State Farm Arena | Atlanta

State Farm Arena, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, is a premier indoor sports and entertainment venue known for its modern design, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to sustainability. Originally opened in 1999 under the name Phillips Arena, it underwent an extensive $192.5 million renovation completed in 2018. This renovation transformed the facility into one of the most advanced arenas in the country, enhancing both the fan experience and operational efficiency. It serves as the home court for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and hosts a wide variety of other events, including concerts, family shows, wrestling, and esports tournaments.

Architectural and Design Features

Seating Capacity and Configuration
The arena is designed to accommodate between 15,000 and 21,000 spectators, depending on the event type and seating arrangement:

For NBA basketball games, the seating capacity is approximately 16,888.

For concerts, the configuration varies but can seat up to around 21,000 attendees when floor seating is included.
The seating layout is designed to offer excellent sightlines from every seat, ensuring fans enjoy a clear view of the action regardless of location.

Center-Hung Video Board and Visuals
One of the standout features added during the renovation is a massive center-hung scoreboard that measures roughly 80 feet in circumference and nearly 28 feet tall. This four-sided, high-definition LED display provides crystal-clear video replays, game stats, animations, and interactive fan content. The scoreboard enhances the immersive experience during sporting events and concerts by keeping fans engaged visually at all times.

Connectivity and Acoustics
State Farm Arena is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including free high-speed Wi-Fi coverage throughout the venue. This allows fans to stay connected, share their experiences on social media, and access mobile ticketing and concession ordering seamlessly. The arena’s acoustic engineering ensures balanced sound quality, minimizing echo and delivering clear audio for concerts and performances.

Modern Amenities and Fan Experience
The arena features upgraded seating with more legroom and cushioned seats in premium areas. It has expanded concession options with a mix of local Atlanta cuisine and national brands, providing a diverse range of food and beverage choices. Additionally, multiple club lounges and luxury suites offer exclusive experiences for premium ticket holders, including upscale dining and private bars.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

State Farm Arena is recognized as a leader in environmental sustainability in the sports and entertainment industry. It holds both LEED Gold certification, which recognizes leadership in energy efficiency and sustainable building practices, and TRUE Platinum certification, reflecting a commitment to zero waste.

Waste Diversion and Recycling
The arena has achieved a remarkable 90.3% waste diversion rate, meaning that the vast majority of waste generated at events is either recycled, composted, or otherwise diverted from landfills. This sets a high standard for sustainability practices in similar venues worldwide.

Energy and Water Efficiency
The venue incorporates energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, reducing overall energy consumption. Water-saving fixtures and practices are also implemented to minimize water use, helping reduce the arena’s environmental footprint.

Sustainable Operations
Beyond building design, State Farm Arena integrates sustainability into day-to-day operations, such as using environmentally friendly cleaning products, sourcing locally when possible, and encouraging sustainable transportation options like MARTA public transit.

Event Hosting and Usage

State Farm Arena is a multi-purpose facility designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of events, making it a central hub for entertainment in Atlanta:

Sports Events
As the home arena of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), it hosts all regular-season and playoff basketball games. Additionally, it occasionally hosts college basketball games, wrestling matches, and other competitive sporting events.

Concerts and Shows
The arena regularly attracts internationally renowned artists and performers. Its flexible seating and acoustics support a wide variety of musical genres and performance types, from rock and pop concerts to orchestral and theatrical shows.

Family and Special Events
The venue also accommodates family-friendly shows like circus performances, ice shows, and children’s entertainment, as well as esports tournaments and other special events, reflecting its versatile design.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Location and Access
State Farm Arena is centrally located at 1 State Farm Drive NW in downtown Atlanta, adjacent to the CNN Center and within walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The arena is well-served by Atlanta’s MARTA public transit system, with several nearby stations, making it accessible without a car. There are also multiple parking garages and lots available within close proximity for those who drive.

Accessibility Features
The arena is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It offers accessible seating options, elevators, ramps, and restroom facilities to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Services such as assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters are available upon request.

Security and Policies
For safety and convenience, the arena enforces a clear bag policy and security screening at entrances. This helps maintain a safe environment for all attendees while facilitating faster entry.

Fan Services
On-site guest services include information desks, lost and found, and accommodations for guests with special needs. The arena staff are trained to provide assistance to enhance visitor comfort and satisfaction.

Summary

State Farm Arena is a modern, high-tech, and environmentally conscious indoor arena that plays a vital role in Atlanta’s cultural and sporting life. Its significant renovation transformed it into a venue that blends cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and premium fan amenities. It offers a world-class experience for sports fans, concertgoers, and visitors attending a variety of events, solidifying its status as a key entertainment destination in the Southeast United States.