Atlanta Hawks NBA Guide: How to Experience Hawks Basketball in Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks are more than just a pro basketball team in Atlanta — they’re a big part of the city’s sports culture, nightlife, and downtown energy. Whether you’re a local, new to the city, or visiting for a weekend, understanding how Hawks games and events work in Atlanta, Georgia can help you plan a great experience.

Where the Atlanta Hawks Play: State Farm Arena

The Atlanta Hawks (NBA) play their home games at State Farm Arena, located in the heart of downtown:

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

It sits right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park, and it’s directly connected to MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station, making it one of the easiest venues in the city to reach without a car.

Getting to the Arena

By MARTA:

  • Take the Blue or Green rail line to Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station.
  • The station exits directly into or very near the arena area.
  • This is often the fastest way to get to a weeknight game, especially with downtown traffic.

By car:

  • There are multiple parking decks and surface lots around the arena and the CNN Center area.
  • Prices and availability vary by game and event; big matchups and playoff games fill up earlier.
  • Plan extra time for traffic on I‑20, I‑75/85, and Northside Drive before games.

Rideshare and drop‑off:

  • Designated rideshare zones are typically set up around the arena to manage traffic.
  • Follow posted signs and arena staff directions for drop‑off and pick‑up points.

Hawks Season Basics: When They Play and What to Expect

Regular Season Timeline

The NBA regular season generally runs from October through April, with:

  • Preseason games in early October.
  • Regular season home games throughout fall, winter, and early spring, often:
    • Weeknights at 7:30 p.m. (approximate)
    • Weekends in the late afternoon or evening
  • Playoffs (if the Hawks qualify) from April into late spring.

Most games are at State Farm Arena, with a mix of Eastern and Western Conference opponents.

Types of Games You’ll See in Atlanta

You’ll typically find:

  • Marquee games against big‑name teams and star players
  • Division rival matchups, especially against other Southeast Division teams
  • Special theme nights, such as:
    • Heritage nights
    • Fan appreciation nights
    • Community-focused or cause-driven events

If you live in Atlanta, these theme nights can be a good way to bring family or friends who may not be die‑hard basketball fans but enjoy the extra entertainment.

Tickets: How Atlanta Fans Usually Buy and What to Know

Common Ways to Get Hawks Tickets

Atlantans usually get Atlanta Hawks tickets through:

  • Official team ticket channels
  • Verified resale platforms
  • The arena box office on game days

For high-demand games (big opponents or late-season matchups), it’s common to see higher prices and faster sell‑outs. For weekday games against less popular opponents, same-week or even same-day tickets are sometimes more affordable.

Choosing Seats at State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena offers a range of seating options:

  • Lower Bowl (100 level): Closest to the court, higher price, best for fans who want to be near the action.
  • Club and premium seats: Mid-level seating with access to clubs, lounges, and upgraded amenities.
  • Upper Level (200 level): More budget-friendly, still with clear views of the court in most sections.

If you’re taking kids or attending your first game:

  • Aim for mid-court or corner sections in either the lower or upper bowl.
  • Avoid seats directly behind the baskets if you want the clearest full-court view.

Game Day Experience in Atlanta

What It’s Like Inside State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is designed to feel like a full entertainment experience, not just a basketball venue. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Multiple food and drink options, including local and regional favorites
  • Concourse activities and photo spots
  • Team stores and kiosks selling Hawks jerseys, hats, and gear

The arena is climate-controlled, so you can dress comfortably even during Atlanta’s colder winter nights.

Food and Drink Options

Expect a mix of:

  • Classic arena fare (pizza, burgers, pretzels, popcorn)
  • More modern and local-influenced options
  • Bars and grab‑and‑go stands around the concourses

Lines tend to be longest at halftime and just before tip‑off. Many local fans either:

  • Eat at nearby downtown restaurants before walking over, or
  • Arrive a bit early to grab food inside the arena before the game starts

Family‑Friendly Aspects

For families in Atlanta, Hawks games are generally considered:

  • Kid-friendly, especially weekend and earlier tip‑offs
  • Full of in‑game entertainment:
    • Mascot appearances
    • On‑court contests
    • Dance teams and halftime shows

If you’re bringing kids, you may want:

  • Seats on the aisle for easier in-and-out
  • To arrive early for warm‑ups so kids can see players closer to the court from the concourse railings, where allowed

Atlanta Hawks for Locals: Season Tickets, Mini‑Plans, and Memberships

If you live in metro Atlanta and plan to attend multiple games:

Season Tickets and Multi‑Game Options

The team typically offers:

  • Full season tickets (all home games)
  • Half‑season or partial plans
  • Mini‑plans for select games

Locals often choose partial plans to:

  • Focus on weekend games
  • Prioritize marquee opponents
  • Lock in the same seats with some cost savings compared to buying individually

Benefits Commonly Associated with Memberships

While details can change year‑to‑year, season ticket holders often get:

  • Priority access to playoff tickets
  • Early access to special events or pre‑sales
  • Exclusive team communications and fan events

If you’re new to Atlanta and plan to make Hawks games part of your routine, exploring these options can be worthwhile.

Community Presence: Hawks in the Atlanta Area

The Hawks are active across the Atlanta metro area, especially in youth sports and community engagement.

Youth Basketball and Camps

Families often look for:

  • Youth basketball programs
  • Clinics and camps branded or supported by the Hawks in and around Atlanta

These programs frequently:

  • Take place at local gyms, recreation centers, or partner facilities
  • Focus on skill development, teamwork, and exposure to the professional environment

If you’re a parent in Atlanta, check for:

  • Seasonal camps around school breaks
  • Off‑season programs during summer

Local Partnerships and Events

The Hawks often participate in:

  • Community events around Downtown, Midtown, and Westside
  • School visits and educational programs across the metro region
  • Charitable and civic initiatives with local organizations

For Atlanta residents, this can be a good way to interact with the team outside of game days.

Visiting Atlanta Specifically for a Hawks Game

If you’re traveling to Atlanta to see an NBA game, planning around the downtown layout helps.

Staying Near the Arena

Many visitors choose hotels:

  • In Downtown Atlanta, within walking distance of the arena
  • Near Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, or CNN Center

This allows easy walking access to:

  • State Farm Arena
  • Restaurants and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola

Combining a Game with Other Activities

Popular ways to build a full Atlanta day or weekend around a Hawks game include:

  • Afternoon at Centennial Olympic Park, then a night game
  • Daytime visits to nearby attractions, then walking to the arena
  • Dinner in Downtown or nearby neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill, then catching the game

If you’re relying on MARTA, staying near stations on the Red, Gold, Blue, or Green lines makes it easy to get downtown and back.

Parking, Safety, and Practical Tips for Atlanta Fans

Parking Tips

When driving to a Hawks game in Atlanta:

  • Arrive early, especially for Friday and Saturday night games.
  • Consider parking in:
    • Official arena decks
    • Larger nearby garages connected to office buildings or attractions
  • Review your plan for exiting downtown after the game; traffic can be heavier on Northside Drive, Marietta Street, and access points to I‑75/85.

Safety and Comfort

Downtown Atlanta on game nights is typically busy with fans, arena staff, and visitors. Common-sense tips include:

  • Stick to well‑lit, populated routes between parking/MARTA and the arena.
  • If walking, use main streets like Marietta Street and follow pedestrian signs.
  • Keep a photo of your parking location and deck level to make it easier to find your car.

What to Bring (and Not Bring)

Arena policies can change, but common expectations include:

  • Bag size limits (often small bags only)
  • Security screening at entrances
  • Restrictions on outside food and drink

Checking current bag and item rules before you leave can prevent delays at the gate.

Merchandise and Hawks Gear in Atlanta

If you want official Hawks gear in Atlanta, your main options are:

  • Team store inside State Farm Arena on game days
  • Smaller Hawks-branded stands throughout the concourse

You’ll usually find:

  • Jerseys, T‑shirts, and sweatshirts
  • Hats and beanies
  • Accessories and collectibles

If you’re buying for kids, consider sizing up; many locals prefer slightly larger jerseys or hoodies so they last through multiple seasons.

How the Hawks Fit into Atlanta’s Sports Scene

In Atlanta, the Hawks are one pillar of a busy pro sports landscape that also includes pro football, baseball, soccer, and more. For locals, Hawks games often serve as:

  • A winter sports option when other outdoor seasons slow down
  • A place to see national stars and top‑level competition up close
  • A central downtown outing that pairs easily with restaurants, museums, and nightlife

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, catching at least one Atlanta Hawks NBA game at State Farm Arena is a key way to experience the city’s energy, especially during basketball season.