This post contains affiliate links. When clicked, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting RA and keeping it free!
Attending an Atlanta Hawks basketball game is a trilling experience. The Atlanta hawks home games are played in the Centennial Park District of Atlanta at the State Farm Arena, next to many great restaurants and the some of the best attractions in Atlanta.
Growing up a basketball fan in the 80’s, it’s hard to forget the electrifying play of Dominique Wilkins. It fact, his number is retired and can be seen at the top of the stadium, right next to Dikembe Mutombo’s number.
The Atlanta Hawks have had more success in the last few years than in previous years, thanks to making some good trades. Seeing them win more makes the experience much better!
Why Attend An Atlanta Hawks Home Game
Watching the game on TV can be exciting, but when you are in the arena with a tie game and the clock winding down, the in person experience is electrifying.
Yet, It’s not only about the basketball game, there is a lot of fun to be had in the arena and before the game.
My son, who just started playing basketball, absolutely loved everything about the experience. In fact, everyone has been asking about his winter break and his default answer is that he went to a Hawks game.
Where To Sit In State Farm Arena
The best seats in State Farm Arena for an Atlanta Hawks Game are mid court and as low to the ground as possible. However, you will likely need to pay up to get a seat like that. At the game we attended, Joe Johnson was sitting right there at mid court right on the sideline.
Honestly, just going to the game is fun. You can see the game from any seat. There are just some small differences. When you sit lower, you are watching more of the game and what happens on the court. If you sit higher, you will likely balance watching the court and watching the jumbo screen above the court. Also, if you sit lower, you have a better chance a grabbing some of the swag that is thrown into the stands.
For this particular game, since it was my son’s first game, we sat in about 10 rows up in section 106, which is toward the baseline. They were good seats and we could see all the action.
Parking For An Atlanta Hawks Game
If you read my post on any of the sports teams in Atlanta, like visiting an Atlanta United game or visiting the Atlanta Braves Stadium at Truist Park, you know that we always recommend making a parking plan.
We did just that, however it backfired.
We purchased tickets for the green deck. However, when we arrived, the deck was closed.
Luckily there is plenty of paid parking nearby. In fact, the red deck was available for $20, which we took. We took the elevator up and we were right next to the arena.
There are plenty of parking options and they vary in price, usually depending on how far you want to walk. More information can be found at State Farm Arena’s parking information.
Food At The Atlanta Hawks Game
Walking around the arena, you will find many concessions with options like BBQ, pizza, hot dogs and burgers. There are so many options, all you really need to do is walk a little to find something.
However, if you have read this blog, you know I love local Atlanta restaurants. Here are our favorite restaurants in downtown Atlanta if you are looking for something before the game. If you want to stay nearby the stadium, the CNN center has a large food court and there is a gate into the arena from inside the CNN Center.
If want to enjoy something in the stadium, here are a few notable vendors in the stadium that are worth checking out
- JR Crickets have some of the best wings in Atlanta.
- B’s Crackl’in BBQ
- Zack Brown Restaurant
Hotels Near State Farm Arena
The State Farm Arena where the Atlanta Hawks play home games is located in Downtown Atlanta, just across from Centennial Olympic Park. All four of these hotels are within walking distance to everything you want to see in the Centennial Park District of Atlanta including the stadium. The Omni is right next door.
Hyatt Place Atlanta / Centennial Park – This hotel is pet friendly! It also has a restaurant on site, offers free breakfast and has a fitness center and pool.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park – who doesn’t love the managers receptions at an Embassy? This hotel has a Ruth’s Chris.
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center is probably one of the nicest hotels in the district and the closest to Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Hyatt House Atlanta/Downtown is the closest hotel to the Georgia Aquarium.
Things To Do Near State Farm Arena
The State Farm Arena is in downtown Atlanta, next to all the major attractions. Here are a few ideas if you are in town for a game:
- The Georgia Aquarium is right down the street. Stop by and see the whale sharks!
- World of Coca Cola has a lot of history on the Coca Cola brand, memorabilia and everyone’s favorite, Taste It. Where you can sample hundreds of international brands of soda’s.
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a musuem highlighting the achievements the United States and the broader worldwide have made in civil rights and human rights.
- Centennial Olympic Park is one of the best parks in Atlanta and offers 22 acres dedicated to when Atlanta hosted the Olympics. Today is a place where kids can splash in the water or you can snap a photo next to the Olympic Rings or just enjoy the playgrounds, gardens, and expansive lawns.
- CNN Center has an expansive food court, but you can also book a studio tour of the CNN Studio. The highlight was watching the family take turns broadcasting the news, while their image was broadcasted on the TV’s in the studio.
- The SkyView in Atlanta is within a couple blocks of the aquarium. You can enjoy the views of the city from the giant ferris wheel.
FAQ’s On Attending An Atlanta Hawks Game
What is the seating capacity for an Atlanta Hawks game?
The seating capacity for a Atlanta Hawks basketball game is just over 19,000.
What is the bag Policy for an Atlanta Hawks game?
Anything less than 14″ x 14″ x 6″ or smaller. For the most up to date bag policy check here.
Can you pay in cash at concessions?
No, this is a cashless environment. Card payment is required.
When do the doors open to the arena before an Atlanta Hawks game?
About 90 minutes before tip off.
Now it’s your turn, what tips and tricks do you have for going to an Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena?