State Farm Arena in Atlanta: Your Complete Guide to Events, Parking, and Local Tips

State Farm Arena is one of Atlanta’s premier major venues, hosting Atlanta Hawks basketball games, major concerts, family shows, and special events right in the heart of downtown. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are trying to understand how the arena fits into the city’s sports and entertainment scene, it helps to know how it works from a local’s perspective.

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

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

Located next to Centennial Olympic Park and just steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CNN Center, State Farm Arena anchors a major entertainment district in downtown Atlanta.

What Happens at State Farm Arena?

You’ll typically find:

• Atlanta Hawks home games (NBA season roughly October–April, plus playoffs)
• Major concerts from national and international touring artists
• Family events (ice shows, kids’ tours, holiday events)
• Special events like comedy shows, festivals, and occasional tournaments

For anyone in Atlanta who loves live events, State Farm Arena is usually one of the first places to check when big names come to town.

Getting to State Farm Arena: MARTA, Driving, and Rideshare

Because State Farm Arena sits in a busy part of downtown, how you get there can make or break your experience.

Taking MARTA (Often the Easiest Option)

For many Atlantans, MARTA is the simplest way to get to State Farm Arena, especially for sold-out games and concerts.

• Nearest station:GWCC/CNN Center Station (Green/Blue lines)
  – The station exits directly into the complex near the arena.
• From the Red/Gold lines, you can transfer at Five Points to reach the Green/Blue lines.
• Trains typically run more frequently around major events, but it’s smart to allow extra time.

✅ Local tip: If you live near a MARTA park-and-ride (like North Springs, College Park, or Indian Creek), parking there and taking the train in can be much less stressful than driving into downtown.

Driving and Parking Near State Farm Arena

If you prefer to drive, you’ll find multiple parking decks and surface lots within a short walk of the arena.

Common options include:

• State Farm Arena Parking Decks and nearby partner decks
• Red Deck / Silver Deck near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CNN Center
• Surface lots along Northside Drive NW and surrounding streets

When driving:

• Arrive early. Traffic can back up on game and concert nights, especially around Northside Drive, Marietta Street, and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.
• Check for other events. If the Hawks, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and nearby venues all have events the same day, expect heavy congestion.
• Know your exit route. After the event, nearby streets can be crowded and sometimes directed by traffic officers.

Rideshare and Drop-Off Areas

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.) is widely used for events at State Farm Arena.

Common patterns:

• Designated drop-off/pickup areas are usually set up along streets surrounding the arena.
• After events, drivers may be directed to certain blocks to keep traffic flowing.

✅ Local tip: Plan to walk a block or two away from the arena after the event before requesting your ride. It can be easier to meet your driver and avoid the most congested corners right by the exits.

Security, Bag Policy, and Entry Tips

Like most major venues, State Farm Arena has modern security and entry procedures that can affect what you bring and how long you wait in line.

Typical Security Setup

Expect:

• Walk-through metal detectors or security scanners
• Staff checking tickets at entry points
• Visual or physical inspection of approved bags

To speed things up:

• Have your mobile ticket ready before you reach the line.
• Remove metal items from pockets if directed.
• Follow posted instructions about prohibited items.

Bag Policies

Policies can change, but many events follow a small-bag or clear-bag approach, such as:

• Very small clutches or purses allowed
• Larger bags, backpacks, or certain items not permitted

It’s common in Atlanta’s major venues for diaper bags, medical bags, or other special items to be allowed after an additional check, but they still must meet security standards.

✅ Local tip: When in doubt, bring less. A phone, wallet, keys, and small wallet-sized pouch usually move through security the fastest.

Seating, Layout, and Ticket Options

State Farm Arena is built to host everything from basketball to full-scale concert tours, so the seating layout can vary by event.

Basic Seating Levels

General layout often includes:

• Lower Level (100s): Closest to the court or stage; commonly the most expensive for premium events.
• Club and Mid-Level Areas: Some sections include club access or upgraded food and drink options for certain ticket types.
• Upper Level (200s): Higher elevation, often more budget-friendly.
• Floor Seating: For concerts, the court is often converted into flat-floor seating near the stage.

Choosing Seats as an Atlanta Local or Visitor

Things Atlantans commonly consider:

• Events with a center stage (like basketball or some concerts):
  – Lower sideline seats or center-seating sections give a more balanced view.
• End-stage concerts:
  – Avoid sections with heavily obstructed views behind the stage.
• Families and groups:
  – Upper levels and corners often give good value when you’re buying several tickets at once.

If you’re coming from outside metro Atlanta, factor in travel time to and from your hotel or rental when choosing event start times and seating; late-night departures from downtown can be busy.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities Inside the Arena

State Farm Arena offers a range of concessions and dining options, from classic game-day snacks to more substantial meals.

Common options include:

• Arena standards: Hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, soft drinks
• Local-style food: Vendors sometimes offer Southern-inspired dishes or Atlanta favorites
• Bars and beverage stands: Beer, wine, and cocktails are widely available for those of legal drinking age

Many stands are cashless, reflecting a broader trend among large Atlanta venues, so it helps to have a credit/debit card or mobile payment option.

✅ Local tip:Eat before you go if you’re price-sensitive. Dining in neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill, Midtown, or along the Atlanta Streetcar line can offer more variety and sometimes lower costs than buying an entire meal inside the arena.

When to Arrive and How Long Events Last

Event timing at State Farm Arena can significantly affect traffic, MARTA crowds, and your overall experience.

Recommended Arrival Window

Most locals aim to:

• Arrive 45–90 minutes before tip-off or showtime for:
  • Parking
  • Security lines
  • Finding seats
  • Grabbing food or drinks

For weeknight events, add extra time if you’ll be driving through rush hour on I-75/85 or I-20.

Typical Event Length

While every event is different, many run:

• Hawks games: About 2 to 2.5 hours, not counting overtime.
• Concerts: Often 2–3 hours including openers, depending on the artist.
• Family shows: Frequently shorter, sometimes around 1.5–2 hours with breaks.

✅ Local tip: If you’re commuting in from suburbs like Marietta, Stone Mountain, or Fayetteville, pay attention to the last MARTA train time or be prepared for late-night highway traffic after the event.

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

State Farm Arena is set up to provide a range of accessibility features for guests.

These commonly include:

• Accessible seating areas across multiple price levels
• Elevators and ramps for easier access between levels
• Policies for mobility devices, such as wheelchairs
• Procedures for service animals in compliance with applicable guidelines

If you or a member of your group needs specific accommodations, it’s best to plan ahead:

• Look for accessible seating options when purchasing tickets.
• Arrive early to get settled and coordinate with staff if needed.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions and Things To Do Before or After

State Farm Arena sits in one of the most vibrant pockets of downtown Atlanta, making it easy to pair your event with sightseeing, dining, or a stroll.

Within Walking Distance

Within a short walk, you’ll find:

• Centennial Olympic Park – A popular public park with fountains and green space.
• Georgia World Congress Center – Often hosting conventions and shows.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.
• Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola – Major attractions for visitors.
• Restaurants and bars in and around Luckie Street, Marietta Street, and Peachtree Street.

If you’re visiting Atlanta for a weekend, it’s common to plan a day at the Aquarium or World of Coke, then walk over to a Hawks game or concert at State Farm Arena in the evening.

Quick-Glance Summary for State Farm Arena Visitors

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Out-of-Town Guests

A few final pointers to make your State Farm Arena visit smoother:

• Plan your route in advance. Decide early whether you’re using MARTA, driving, or rideshare.
• Check the event details. Start time, door opening time, and any special rules (such as costume or prop restrictions for themed events) can vary.
• Dress for downtown walking. You may walk several city blocks between parking, restaurants, and the arena.
• Account for weather. Atlanta’s heat, humidity, or sudden rain showers can affect pre- and post-event plans, especially if you’re walking from MARTA or nearby attractions.

Whether you’re a long-time Atlantan catching another Hawks game or a visitor seeing a concert downtown for the first time, understanding how State Farm Arena fits into the flow of Atlanta’s streets, transit, and nightlife will make your experience much more enjoyable.