State Farm Arena in Atlanta - History and Events at the Premier Downtown Venue

The History of State Farm Arena in Atlanta

The State Farm Arena, formerly known as Philips Arena, has been the premier indoor entertainment venue in Atlanta, Georgia since 1999. Located in downtown Atlanta, State Farm Arena has hosted hundreds of major concerts, sporting events, family shows and other events for over 20 years.

State Farm Arena first opened its doors on September 18, 1999 with a performance by Celine Dion. Originally known as Philips Arena, the venue got its name from the original naming rights sponsor, Royal Philips Electronics. The first sporting event held at the arena was an NHL game between the Atlanta Thrashers and the New Jersey Devils.

Philips Arena was conceived in 1997 as part of a larger plan to reinvigorate downtown Atlanta. The arena was designed by architecture firms Ellerbe Becket and Heery International. Ground broke on the site in 1997 across from Centennial Olympic Park, with the arena built on the site of the former Omni Coliseum.

The $213.5 million arena was largely financed by Atlanta taxpayers as part of a sports and entertainment complex that also included the 21,000 seat Philips Arena and a 12,000 capacity Philips Arena amphitheater. The complex was a catalyst for development in downtown Atlanta.

Noteworthy Events at State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena has hosted a wide variety of events showcasing top names in the music and sports industry. Some of the most memorable concerts include:

• Britney Spears - The Onyx Hotel Tour - 2004
• Bruce Springsteen - The Rising Tour - 2003
• U2 - Elevation Tour - 2001
• Madonna - Rebel Heart Tour - 2015
• Jimmy Buffett - I Don't Know Tour - 2009

On the sports side, State Farm Arena is best known as the home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks since 1999. The arena has hosted playoff games and seen Hawks greats like Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins grace the court. Other sporting events have included:

• NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - First and Second Rounds - 2003, 2007
• NBA All Star Game - 2003
• WNBA Finals - Atlanta Dream vs. Seattle Storm - 2010
• SEC Men's Basketball Tournament - 2008, 2012, 2017

The arena has also hosted family shows like Disney on Ice and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus over the years.

Concerts and Entertainment

State Farm Arena remains one of the premier venues for concerts and shows in Atlanta. Top musicians are drawn to perform at the arena given its excellent acoustics and intimate setting compared to larger stadium venues. With a capacity of 21,000, even upper deck seats have great views of the stage.

Fans have been treated to spectacular shows from artists covering all genres of music. Country music stars like Carrie Underwood, Eric Church and Blake Shelton have played sold out shows. Pop superstars Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Beyonce have brought their world tours to the arena. Hip hop and R&B icons like Jay-Z, Drake and Janet Jackson have also performed to adoring fans.

Other big names that have rocked the State Farm Arena stage include Bon Jovi, the Eagles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion, Cher and many more. The arena often hosts the hottest touring acts every year.

Atlanta Hawks Home Court

The State Farm Arena is best known locally as the home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have played in the arena since its opening in 1999 after relocating from the Omni Coliseum.

The arena has hosted many memorable Hawks moments over the years. Hawks legends like Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Smith, Joe Johnson, Paul Millsap and Dominique Wilkins have thrilled fans with big plays on the court. The Hawks clinched playoff appearances in 2014 and 2015 in front of roaring home crowds.

The arena got a major technology overhaul in 2018 with the installation of what is considered the world's first ultra-connected sports venue. Basketball fans now get an immersive experience with a cutting-edge audio system and 360-degree connected platforms to view unique content and stats.

The arena also underwent major renovations in 2020-2021 which updated the concourses and seating areas. With a passionate fanbase, expect exciting Hawks action for years to come at State Farm Arena.

More Than an Arena

State Farm Arena serves as more than just a sports and entertainment venue. The arena hosts high school and college graduation ceremonies every year, giving students a memorable venue to celebrate their achievement.

The arena also holds major college basketball tournaments organized by the SEC and NCAA. March Madness has tipped off at State Farm Arena several times over the years.

A range of community events take place at the arena as well. Job fairs, blood drives, food drives and career fairs provide outreach and support throughout Atlanta.

State Farm Arena truly serves as a gathering place for all kinds of events big and small.

State Farm Arena Renovations

The arena recently underwent a $200 million major renovation between 2020 and 2021. The renovations transformed the 22-year old arena to give it a fresh new look and feel.

Upgrades focused on expanding concourses and enhancing amenities for visitors. New premium lounges, clubs and bars now give fans prime spots to relax and enjoy games and shows.

Technological upgrades enhanced the audio and video systems to immerse fans in the experience. Scoreboards and displays were enlarged and a 360-degree Daktronics halo video board was installed.

On the sustainability front, renovations reduced water use by 30% through features like low flow plumbing. Recycling stations were also added throughout the building.

The unique, angular architecture of the arena exterior remains but has been updated with a modern LED lighting package. The renovations position the arena to remain a top attraction in Atlanta for decades to come.

Renovation Highlights

Some highlights of the recent State Farm Arena renovations include:

• Three new premium club spaces - Courtside Club, Gallery Row and Tunnel Club
• Redesigned concourses with expanded gathering spaces
• New premium bars and lounges for enhanced hospitality
• Cutting edge Daktronics halo video board and audio system
• High density Wi-Fi and 5G cellular connectivity
• Interactive experiences via arena apps and digital signage

The renovations greatly improved the overall fan experience and transformed State Farm Arena into a world-class facility.

Getting to State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena occupies a prime location in downtown Atlanta conveniently surrounded by hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Public transportation via MARTA is the greenest and easiest way to get to events at the arena. The CNN Center/Philips Arena/GWCC station is attached directly to the arena.

Driving to the arena is straightforward with multiple highway options. I-75, I-85 and I-20 all feed into downtown near the arena. Parking is available in surrounding lots and decks for a fee.

Ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft can provide a more affordable ride to the arena since parking averages $15-20. Arriving early is recommended as traffic builds near event start times.

No matter how you get there, getting to State Farm Arena is a cinch given its central location in the heart of Atlanta.

Local Dining and Nightlife

Grabbing a bite to eat or a drink before or after the event is part of the experience. State Farm Arena sits nestled among a bevy of fantastic local restaurants and nightlife options.

Sports bars like Stats and Tavern at CNN Center feed fans craving wings and brews. Family dining choices like American Deli and PittyPat's Porch offer hearty meals steps away.

For upscale options, Glenn's Kitchen, Nikky's Sports Lounge and Centennial Cafe are local favorites. Sweet treats like ice cream, crepes and cupcakes can be devoured after the show.

Nightlife hot spots like Joystick Gamebar, 5Church, and Der Biergarten provide the after-hours action with drinks, games and dancing. The fun continues long after the buzzer sounds.

The Future Looks Bright

After over 20 years of events and memories, State Farm Arena remains a premier destination in Atlanta following its impressive renovations. The arena maintains its reputation for booking the biggest concert tours and providing a thrilling home court for the Hawks.

Fans can expect more enhancements down the road as well. The arena hopes to integrate mixed reality technology in the future to provide immersive experiences for fans. 5G and Wi-Fi upgrades will also expand connectivity and custom content.

On the sustainability front, more water saving and energy efficiency measures are planned. The arena aims to achieve LEED Gold or Platinum certification for its operations and building standards.

With its prime location, passionate fanbase and recent major facelift, the future looks bright for many more years of entertainment ahead at State Farm Arena.

FAQs

Where is State Farm Arena located?

State Farm Arena is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia at 1 State Farm Drive. It sits across from Centennial Olympic Park.

Who plays at State Farm Arena?

The arena is home to the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. It also hosts major concerts from top artists covering all genres of music.

What is the seating capacity?

State Farm Arena has a maximum seating capacity of 21,000 for basketball games and concerts.

How do I get to the arena?

Public transportation via MARTA is recommended. The CNN Center/Philips Arena/GWCC station is attached to the arena. Driving and ride shares are other options.

When did the arena open?

State Farm Arena first opened in 1999 as Philips Arena. It underwent major renovations in 2020-2021.