State Farm Arena in Atlanta: Your Guide to Concerts, Shows, and Live Music

State Farm Arena is one of Atlanta’s biggest and busiest music venues, hosting everything from arena-level concerts and hip-hop tours to family shows and special events. If you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit, it’s a central spot for seeing major artists and experiencing big-production live music.

Located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, right next to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CNN Center, State Farm Arena is easy to reach and surrounded by other things to do, eat, and see.

Where State Farm Arena Is and How to Get There

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

The arena sits along the west side of downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Getting There by MARTA

Using MARTA is often the easiest way, especially for sold-out shows:

• Rail stop:GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
• The station exits directly toward the arena and surrounding complex.
• From Midtown or Buckhead, transfer if needed to the Blue/Green Line and ride south to this stop.

If you’re already downtown, State Farm Arena is also walkable from:

• Five Points Station (about 10–15 minutes on foot)
• Surrounding hotels in the Centennial Park area

Driving and Parking

Many Atlantans drive to events here. You’ll find:

• Official parking decks and lots around the arena and GWCC complex
• Additional lots and garages around Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Marietta Street, and Northside Drive

Tips for drivers:

• ✔️ Pre-pay for parking when possible to avoid last-minute price spikes
• ✔️ Build in extra time for weekday rush hour traffic and event congestion
• ✔️ Pay attention to road closures during overlapping events (Falcons games, large conventions, etc.)

Rideshare and Drop-Off

There are typically designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones near the arena. These are often on the streets surrounding the GWCC campus. Plan to:

• Confirm your driver’s location before walking away from the arena
• Expect longer waits and some surge pricing after big concerts

What Kind of Music and Events Happen at State Farm Arena?

State Farm Arena is best known as the home of the Atlanta Hawks, but it’s also one of the city’s premier music venues.

Major Concerts and Tours

You’ll regularly see:

• Top 40 and pop artists
• Hip-hop and R&B, including local and regional favorites
• Rock, country, and Latin tours
• Classic acts and legacy artists on reunion or anniversary tours

If you follow national tour announcements, there’s a good chance the Atlanta stop winds up at State Farm Arena.

Special Music Events

Beyond standard concerts, the arena also hosts:

• Multi-artist shows and radio station lineups
• Holiday music specials
• Award shows or televised events that occasionally rotate into Atlanta
• Gospel, inspirational, and cultural music events

For smaller, more intimate music experiences, you’d look to Atlanta theaters and clubs. For big lights, big stage, and full arena production, State Farm Arena is one of the city’s main options.

Seating Layout and Best Places to Sit

Understanding the layout can help you buy tickets that match your budget and comfort level.

General Seating Overview

State Farm Arena typically includes:

• Floor seats (on the court level for concerts)
• Lower-level bowl seating (100-level sections)
• Club-level or mid-level seating
• Upper-level bowl seating (300-level sections)

The exact layout can change with each event. For example:

• A center-stage show might open more sections all the way around.
• An end-stage concert might close off sections behind the stage.

Choosing Seats

Here’s a simple comparison to help you think about options:

Tips when choosing:

• If you’re shorter or don’t like standing the whole time, a lower bowl seat slightly elevated can feel better than floor.
• For big productions with screens and lights, corner and side sections can still offer a strong experience without front-center prices.

Tickets, Pricing, and When to Buy

Prices at State Farm Arena vary widely depending on:

• The artist’s popularity and tour demand
• How early you purchase
• Seat type and section
• Weeknight vs. weekend dates

Buying Tickets

You can typically buy tickets:

• Through the arena’s official box office (online or in person)
• Through verified ticketing partners
• On the resale market for sold-out or high-demand shows

For most concerts:

• Buying early usually gives you more choice.
• For less-demanded events, some locals wait and check prices closer to the date for potential price drops, but this comes with risk.

Box Office Information

For in-person purchases or ticket troubleshooting, look for the State Farm Arena box office located at the venue. Hours can vary by day and event, so it’s best to:

• Check current hours before heading downtown
• Arrive early on event days if you need customer service

What to Know Before You Go: Security, Bags, and Entry

Security policies at State Farm Arena are similar to many large arenas.

Common Entry Rules

While specifics can change, you can generally expect:

• Security screening at entrances, such as metal detectors
• Bag size limits or clear bag policies
• Restrictions on:
  • Outside food and drinks
  • Professional cameras or certain camera lenses
  • Weapons and prohibited items

To avoid problems at the door:

• ✅ Check bag size and allowed items in advance
• ✅ Bring only what you need
• ✅ Have your tickets (digital or printed) ready before you reach the gate

Food, Drinks, and Amenities Inside

State Farm Arena offers a range of concessions and bar options throughout the concourses.

Food and Beverage

You’ll find:

• Standard arena fare: pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, fries
• Snacks: popcorn, pretzels, candy, ice cream
• Alcoholic beverages for those 21+ (with ID) and non-alcoholic options

Some events may adjust what’s open, but for big concerts you can expect a good mix.

Premium and Club Areas

If your ticket includes club access or suite access, you may have:

• Separate entrances or lines
• Upgraded food and drink options
• Lounge spaces and private restrooms

These amenities vary by ticket type and seating.

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

For Atlantans and visitors who need accessibility support, State Farm Arena is designed with accessible seating and services in mind.

Typically available options include:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating in multiple sections
• Companion seating next to accessible seats
• Elevator access to various levels
• Designated entry routes and accessible restrooms

If you or someone in your group needs accommodations:

• Look for accessible seating options when buying tickets
• Contact the arena’s guest services or accessibility department in advance if you have specific questions or needs the ticketing system doesn’t handle clearly

Nearby Atlanta Attractions to Combine With a Show

Because State Farm Arena sits in the center of downtown, it’s easy to turn a concert into a full afternoon or evening out.

Within walking distance, you’ll find:

• Centennial Olympic Park – open green space, fountains, and city views
• World of Coca‑Cola – interactive exhibits about the history and brand
• Georgia Aquarium – one of Atlanta’s most well-known attractions
• CNN Center area – historically a hub for food and gathering (current status can vary)

Many people plan:

• A pre-show dinner in Downtown or nearby Castleberry Hill
• A quick stop at Centennial Olympic Park before an evening show
• A weekend where they visit the aquarium or park during the day and the arena at night

Where to Eat and Stay Around State Farm Arena

Food and Drinks Before or After a Concert

In and around downtown, you’ll find:

• Casual spots along Marietta Street NW and Centennial Olympic Park Drive
• Bars and restaurants in Castleberry Hill (just southwest of the arena)
• Fast-casual and sit-down options inside some nearby hotels

On nights with multiple events, it’s wise to:

• Allow extra time for restaurant waits
• Consider reservations if you’re planning a sit-down dinner before a big show

Hotels and Lodging

If you’re visiting from outside metro Atlanta or want to avoid driving home late:

• The downtown hotel district surrounds State Farm Arena
• Many hotels are walkable or just a short rideshare away
• Staying nearby lets you use MARTA or walk, avoiding post-event parking traffic

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Repeat Visitors

If you live in the metro area or go to shows often, a few patterns are worth knowing:

• Traffic timing:
  • Weeknight shows that start around 7–8 p.m. overlap with rush hour. Leaving early helps a lot.
• Transit vs. driving:
  • For Friday and Saturday night shows, MARTA can be faster than dealing with parking, especially if you live near a rail station.
• Weather planning:
  • Atlanta weather can be unpredictable. Lines for security sometimes stretch outside, so bring a light jacket or poncho if rain’s in the forecast.
• Walking routes:
  • If you’re unfamiliar with downtown, plan your walk ahead of time from the station, parking deck, or hotel so you’re not trying to navigate busy streets at the last minute.

Is State Farm Arena the Right Music Venue for You?

For big-name artists, large-scale tours, and high-energy shows, State Farm Arena is one of Atlanta’s primary destinations. It suits:

• Fans who want the full arena concert experience
• Groups planning a downtown night out with music, food, and sightseeing
• Visitors looking to pair a concert with classic Atlanta attractions nearby

If you prefer intimate shows, local bands, or small-room acoustics, you’ll likely spend more time in Atlanta’s clubs, theaters, and neighborhood venues. But for major tours and headline acts, State Farm Arena is often where Atlanta gets to see them.

Understanding how to get there, where to sit, and how to navigate the area will help you make the most of any concert or music event you attend at this downtown Atlanta landmark.