State Farm Arena visitor guide: everything you need to know

State Farm Arena is the premier indoor sports and entertainment venue in Atlanta. It’s home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and previously hosted the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers. It also hosted NCAA basketball games, hundreds of concerts, and every type of event imaginable. 

The arena’s location near downtown makes it the perfect destination for exploring the city before the game or show. Atlanta’s food scene is famous for a reason, so while the concessions are amazing at State Farm Arena, you’ll want to grab a bite before heading to the game. It’s also accessible from the rest of the city via public transportation and even walkable from downtown. 

If you’re going to have your luggage with you on game day, it’s best to research the arena’s bag policy ahead of time. For the best State Farm Arena luggage storage, use Bounce. We have dozens of locations near downtown and a few within a short walk of State Farm Arena. Problem solved.

State Farm Arena bag policy 

The State Farm Arena bag policy does not allow backpacks, suitcases, luggage, or any personal item that is larger than 14" x 14" x 6". All bags need to be in a single compartment, which means no side pockets for additional storage. There is a bag check service at Gate 2 (located off Centennial Olympic Park Drive) for all non-complying bags. The jury is still out on how reliable this is because it gets extremely busy on game day. There is also a strict one-hour post-game cut-off for when you can pick up your bag.

If you want a reliable and flexible option, Bounce’s Downtown Atlanta storage spot and Hotel District location are all nearby if you need a place to drop the bags off before the game. While the State Farm Arena bag policy is strict, it’s definitely still worth visiting for a game, especially with solutions like Bounce. 

State Farm Arena food policy 

The State Farm Arena food policy bans all outside food and beverage. The only real exceptions are families that need to bring in bottles of formula or milk. Otherwise, leave the snacks and drinks in the car or at the hotel.

State Farm Arena has a solid selection of concessions and vendors, with everything from the iconic Atlanta staple “lemon pepper wet wings” to vegan and gluten-free options on offer. 

Atlanta has a criminally underrated street food scene, so it’s easy enough to grab a quick bite before heading to the game. In fact, a visit to this city without properly exploring the restaurant scene would be an absolute shame.

State Farm Arena transportation

Depending on where you’re staying in Atlanta, arranging State Farm Arena transportation is very easy. 

MARTA 

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates rail and bus services in Atlanta, and State Farm Arena is especially convenient to get to via the MARTA rail system. Commuters can use the Blue Line or the Green Line and get off at the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. It’s only a five-minute walk from the station to the gate, and you won’t have to contend with any traffic. 

Walking

If you're staying in downtown Atlanta, it’s not hard to figure out how to get to State Farm Arena. It’s less than a 25-minute walk from most hotels. The area around the stadium is also beautiful, with Centennial Olympic Park and Georgia International Plaza being cool green spaces to enjoy. 

Taxi and rideshare

Uber and Lyft are both convenient options for getting around Atlanta, and State Farm Arena is less than a five-minute drive from downtown. Atlanta is also one of the last cities where taxis are readily available, and they'll be lined up at the designated taxi stand after the game. 

Driving

If you're driving in from out of town or the Suburbs, parking is readily available outside the arena. Definitely leave enough time to get to your seat because traffic will be congested near the stadium, and it takes time to find a spot in the parking lots. 

Cycling

Atlanta's traffic and topography make it harder to get around on two wheels, but there will be bicycle racks to lock your bike up if that's the way you want to get to the game. 

State Farm Arena camera policy 

The State Farm Arena camera policy states that Polaroids, disposables, and cameras without interchangeable or detachable lenses are allowed inside the arena. 

Cameras with fixed lenses longer than three inches are prohibited, as are monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, and GoPros. Any professional camera equipment or video cameras require a media credential for admission.

State Farm Arena rules 

Permitted items 

For Hawks games, events, and concerts, all banners, flags, signs, and posters must be smaller than 11” x 17” and not attached to a stick or pole. These signs and flags must not contain any material not pertaining to the event. Anything commercial or political in nature or deemed inappropriate or offensive will not be allowed in the event. This is a strict policy.

Prohibited items

Electronics like iPads, tablets, and laptops are not permitted as per the State Farm Arena policies - this applies to both Hawks games and concerts. If there is a business component to your visit to State Farm Arena and you need to bring your laptop, reach out to guest services.

Entry 

There is a promotional or ceremonial component to the game, gates open 60 minutes prior to tip-off at Hawks games. Gate times for concerts are generally 60 minutes prior to the start of the event unless otherwise stated on your ticket. For all events, re-entry is strictly prohibited.

Payment 

State Farm Arena has gone cashless, so you'll need a credit or debit card to buy concessions or merchandise. 

Conclusion 

If you're visiting Atlanta for the first time, your to-do list has got to be pretty long. There's just so much culture, cuisine, nightlife, and history to enjoy. But if you're a sports fan, a trip to State Farm Arena for a Hawks game is an absolute must. Even better, the arena is located right near downtown, where all the best attractions and cultural offerings, like fantastic museums, are located. Just remember to find a secure place to store your luggage. That's where Bounce comes in.