
• Official customer support if there’s an issue with your order

For in-person help, State Farm Arena has box office windows on event days, generally located at the arena’s main entrances in downtown Atlanta. Hours can vary by event, so it’s smart to check event-day schedules before heading down.

2. Resale and Secondary Market Tickets

When games sell out or when fans resell seats, you’ll see a lot of secondary-market options online.

Common patterns in Atlanta:

• Popular games (star opponents, weekend games, rivalry nights) can be more expensive than face value.
• Less in-demand games (weekday, non-marquee opponents) often show discounted resale prices close to game time.
• Fees can be significant, so always look at the final total before committing.

⚠️ Tip: If a price seems far lower than everything else in the same section, double-check the row, obstructed view notes, and whether it’s a verified transfer.

3. In-Person Box Office Purchases

For Hawks and some college games, you can buy in person at the arena box office:

• State Farm Arena Box Office
  • Located at State Farm Arena, Downtown Atlanta
  • Typically open on event days; hours and availability can vary by season and event schedule

Buying at the box office can:

• Help you avoid some online fees
• Let you speak directly with staff about sightlines, sections, and accessibility

For Georgia Tech and Georgia State, each campus arena has its own ticket office on site, often open on game days and some weekdays.

Understanding Ticket Pricing in Atlanta

Ticket prices in Atlanta can fluctuate a lot based on a few key factors.

What Affects Hawks Ticket Prices?

1. Opponent
   • Games against very popular teams or star players are usually higher-priced.
2. Day and Time
   • Weekend evening games are usually more expensive than weekday games.
3. Seat Location
   • Courtside and lower-level sideline seats are premium.
   • Upper-level corners and end zones are usually the most affordable.
4. Timing
   • Buying very early can lock in lower prices for some games.
   • For less in-demand matchups, waiting until the day of the game can sometimes be cheaper, especially on the resale market.

Rough Pricing Tiers (General Patterns)

These are general patterns, not guarantees:

*Actual prices change game to game and by market demand.

Best Time to Buy Atlanta Basketball Tickets

Timing can matter as much as where you sit.

Buying Early

Buying weeks or months in advance can be helpful when:

• You’re targeting a high-demand matchup
• You want a specific section or row
• You’re coordinating large groups or special occasions

You’re more likely to find a wider selection of seats, if not always the lowest price.

Buying Closer to Game Day

For many Hawks games against less high-profile teams:

• Resale prices can soften in the 24–48 hours before tipoff.
• Sellers who just want to avoid wasting tickets may drop prices.

However:

• You risk limited selection, especially for lower-bowl sections.
• Big games, weekend nights, and rivalry matchups can get more expensive as they get closer.

👍 Local tip: For midweek games against non-marquee opponents, Atlanta often has plenty of same-week or same-day tickets available, especially in the upper level.

Choosing the Right Seats at State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is designed to keep fans relatively close to the court, but the experience can vary a lot by section.

Lower Level vs. Upper Level

• Lower level:
  • Best for seeing player details, bench energy, and courtside atmosphere.
  • More expensive, especially sideline sections.
• Upper level:
  • More budget-friendly.
  • Still offers a decent view for most fans, especially near midcourt.

Sideline vs. Baseline/Corner

• Sideline seats:
  • Offer the cleanest view of plays developing.
  • Often considered the best overall viewing experience.
• Baseline/end zone seats:
  • Put you behind the basket; fun for dunks and free throws, but some plays can be partly blocked.
• Corner seats:
  • Middle ground for price vs. angle.
  • Some fans like corner views for seeing spacing and three-point shots.

Family and Group Considerations

If you’re taking kids or a large group:

• Upper-level midcourt sections can provide good views at a lower cost.
• Look for aisle seats to make trips to concessions and restrooms easier.
• Some games feature promotional nights (youth nights, themed events) which can add value for families.

Atlanta Hawks Season Tickets and Multi-Game Options

If you live in Atlanta and plan to attend multiple games, certain options can be more cost-effective over the season.

Full Season Tickets

Typically include:

• A seat for every regular-season home game
• Access to presale opportunities for playoffs and special events
• Potential perks like dedicated entrances or membership areas, depending on the package

Best suited for:

• Fans who know they’ll go frequently
• People interested in consistent seat locations and building a routine

Partial Plans and Multi-Game Packs

Many NBA and college programs in Atlanta offer:

• Mini-plans (e.g., 5–10 game packs)
• Themed packages (weekend games, rivalry matchups, etc.)

Benefits:

• More commitment than single games, but less than a full season
• Can reduce average per-game cost, especially for higher-demand matchups

College Basketball Tickets in Atlanta

College games can be a great alternative if:

• You’re on a tight budget
• You enjoy college atmospheres and student sections
• You live or stay near Midtown or Downtown, where Georgia Tech and Georgia State are close by

Georgia Tech Basketball Tickets

• Venue: McCamish Pavilion, near Georgia Tech’s main campus in Midtown
• Atmosphere: ACC opponents, student section energy, more compact arena
• Pricing: Often lower than NBA tickets, with some premium games (Duke, UNC, etc.) priced higher

Tickets are commonly available:

• Online through Georgia Tech’s main athletics website
• At the on-campus ticket office and on game days at McCamish Pavilion

Georgia State Basketball Tickets

• Venue: GSU Convocation Center, south of Downtown
• Atmosphere: More intimate, often easier on parking and traffic
• Pricing: Generally affordable, popular with students and local families

Tickets can usually be purchased:

• Through Georgia State’s athletics ticket office
• At the arena on game days, depending on availability

Getting to the Game: Transportation & Parking Tips

Atlanta traffic and parking can catch visitors off guard. Planning ahead makes attending games much smoother.

MARTA (Public Transit)

For State Farm Arena:

• The arena is directly connected to MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/College Football Hall of Fame/State Farm Arena Station on the Blue/Green lines.
• This is one of the simplest ways to reach Hawks games, especially if you’re staying near a MARTA station or along Peachtree.

Benefits of MARTA:

• Avoid event parking prices
• No need to navigate downtown traffic
• Quick exit after the game if you time train departures

For Georgia Tech and Georgia State:

• Georgia Tech in Midtown is accessible from the North Avenue and Midtown stations (combined with a walk, shuttle, or short rideshare).
• Georgia State’s Convocation Center is walkable from the Georgia State MARTA station.

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Expect higher parking rates close to the arena for Hawks games, especially weekends and big opponents.
• Pre-booked parking passes (where offered) can simplify arrival.
• Downtown parking is a mix of official decks and private lots; always check posted prices and closing times.

Nearby garages and lots are common around:

• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Midtown (near Georgia Tech)
• South Downtown and Capitol area (near GSU Convocation Center)

👍 Local tip: For weeknight games, try to arrive at least 45–60 minutes early to avoid the heaviest rush and to have time for security checks and finding your seats.

Accessibility, Family Needs, and Special Seating

Atlanta arenas and college venues generally offer:

• Accessible seating for guests using wheelchairs or with mobility limitations
• Companion seating options
• Elevators and ramps to higher-level sections
• Assistive listening devices, upon request at guest services

If you or someone in your group has accessibility needs:

• Plan to arrive early to coordinate with guest services.
• When buying tickets, look specifically for accessible or ADA-designated seating options.

For families with young children:

• Many parents prefer aisle seats or seats near concourses for easier exits.
• Some games are more family-focused, such as early tip times on weekends or special youth-themed nights.

Safety, Scams, and Common-Sense Ticket Buying

To stay safe and avoid problems:

• Avoid random street scalpers, especially near major intersections or MARTA stations.
• Use reputable, well-known platforms or official team/arena channels.
• Double-check:
  • Game date and time
  • Arena/venue name (Hawks vs. college vs. special event)
  • Section, row, and number of seats together
  • Any “restricted view” or “standing room only” notes

If you have doubts, contacting the arena or school ticket office directly before buying can help you confirm whether a section or seat type is right for you.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Basketball Ticket Planning

If you want:

• Big-league atmosphere & star players:
  Look at Atlanta Hawks games at State Farm Arena.

• Lower prices & college vibe:
  Check Georgia Tech (Midtown) or Georgia State (Downtown/South Downtown) schedules.

• Cheapest options:
  Aim for weekday games, upper-level seats, and less in-demand opponents.

• Easiest transportation:
  Use MARTA (especially for Hawks and Georgia State games downtown).

• Most flexible experience:
  Consider buying resale tickets closer to game day for non-marquee matchups, or in-person at box offices on the day of the game when available.

With a bit of planning around where you’re staying, how you’re getting there, and what kind of experience you want, finding the right basketball tickets in Atlanta is straightforward—whether you’re catching an NBA showdown at State Farm Arena or a college rivalry right in the heart of the city.