When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
State Farm Arena
Why State Farm Arena is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
State Farm Arena, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, has been a premier destination since it opened in 1999. As the home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, this arena boasts a seating capacity of 16,888, providing an intimate yet electric atmosphere for basketball fans. Beyond basketball, it hosts a wide variety of concerts, shows, and special events year-round, making it a versatile venue for entertainment. Strategically positioned near popular city landmarks such as Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, and the Atlanta Convention Center, it offers easy access and convenience for visitors wanting to explore the city before or after events. The arena is also known for its unique exterior design featuring a canopy supported by beams spelling "Atlanta," enhancing its urban character. Aber the arena replaced the historic Omni Coliseum and was built with an investment of $213.5 million, designed by renowned architects Populous. Visitors can enjoy amenities like social club seating with exclusive access to private bathrooms, high-quality food and drink options including soft serve ice cream, phone charging stations, and close parking options like the CNN lot across the street. It’s an ideal meeting place for friends looking to experience top-notch sports entertainment or a vibrant event atmosphere in downtown Atlanta.
Here's what people think of State Farm Arena
As of recent, State Farm Arena holds a 4.5-star rating based on 5694 reviews.
User reviews of State Farm Arena consistently highlight the venue’s excellent atmosphere and the high-quality experience provided to guests. Many positive reviews praise the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, the exceptional food and drink offerings, and the comfort and convenience of seating, especially in premium sections like the social club seats. Fans appreciate the private entrances and bathrooms found in these areas, which help avoid long lines, enhancing the overall experience. The proximity of parking options such as the CNN lot is frequently noted as a convenient feature. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews point to the concourse layout being somewhat confusing, with a maze-like design that can make navigation challenging during busy events. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains very positive, with visitors often expressing a desire to return for future games or events. The arena’s combination of modern amenities, prime downtown location, and passionate sports culture makes it a highly recommended venue for both locals and visitors. In conclusion, reviews affirm that State Farm Arena delivers a memorable experience with mostly positive feedback on its services and environment, making it a top choice to meet up with friends for sports or entertainment activities.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Danielle Lavender
ONE OF THE BEST CONCERT VENUES I'VE WENT TO. We went and seen Tate McRae at this venue recently (September 2025) and it's now my favorite venue. Everyone was accommodating and very friendly. The place is clean and so nice. Well maintained and it was easy for us to walk straight to a hotel with no foot traffic at all when we left. I'd recommend a show here.
Zane Faller
I saw Dua Lipa here on 9/13, it was amazing!! From our seats we were able to see the audio and visual booth and they were hard away working. The sound here was great, which offered a lively crowd and an unforgettable night.
Cassie McLain
Not a bad seat in the house!! Seen Shinedown, Bush and Black Stone Cherry. Perfect layout. Staff was top notch and so very helpful. Plenty of places to get food and drinks so you weren’t in line very long.
Johnny Nguyen
I love this concert venue so much! Formerly Philips arena as well, It serves Atlanta with entertainment as a "world-class" facility, and the building overall is clean and is well maintained. 👌 I love that state farm arena is serving 20k and over crowds in an organized manner. I hope more kpop groups will come to this venue and surrounding venues like gas south arena in the future! This facility serves Atlanta's charm well! From Iheartradio events to ateez, to blackpink, nct 127, nct dream, I've been to all the kpop events in this venue! Thanks for an amazing 5-6 years, State Farm Arena! I almost and wanted to attend taylor swift back in 2009/2010 as well for an american event. Thank you for being the premier venue for all of us! I hope you serve us well in the future and on.
Marshall Serwe
We came here for a WWE Premium Live Event and it went fairly smoothly. The line was a little bit wild to get in the building but we moved inward quickly. We got some food and drinks and they were tasty, but a little pricey as usual for arenas. The show was very fun and we had a great view! Unrelated to the arena, but we got to see one of the best matches of the year.
How to reach State Farm Arena
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Why State Farm Arena may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at State Farm Arena with your friends?
State Farm Arena offers an unbeatable setting for rallying with your friends due to its vibrant atmosphere, modern amenities, and central downtown location in Atlanta. Whether you're passionate about basketball, concerts, or other live events, this arena brings the entertainment and excitement that naturally fuel group energy and create unforgettable memories. Its large capacity means you never have to worry about missing out, and the diverse seating options—from luxury suites to club seats—allow you to tailor your experience to your group’s size and style. Beyond just the event itself, the arena is designed for socialization, boasting numerous club areas and party suites that encourage gathering and mingling before, during, and after shows or games. The variety of food and beverage offerings, from local favorites to international cuisine, accommodate diverse tastes, making it easy to satisfy everyone in your party. Conveniently located in downtown Atlanta, there are over 25 restaurants, 15 attractions, and 2,800 hotel rooms within walking distance, allowing for a full day or night-out experience with plenty to do before and after your event. All these factors make State Farm Arena the perfect place to rally with friends for a dynamic and lively outing.
What kind of activities can groups enjoy at State Farm Arena?
At State Farm Arena, groups can enjoy an array of activities that cater to different interests and energy levels. The arena primarily hosts Atlanta Hawks NBA games and Atlanta Dream WNBA games, providing thrilling live sports experiences that unite fans in high-spirited atmosphere. Beyond basketball, the arena is a premier concert venue attracting top global acts like Bruce Springsteen, Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, and Elton John, making it a go-to place for music lovers. Additionally, the arena features unique entertainment options such as the Topgolf Swing Suite, which accommodates up to 100 guests and features HDTVs and golf simulators combined with free food and drinks, perfect for a group looking for some interactive fun together. For those who prefer a more relaxed social setting, there are 92 luxury suites, 9 party suites, and 1,866 club seats, many of which are designed to promote connectivity and socializing with all-inclusive food and beverage deals. Food halls such as the Hawk Walk Market serve chef-driven cuisine, while areas like The Chick-fil-A Fan Zone and Scofflaw Beer Barn offer casual but flavorful dining options, ensuring the group can enjoy a variety of tastes. Whether your group’s interest lies in sports, music, gaming, or simply hanging out with great food and drinks, State Farm Arena has an activity or setting to match your vibe.
How does the seating and suite experience enhance group meetups?
The seating and suite experiences at State Farm Arena elevate group meetups by combining comfort, exclusivity, and social interaction opportunities. The arena boasts seating capacities tailored for different event types—16,888 for basketball and over 21,000 for concerts—and a broad spectrum of premium ticket options. For groups wanting a more intimate or VIP experience, there are 92 luxury suites and 9 party suites that cater to between 8 to 27 guests each. For example, the Loft Suites offer sideline views and accommodate 14 to 20 guests, while Veranda Suites are positioned along the lower bowl sidelines, ideal for a mid-sized group. Shareable Social Cabanas host smaller parties of 8 to 10 people and include food and drinks as part of the package. The design of these suites and club areas encourages conversation and celebration in a private setting while still placing guests close to the action. Regular club seats also offer a premium experience with access to exclusive clubs around the arena, featuring VIP parking and food and beverage perks. This mix of social spaces ensures that groups can customize their gathering from casual to upscale, making State Farm Arena an ideal location for group celebrations, corporate meetups, or family outings.
What food and beverage options make dining enjoyable for groups here?
Dining at State Farm Arena is a group-friendly experience with diverse food and beverage options that appeal to many tastes and dietary needs. The arena serves fare from local favorite staples like J.R. Crickets and Dolo’s Pizza, which resonate well with fans looking for comforting, crowd-pleasing meals. Additionally, the expansive Hawk Walk Market food hall offers chef-driven selections that elevate the typical arena dining experience, including vegetarian and dietary-restricted choices such as Mediterranean vegan falafel and buffalo cauliflower bites. This range of options ensures that groups can find something delicious regardless of individual preferences or dietary restrictions. The Chick-fil-A Fan Zone, occupying sections 207 to 211, offers branded staples for those favoring fast, familiar meals. On the beverage side, the Scofflaw Beer Barn invites beer enthusiasts to explore curated local and craft brews, enhancing social drinking during events. Upscale dining options like the Zac Brown Social Club provide a stylish spot for those who want a quality culinary experience alongside the entertainment. The availability of inclusive food and drink packages in suites and clubs also simplifies group dining while maintaining high quality and easy service.
Why is State Farm Arena’s location ideal for group outings?
State Farm Arena’s prime location in downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Park District makes it exceptionally convenient and attractive for group outings. Surrounded by more than 25 restaurants and over 15 attractions, visitors can easily extend an event into a full day of socializing and exploration. The arena is embedded in a vibrant neighborhood that offers a wide array of dining, entertainment, and leisure opportunities within walking distance, so groups can meet early for dinner, explore local sights, or enjoy after-event celebrations without hassle. The availability of 2,800 nearby hotel rooms means groups coming from out of town have comfortable lodging options close to the venue, eliminating the stress of long commutes. Furthermore, the arena is well connected by major transportation routes and public transit, which helps in managing group logistics smoothly. This central urban setting enhances the overall experience by integrating the excitement of the event with the dynamic city atmosphere, providing a memorable outing for friends or family who come together for sports, concerts, or community events.
How does State Farm Arena support a unique and memorable fan experience?
State Farm Arena is renowned for delivering unique and memorable fan experiences through its combination of cutting-edge technology, award-winning amenities, and community engagement. The arena boasts an impressive 4,477-square-foot 360-degree center-hung video board that wraps around the venue, providing exhilarating close-up views and vibrant replays that immerse fans in the action from every seat. Its renovation between 2017 and 2018 introduced modern premium seating and enhanced social club spaces designed to deepen fan engagement. The arena has received accolades for both its operational excellence and sustainability efforts, including being the first professional sports and entertainment venue to earn TRUE Platinum certification for zero waste. Over its five years of operation, it has hosted hundreds of high-profile concerts and sporting events, fostering a lively environment where fans can connect over shared passions. Programs like the Million Meal Pack, which has helped fight food insecurity in Metro Atlanta, showcase the arena’s commitment to social impact, adding meaning to every visit. This blend of advanced fan services, community focus, and sustainability initiatives makes gatherings here not only fun but socially conscious and unforgettable.
What group sizes can State Farm Arena accommodate comfortably?
State Farm Arena is well equipped to accommodate a wide range of group sizes comfortably, from small gatherings to large parties. The arena’s 92 luxury suites and 9 party suites are perfect for smaller, intimate groups ranging from 8 up to 27 guests, providing privacy alongside premium amenities. Larger groups can take advantage of the spacious seating sections and dedicated social clubs that encourage mingling and group interaction without feeling cramped. The Topgolf Swing Suite is an exceptional option for very large groups, with capacity for up to 100 guests in a private setting, complete with interactive golf simulators and big screen TVs that offer entertainment beyond the main arena event. Club seats and general admission areas are expansive, enabling groups of all sizes to find seats close together. These flexible options make State Farm Arena ideal for hosting everything from casual friend meetups to special celebrations or corporate group functions, ensuring that no guest feels left out regardless of party size. The arena’s thoughtful design ensures that every group experiences comfort and convenience tailored to their needs.
What types of events beyond sports can groups experience here?
Beyond hosting professional basketball games, State Farm Arena offers groups an exciting variety of events spanning music, comedy, and civic engagement. The arena is one of the busiest concert venues in the U.S., regularly attracting top artists and bands, from hip-hop stars to rock legends and international pop icons, making it a hotspot for live music enthusiasts. Comedy shows and family entertainment events also frequently take place here, providing laughter and enjoyment for diverse audiences. The venue has played a significant role in community activities, having served as a voting precinct during the 2020 General Election and hosting impactful events like the Million Meal Pack food drive. This versatility means that groups can plan meetups around a wide range of interests and experiences, from dynamic concerts and cultural celebrations to socially meaningful gatherings. The arena’s adaptable space and world-class facilities ensure that every event is produced to the highest standards, supporting memorable group experiences across many genres and purposes. This wide calendar of events makes State Farm Arena a continually fresh and engaging destination for friends and families looking to connect and celebrate together.