State Farm Arena Review: A Fan-Friendly Venue for Unforgettable Events

State Farm Arena in Atlanta is a top-notch venue for sports and entertainment. I’ve been to several events there and always had a great time. The arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks basketball team and hosts many big-name concerts throughout the year.

What really stands out about State Farm Arena is its central location and modern amenities. It’s right next to the CNN Center in downtown Atlanta, making it easy to grab food before an event. Inside, you’ll find comfortable seating with good views of the action from most spots.

I love the energy at Hawks games, but concerts here are awesome too. The sound system is great, and there are plenty of food and drink options. Getting in and out can be a bit tricky with the crowds, but that’s pretty standard for any big arena.

Key Takeaways

  • State Farm Arena offers a mix of sports and entertainment in downtown Atlanta
  • The venue has modern amenities and good views from most seats
  • It’s easy to pair an event with dining or other activities nearby

History and Location

State Farm Arena has a rich history and prime location in Atlanta. It’s changed names and undergone major updates over the years. The arena sits right in the middle of downtown, making it easy to get to.

Formerly Philips Arena

I remember when this place was called Philips Arena. It opened in 1999 with that name. The arena got its current name in 2018 when State Farm bought the naming rights for $175 million. That was a big deal!

Before the name change, the arena went through some tough times. In 2008, an EF2 tornado hit nearby. Luckily, it only caused minor damage to the outside of the building.

In 2017, the arena got a huge makeover. They spent $192.5 million to make it better. I think the changes really improved the fan experience.

Heart of Atlanta

I love how State Farm Arena is right in the middle of everything. Its address is 1 State Farm Drive, which is super easy to remember.

The arena is next to the CNN Center, which is pretty cool. It’s in a busy part of downtown Atlanta. This makes it simple to get to games or events.

There’s lots to do nearby. You can grab food at Taqueria on Broad before a game. It’s open most days until early evening.

The central location means you can make a whole day of your visit. There are restaurants, shops, and other attractions all around the arena.

Seating and Views

State Farm Arena offers a variety of seating options with great views. I’ve checked out many seats and can share the inside scoop on what to expect.

General Seating Information

The arena has a clear seating chart that makes it easy to pick your spot. I find the lower bowl seats in sections 106, 107, and 120 give an awesome view of the action. The upper levels like section 207 are cheaper but still offer decent sightlines.

For most events, you can choose between reserved seats or general admission tickets. Reserved seats guarantee your exact spot. General admission is first-come, first-served seating in a specific area.

The seats themselves are pretty comfy. Many have padding, which is nice for longer events. I always feel like I have enough legroom too.

Premium Seating Options

If you want to splurge, check out the club seats. These cushy seats often come with extra perks like in-seat food service.

There are also luxury suites available for groups. These private boxes have the best views and amenities.

For concerts, sometimes there are special VIP packages with prime seats and meet-and-greet opportunities.

Views from Different Sections

I’ve sat all over the arena and can say the views are generally good. Lower level side seats offer great sightlines for concerts, even from the far sides.

For basketball, I love sitting in the corners of the lower bowl. You get a unique angle on the court action.

Upper deck seats are further away but still provide a full view of the floor. I find the center sections up top work well for seeing the whole court or stage.

Accessibility Features

State Farm Arena does a good job with accessibility. There are wheelchair spaces in various sections, both high and low in the arena.

Elevators make it easy to reach all levels. Wide concourses allow for easy navigation.

Assistive listening devices are available. There’s also closed captioning on the video boards for announcements.

I appreciate that they offer a range of accessible seating options at different price points. It helps ensure everyone can enjoy events comfortably.

Amenities and Facilities

State Farm Arena offers great food, drinks, and services. I found everything I needed for a fun event experience. The staff were helpful and friendly too.

Food and Drink

I loved the food options at State Farm Arena. They have plenty of choices, from quick snacks to full meals. I grabbed a hot dog and fries – yum! For drinks, there were sodas, beer, and cocktails.

The Concert Club lounge was really nice. It had two buffet stations with fancy food like fresh fish, shrimp, and roast beef. The dessert bar looked amazing too.

Prices were about what I expected for an arena. I didn’t have to wait in line too long to get my food and drinks. Overall, I was happy with the variety and quality.

Restrooms and Services

I found the restrooms clean and well-maintained. There were enough stalls so I didn’t have to wait long, even during busy times.

The ushers were super helpful when I needed to find my seat. They knew the layout well and gave clear directions. I felt taken care of throughout the event.

Other services I noticed:

  • ATMs
  • First aid station
  • Lost and found
  • Wheelchair accessible areas

The arena was easy to get around. Signs were clear, so I didn’t get lost. I appreciated how smooth everything ran.

Ticketing and Admission

Getting tickets to State Farm Arena is pretty easy. I’ve been there many times and can share some tips. The arena hosts lots of events, from Atlanta Hawks games to big concerts.

Purchasing Tickets

I always check the official State Farm Arena website first when buying tickets. They list the full event schedule and have an easy online system. Prices vary a lot depending on the event and seat location. For Hawks games, I’ve paid anywhere from $30 for nosebleeds to over $200 for lower level seats.

Season tickets are a great deal if you plan to go to lots of games. I got partial season tickets one year and loved it. The Hawks offer flexible plans to fit different budgets.

For popular events, joining the arena’s email list helps. I get presale codes sometimes that let me buy tickets before the general public.

What to Know on Game Days

On event days, I make sure to arrive early. Security lines can get long, especially for big games or concerts. The arena opens its doors 90 minutes before Hawks tipoff.

I always have my tickets ready on my phone. The arena uses mobile ticketing now, which is super convenient. No more paper tickets to forget at home!

If you’re driving, pre-purchasing parking online saves money and hassle. There are also MARTA stations nearby if you prefer public transit.

Bring a credit card. Most food stands are cashless now. And don’t forget to check out the cool pre-game activities on the concourse!

Parking and Transportation

Getting to State Farm Arena is easy. There are lots of parking options and public transport choices. I’ll cover the best ways to arrive for events.

Arena Parking Options

I found several parking garages near State Farm Arena. The official arena lot is right across the street. It costs about $15 to reserve a spot there. That’s super convenient!

For cheaper options, I like the garage at 98 Cone Street Northwest. It’s only a 10-minute walk and can save you $10-$20.

Here are some other nearby parking choices:

  • CNN Deck
  • Red Deck
  • Diamond Deck

Most spots take credit cards only. But CNN Deck accepts cash too. I suggest booking ahead online for the best prices and guaranteed spots.

Public Transport Accessibility

I love taking MARTA to State Farm Arena. It’s so easy! The arena is right next to two MARTA stations:

  • Five Points Station
  • Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station

Both are just a short walk away. No traffic stress!

Buses also stop nearby. Check MARTA’s website for route info and schedules. I find public transport is often faster than driving, especially when there’s an event.

For ride-shares, there’s a special pickup area on Andrew Young International Blvd. It’s well-marked and makes finding your driver a breeze.

Game Day Experience

State Farm Arena offers exciting events for sports and music fans alike. I’ve had amazing times watching Hawks games and rocking out at concerts here. The energy is electric no matter what’s happening on the floor or stage.

Atlanta Hawks Games

I love catching Hawks games at State Farm Arena. The atmosphere is incredible, with fans decked out in red and black. The giant scoreboard keeps me up to date on stats and replays.

During timeouts, I enjoy watching the fun entertainment like the flight crew doing acrobatics. The Hawks cheerleaders also put on a great show.

Food options are plentiful. I usually grab some hot wings or a slice of pizza. For drinks, there are plenty of beer stands and bars throughout the arena.

My favorite seats are in the lower bowl near center court. But even the upper deck offers good views of the action.

Watching Concerts and Performances

State Farm Arena hosts awesome concerts too. I’ve seen some of my favorite artists perform here. The sound quality is top-notch, and the stage setups are always impressive.

For big shows, I like to splurge on VIP packages. These often include early entry, merchandise, and sometimes even a meet-and-greet with the performer.

The arena’s design means there really aren’t any bad seats. Even from the back, I can see the performers clearly on the big screens.

Between sets, I enjoy grabbing a drink at one of the bars. The lines move pretty quickly, so I don’t miss much of the show.

For popular concerts, I make sure to buy tickets early. They often sell out fast!

Safety and Security

I felt very safe during my visit to State Farm Arena. The security measures were noticeable but not intrusive. The staff conducted bag checks and used metal detectors at the entrances.

Inside, I spotted security guards stationed throughout the venue. They seemed alert and professional. The arena’s layout made it easy to move around without feeling crowded.

The staff was friendly and helpful. When I had a question about the nearest exit, an usher was quick to assist me. I appreciated their attentiveness.

One thing that stood out was the clear signage for emergency exits. I could easily spot them from my seat. This gave me peace of mind throughout the event.

The venue’s features also contributed to the safe atmosphere. Wide walkways and well-lit areas made navigation simple. I never felt unsafe, even when moving through busier sections.

Overall, State Farm Arena’s approach to safety and security impressed me. It struck a good balance between being thorough and maintaining a welcoming environment.

Reviews and Ratings

People love State Farm Arena! I’ve heard great things about the views and staff. Let’s check out what fans say about Hawks games and concerts.

Hawks Game Reviews

I went to a Hawks game last month and had a blast! The atmosphere was electric. Many reviewers praise the arena’s layout, saying it’s easy to find your seat. I agree – the staff were super helpful.

The views are awesome from almost anywhere. I sat up high but could still see everything clearly. Some fans mention the food is pricey, but that’s typical for arenas.

One cool thing – the new interactive features and technology make watching the game even more fun. Overall, Hawks fans seem to love the experience at State Farm Arena.

Concert Goer Reviews

I’ve been to a few concerts here, and it’s always a great time. The sound quality is top-notch. Many reviewers on TripAdvisor agree, saying the acoustics are fantastic.

The staff get lots of praise for being friendly and helpful. I’ve always found them to be super nice. Getting in and out is usually pretty smooth too.

One tip – arrive early to grab food at the CNN Center next door. It’s cheaper than arena prices. Parking can be tricky, so consider taking MARTA if you can. It drops you right at the arena!

Frequently Asked Questions

State Farm Arena has rules and features that visitors should know about. I’ll cover some key details about what you can bring, who uses it, and what to expect inside.

Can you bring water into State Farm Arena Atlanta?

I can’t bring my own water into State Farm Arena. They have a strict policy on outside food and drinks. But I don’t need to worry – there are plenty of places to buy water and other drinks inside.

Who uses the State Farm Arena?

The Atlanta Hawks NBA team calls State Farm Arena home. I can watch them play exciting basketball games here. The arena also hosts big concerts, shows, and other events throughout the year.

How big is the State Farm Arena Atlanta?

State Farm Arena is huge! It can hold over 16,000 people for basketball games. For concerts, it fits even more – up to 21,000 fans. The size makes for an amazing atmosphere at events.

Where is the best place to park at the State Farm Arena?

I find parking right at State Farm Arena to be really convenient. There are several parking decks connected to or very close to the arena. If those are full, I can use nearby lots or garages within walking distance.

What are the food and drink options like inside State Farm Arena?

I’m always impressed by the food choices at State Farm Arena. They have way more than just hot dogs and nachos. I can get local Atlanta favorites, gourmet burgers, and even healthier options. The drink selection is great too, with lots of beer choices.

Are there any special amenities or areas for VIPs at State Farm Arena?

State Farm Arena has some cool VIP areas. I’ve heard about luxury suites and special club sections with comfy seats and great views. Some even have all-inclusive food and drinks. It’s a fancy way to enjoy events if I want to splurge.

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