Atlanta Hawks
Updated: Aug 30
Atlanta Hawks Travel Guide: State Farm Arena
How to Get There
Flying In: You will fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This airport is consistently the busiest in the world and serves as a massive global hub for Delta Air Lines. You can find a direct flight here from almost anywhere on the planet.
Airport Transit: Avoid renting a car. Atlanta traffic is notoriously brutal. ATL connects directly to MARTA, the city's rapid transit rail system. You can board the train inside the airport terminal and reach downtown in about 20 minutes for under $3.
Where to Stay
State Farm Arena is located right in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center. Staying downtown offers ultimate walkability to the arena and the city's best attractions.
Budget/Mid-Range Options
Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown: This music-themed hotel is located practically in the shadow of the arena. It’s a cool, modern option for sports fans. Enjoy the fantastic rooftop bar (RT60) with sweeping views of the downtown skyline, just steps from the gates.
Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection: Situated a few blocks away in the Centennial Park District, this historic boutique hotel offers premium comfort and a popular rooftop lounge. You can typically book this for 30,000 to 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Higher-End Options
Signia by Hilton Atlanta: This brand-new luxury hotel is built directly into the Georgia World Congress Center complex. It overlooks the arena and stadium, offering world-class dining, a luxury spa, and a massive pool deck. Redemptions here usually hover around 70,000 to 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: You can't beat this location. The hotel is physically attached to the CNN Center and the arena complex. You can leave your room and walk to the security gates without stepping outside, making it the ultimate convenience.
Nearby Activities
Explore Centennial Olympic Park
Located right across the street from the arena, this massive 22-acre park was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics. It serves as the gateway to all of downtown's major attractions.
Visit The College Football Hall of Fame
Literally attached to the same complex as the arena, this highly interactive museum is a must-visit for any sports fan. It’s incredibly well-designed and offers a fun experience.
Discover Georgia Aquarium
Just a short walk through the park, this is the largest aquarium in the United States. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see whale sharks up close.
Pregame Food and Drink
Inside the Arena (Fan-Friendly Pricing)
State Farm Arena famously revolutionized stadium food by introducing "fan-friendly pricing." Instead of gouging fans, they offer cheap staples like $2 hot dogs, $3 nachos, and $5 beers. Combine that with incredible local Atlanta vendors like JR Crickets and Antico Pizza inside the concourse. The best pregame move is to eat inside the arena.
Park Bar
If you want a traditional sports pub vibe before heading in, this is a downtown staple. Located just a couple of blocks from the gates, it features great pub food and a massive bourbon selection. It gets packed with Hawks fans, creating a lively atmosphere.
Hudson Grille
Billed as downtown's biggest sports bar, it offers tons of space, a massive patio, and wall-to-wall TVs to catch other games before tip-off. It’s a great spot to soak in the pregame excitement.
Getting to the Event
MARTA (The Ultimate Hack)
This is the easiest stadium commute in the NBA. Take the MARTA Blue or Green Line to the GWCC/CNN Center Station. The escalators from the station drop you right at the front doors of State Farm Arena.
Walking
If you stay at any of the recommended downtown hotels, you can simply join the crowds walking through the Centennial Park District straight to the gates. It’s a pleasant stroll that builds the excitement.
Driving
If you choose to drive from the suburbs, pre-purchasing a parking pass in the CNN Deck or the Ruby Lot is essential. Be prepared for heavy downtown gridlock both before and after the game.
Where to Sit at State Farm Arena
The Hawks Bench
The home team sits in front of Section 118 and Floor 8. This is where you can catch all the action up close.
Away Fans
If you are traveling to support the visiting team, target Section 120 or Floor 9, which sit directly behind the visitor's bench. You’ll have a great view of the game.
The Players Club (Premium)
This is one of the coolest premium concepts in the league. Located behind the team benches (Sections 117-121), this club features a massive glass wall. You can literally watch the players walk out of the locker room tunnel and onto the court while enjoying high-end bars and lounges.
The Topgolf Swing Suites
For a wildly unique group experience, State Farm Arena features high-end suites that double as fully interactive Topgolf simulators. You can hit virtual golf balls in your suite while looking out over the basketball court. It’s a fun way to enjoy the game with friends.
The Budget Seats
Look at the 200-level (upper deck). The arena was completely redesigned in 2018, so the sightlines from the upper bowl are fantastic. Try to score tickets in Sections 210-213 or 223-226 for a perfect center-court perspective at a fraction of the lower-level prices.
Conclusion
Planning your trip to see the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena can be an exciting adventure. From getting there to finding the best places to stay and eat, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to enjoy a game, Atlanta has something to offer everyone. Enjoy your trip and the game!
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