State Farm Arena: Guide for Visiting Fans

MARTA is genuinely the best option here, and not just because parking is a pain — it's because the MARTA GWCC/CNN Center station is directly under the arena, with zero outdoor walk required. The station formerly known as Dome/GWCC/CNN Center now goes by SEC District Station, and it's your exit for State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Georgia World Congress Center, and Centennial Olympic Park. It sits on the Blue and Green Lines.

Coming from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): take the Red Line north, transfer to Blue or Green at Five Points — total trip runs about 30–35 minutes from the airport to the arena, no car, no parking, no traffic. MARTA fare is $2.50 one-way via Breeze card or mobile app.

One catch worth knowing: the State Farm Arena stop is on the Green and Blue lines, which run east-west and don't pass through the heart of Midtown — where many hotels are clustered. From Peachtree Center or Five Points stations on the north-south Red and Gold lines, walking to State Farm Arena is common; expect a little more than half a mile.

By car: a common approach is coming through downtown off I-75/85 — exit at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive heading southbound, or Andrew Young International Drive heading northbound. For rideshare, a pickup zone is found next to International Plaza and State Farm Drive; exiting via Gates 5 or 7 is the best way to find rideshare signage.

The Sapphire Deck ($25–35) connects to the arena via sky bridge, and nearby CNN Center decks run about $10 cheaper. The Sapphire Deck sky bridge is the only fully enclosed parking walk — weather-proof, about 2 minutes to the concourse. If it's raining in Atlanta (and in the fall and winter, it often is), pay the premium.

The Ruby Lot at 199 Alabama Street SW is directly adjacent to the Five Points MARTA station and puts you within easy walking distance of the main arena concourse. It includes ADA spots near elevators and is cashless with prepaid reservation options.

Most official parking for State Farm Arena lies on the other side of Centennial Olympic Park Drive; bargain hunters can find cheaper lots closer to the downtown core, but expect a half-mile walk or more. The biggest warning: the real cost of driving is the post-game Gulch traffic funnel onto I-75/85 — expect 30-plus minutes on sellouts. Pre-purchase parking via ParkMobile before you arrive; day-of premium pricing applies everywhere.

The absolute easiest neighborhood for a visiting fan is right in the Centennial Park District. The Glenn Hotel (Autograph Collection), the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, and Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown are all within 0.2–0.3 miles. The Omni is less than a five-minute walk to the arena , and it's connected to the CNN Center food court — useful before a game when you want to skip the in-arena lines. Rates at the Omni spike on game days, so book early.

If budget is the priority, consider Midtown instead. Midtown is about 2–3 MARTA stops north of downtown and can offer better rates with still-easy arena access. Many Midtown hotels sit near MARTA stations, and the ride to SEC District Station is short — door-to-door about 20–30 minutes. For a longer trip where you want to see more of the city, Midtown also gives you access to better restaurants, bars, and the BeltLine — things the immediate arena environs don't offer.

Stats Brew Pub — Stats is a popular sports bar a few blocks from the arena with more than 70 televisions and an award-winning brewmaster crafting IPAs, sours, lagers, and seasonals from a 10-barrel in-house brewery. It's the pregame call for away fans who want to watch earlier tip-offs before heading in.

Restaurant 10 — Southern-flavored spot that doubles as a sports bar near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, known for its hot honey wings and turkey ribs in semi-sweet barbecue sauce — pair them with the collards and some of the best mac and cheese around.

Capolinea at the Signia Hotel — Inside the Signia Hotel between the GWCC and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Capolinea is a red sauce Italian spot with tableside martinis, spaghetti pomodoro, and tender short rib — a strong move if you want a proper pre-game dinner rather than bar food.

Ray's in the City — A great Southern seafood option for celebratory post-game meals, with half-circle leather booths and a lively bar — think Cobb salads topped with chilled lobster and hot seafood platters with barbecue shrimp.

State Farm Arena does not enforce a clear bag system — all bags must be 14″ x 14″ x 6″ or smaller, with all bags subject to security screening. Briefcases, purses, and luggage are prohibited, and backpacks and hard-sided bags of any size are also not allowed. If your bag doesn't comply, you can check it for a fee at the Bag Valet tent by Gate 2, located off Centennial Olympic Park Drive.

Gates typically open one hour before Hawks games. MARTA riders should target Gate 4, which is essentially a dedicated entrance for MARTA riders because it's below street level — and signage inside the arena actually calls it the "MARTA exit." If you drove and parked in the Sapphire Deck, the sky bridge deposits you directly onto the concourse without touching a street-level gate.

State Farm Arena operates entirely cashless — purchases at concessions and merchandise stands require a credit card, debit card, or accepted mobile payment. Leave your cash at the hotel.

State Farm Arena has accessible seating options available in all price ranges; guests can purchase through Ticketmaster or by calling (800) 745-3000. The Box Office is located next to Gate 2 off Centennial Olympic Park Drive, open on event days only, one hour prior to doors. Guests who need accessible seating but purchased non-accessible tickets can exchange them at the Box Office on the day of the event, subject to availability. ADA parking is available in the Sapphire Deck, Diamond Deck, and Ruby Lot , all on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Atlanta Hawks partner with Ticketmaster to provide OneCourt tactile broadcast devices for blind and low vision fans — these devices let users feel real-time game action through vibrations, and five are available at each home game, checkable at guest services or via online request in advance. A Sensory Room is available; reach out to any SMILE Makers staff member at the game for sensory inclusion assistance.

There is no formally designated away fan section at State Farm Arena for NBA games — away fan seating is wherever you buy. The Hawks don't sell out most regular-season games against non-marquee opponents, so visiting fans often end up clustered naturally in the upper bowl opposite the home bench, typically sections 200–208 on the north side.

The arena has a generally square shape, but the seating bowl is oriented diagonally within — this creates large concourse areas in each corner. For sightlines, the lower bowl is compact and tight to the court, making it one of the better NBA arenas for proximity to the action. There are standing-room areas for congregating while watching, and two large bars are stationed on each side of the 100 level with room behind the seating bowl to stand and catch the game in a pub-like atmosphere. If your team is good and you want to watch with fellow away fans, buy a cluster of seats in the upper-level corners — you'll have the sightlines, the company, and the space.

For a unique Hawks-themed option, look for Scofflaw's Human Highlight Film pale ale named after Dominique Wilkins; the concession lineup also includes B's Cracklin Barbecue, J.R. Crickets for wings, and Old Lady Gang for Southern food. Zac Brown's Social Club is worth a visit for the collards — a sturdy, vinegary side with a hint of spice that works with basically anything you order. Beer typically runs $14–17, and a full meal at most stands will set you back $18–25; all purchases are cashless, and lines build quickly during stoppages, so grab food early.

As visiting fan experiences go, State Farm Arena is genuinely one of the more comfortable NBA road trips. The Hawks have enjoyed only sporadic success since moving in, which means the building hasn't quite become the hostile cauldron that a franchise with a long championship pedigree would generate. The crowd is loud when the Hawks are on a run and performing well, but regular-season games against mid-tier opponents are often two-thirds full with a relaxed energy. What stands out when you're actually there: the post-renovation concourses are legitimately wide and well-lit, which makes moving around during a game far easier than older NBA barns. The northwest corner of the arena is something of a party corner — worth a lap during a timeout just for the vibe. The one thing that will catch you off guard as a first-time visitor is how quickly the arena empties if the game's out of hand by the fourth quarter — you might find yourself in a half-empty building with 6 minutes left, which is awkward if your team is losing but a gift if you want to beat traffic.

MARTA: This is the move. MARTA runs until approximately 1am on event nights, adequate for most game end times; fare is $2.50 one-way. Don't linger — head straight to Gate 4 (the MARTA exit) the moment the final whistle blows, get on the platform before the wave hits, and you'll be clear of downtown in minutes. If you wait 15 minutes, the platform will be packed. The Blue and Green lines will be crowded; they run east-west and don't pass through Midtown , so if your hotel is in Midtown, you'll transfer at Five Points onto the northbound Red or Gold Line.

Driving: The post-game Gulch traffic funnel onto I-75/85 can run 30+ minutes on sellouts. If you parked in the Sapphire Deck, wait 20 minutes inside — grab a last drink at one of the concourse bars, let the lot empty by about a third, then move. The Gulch Green Lot on the west side has an easier exit onto Northside Drive and I-75/85 north if you're heading that direction.

Rideshare: The designated pickup zone is next to International Plaza and State Farm Drive; use Gates 5 or 7 to find rideshare signage. Surge pricing hits immediately after the final buzzer. Walking a few blocks away into downtown often gives you more stable pricing and quicker pickups. The opinionated tip: walk three blocks east toward Peachtree Street, open your app from there, and you'll get a faster and cheaper ride than you would standing in the designated zone with 2,000 other people doing the same thing.

What MARTA station serves State Farm Arena?

The station is now called SEC District Station (formerly Dome/GWCC/CNN Center), and it's your exit for State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Centennial Olympic Park.

What lines run to SEC District Station?

SEC District Station is on the Blue and Green Lines. Coming from the airport, take the Red Line north to Five Points and transfer.

How long does MARTA take from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)?

Take the Red Line north, transfer to Blue or Green at Five Points — total trip is about 30–35 minutes from the airport to the arena.

What is the bag policy at State Farm Arena?

State Farm Arena permits bags that measure 14″ x 14″ x 6″ or smaller. Backpacks and hard-sided bags of any size are not allowed. No clear bag requirement — regular soft bags within the size limit are fine.

What does parking cost at State Farm Arena?

The Sapphire Deck runs $25–35 and connects via sky bridge; nearby CNN Center decks are about $10 cheaper. Pre-purchase via ParkMobile for the best rates.

Does State Farm Arena accept cash?

State Farm Arena is entirely cashless — all purchases require a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment.

When do gates open for Hawks games?

Gates typically open one hour before Hawks games.

What are the best seats for away fans? There's no designated away section. Best bet is the upper bowl on the north side (sections 200–208) — good sightlines, compact arena, and visiting fans tend to cluster there naturally. Lower bowl near the opponent's bench end gives you the closest view if you want to splurge.