Dreaming of hosting an unforgettable event at a world-class venue? State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, is a prime choice! Whether you're planning a corporate gala, a large-scale concert, a private celebration, or a unique sporting event, understanding the rental process and associated costs is your first step. Let's dive in and uncover how much it costs to rent out State Farm Arena and guide you through the exciting journey of making your event a reality.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Host an Iconic Event? Let's Determine Your Vision!
Before we even talk numbers, let's get you thinking about the kind of event you envision. This is the crucial first step that will shape everything else.
What's the Purpose of Your Event? Is it a huge concert, a professional sporting event (beyond the Hawks, perhaps a special exhibition?), a large-scale corporate conference, a trade show, a private party, or something else entirely? The purpose dictates the scale and specific areas of the arena you'll need.
How Many Guests Do You Expect? State Farm Arena has a seating capacity of around 16,600 for basketball games and can accommodate over 21,000 for concerts. Knowing your guest count will help determine if you need the full arena bowl or a smaller, more intimate space.
What's Your Ideal Date(s)? Availability is key for a busy venue like State Farm Arena. Having a few preferred dates and some flexibility will be beneficial.
What Specific Amenities Do You Require? Think beyond just the space. Do you need in-house catering, advanced AV equipment, specific lighting, multiple breakout rooms, VIP areas, or specialized production support? The more detailed you are, the better the arena staff can tailor a proposal for you.
Step 2: Understanding the Different Rental Options & Their General Costs
State Farm Arena offers a variety of spaces, and the cost to rent will depend significantly on which areas you utilize and for how long. It's not usually a flat "arena rental fee" but rather a combination of venue fees, staffing, production, and other services.
Sub-heading 2.1: Full Arena Bowl Rental
Renting the entire arena bowl is typically reserved for major concerts, large-scale sporting events, and massive corporate gatherings. This is where the biggest price tags come in, as you're leveraging the full capacity and infrastructure of a major entertainment venue.
Estimated Cost Range: While direct full arena rental costs aren't publicly advertised, industry estimates for similar-sized major arenas for large events can range from $120,000 to $200,000 or more per day, depending on the nature of the event, production needs, and duration. This figure often doesn't include all staffing, ticketing services, or complex technical requirements.
What's Included (Typically): Access to the main arena floor, seating areas, basic utilities, and potentially some backstage areas.
Sub-heading 2.2: Luxury Suites and Premium Spaces
For smaller, more exclusive events, or as part of a larger rental, luxury suites and premium clubs are a popular option. These are often rented on an event-by-event basis for concerts or Atlanta Hawks games, but can also be booked for private functions.
Private Suite Rentals:
Atlanta Hawks (NBA) Games: On average, a private suite for an Atlanta Hawks game costs around $3,500 - $4,000. However, prices fluctuate significantly based on the opponent, day of the week, suite size, and location within the arena.
Concerts and Other Events: Prices for concerts vary widely. For family events or lesser-known performers, you might find suites starting from $1,500. For popular performers, these can command prices of $7,000 and up, with some potentially reaching $15,000 or more.
Suite Capacities: State Farm Arena suites typically accommodate 12-23 guests. Some suites, like the Loft Suites, can hold 8-12 guests, while others, like the Veranda Suites, often come with 16 tickets.
Included Amenities: Many suites come with a base quantity of tickets, parking passes (often 3-4), and sometimes an inclusive catering package featuring snacks, appetizers, salads, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and wine. Additional items, including liquor, are usually available for purchase.
Types of Suites:
Atlanta Social Suites: Focus on socializing with plush couches and lounge seating. Capacity: 16.
Loft Suites: Designed for networking and privacy, often with a shared premium lounge. Capacity: 8-12.
Top Golf Swing Suites: Offer an interactive experience with Topgolf simulators, HDTVs, and lounge seating. Capacity: up to 36.
Veranda Suites: Located in the lower bowl, offering a private and luxurious experience, often with an open kitchen concept. Capacity: 16.
Sub-heading 2.3: Dedicated Event Spaces
Beyond the main bowl and suites, State Farm Arena offers various dedicated event spaces suitable for conferences, banquets, receptions, and smaller gatherings.
Spacious Event Spaces (Suite Level): These are ideal for events up to 250 people, perfect for speaking engagements, team-building, or holiday parties.
Press Conference Room: A flexible space for smaller meetings, panel discussions, or breakout sessions, accommodating around 100 people.
Practice Court: A unique space for events, capable of hosting up to 500 people.
Pricing for these dedicated spaces will be quoted upon request and depend on factors like duration, specific setup, and services needed.
Step 3: Getting an Accurate Quote – The Official Process
Given the highly customized nature of event rentals at a venue like State Farm Arena, you won't find a simple price list online for full venue rentals. The best way to get an accurate cost is to engage directly with their events team.
Sub-heading 3.1: Contacting State Farm Arena's Events Team
Online Proposal Request: The most direct way to initiate the process is to visit the "Host An Event" or "Book An Event" section on the official State Farm Arena website (statefarmarena.com). Look for a "Request A Proposal" form.
Provide Detailed Information: Be as thorough as possible when filling out the request form. Include:
Your name and organization.
Type of event.
Desired dates (primary and alternate).
Estimated attendance.
Specific space requirements (full arena, suites, meeting rooms, etc.).
Any special needs or requests (A/V, catering, production, security, etc.).
Direct Contact: While the online form is preferred, you can often find general contact information for their events department on their website.
Sub-heading 3.2: The Proposal and Negotiation Phase
Once you submit your request, a representative from State Farm Arena's events team will contact you. They will likely:
Discuss Your Needs in Detail: Be prepared to elaborate on your vision, budget, and specific requirements. This is your chance to ask all your questions!
Provide a Customized Proposal: This proposal will outline the rental fees for the requested spaces, estimated costs for staffing (security, ushers, cleaning crew), technical support, equipment rental (sound, lighting, video boards), ticketing services, and any in-house catering options.
Negotiation: Depending on the event's scale, timing (off-peak vs. peak), and potential revenue generation for the arena (e.g., ticket sales), there might be some room for negotiation on certain aspects of the rental.
Contract Review: Carefully review the entire contract, paying close attention to all fees, cancellation policies, insurance requirements, and payment schedules.
Step 4: Beyond the Base Rental Fee - Understanding Additional Costs
It's crucial to budget for more than just the facility rental. There are many other elements that contribute to the overall cost of hosting an event at a major venue.
Sub-heading 4.1: Catering and Food & Beverage
In-house Provider: State Farm Arena typically has an exclusive in-house catering provider (e.g., Levy Restaurants). You will likely be required to use their services for food and beverages.
Cost per Guest: For full catering spreads (appetizers, entrees, alcoholic beverages, dessert), budget approximately $75 - $150 USD per guest. For snacks with beer and wine, it might be $50 - $75 per guest, and for just beer and wine, around $35 - $50 per guest.
Remember: Catering costs can add up quickly, especially for large events. Discuss minimums and package options with the catering team.
Sub-heading 4.2: Staffing and Operations
Event Staff: This includes ushers, security, ticket takers, cleaning crew, medical personnel, and event managers.
Technical Staff: Lighting and sound technicians, stagehands, video production crew.
Security: Depending on the nature and size of your event, extensive security arrangements will be necessary and factored into the cost.
Sub-heading 4.3: Production and Equipment
Audio-Visual (A/V): Sound systems, microphones, projectors, screens, LED boards.
Lighting: Stage lighting, mood lighting, special effects.
Staging: Custom stage setups, risers, backdrops.
Rigging: For hanging lights, speakers, or other production elements.
These costs can be substantial, especially for complex productions.
Sub-heading 4.4: Ticketing and Marketing
Ticketing Services: If your event is ticketed, you'll need to factor in fees for the ticketing platform (e.g., Ticketmaster), barcode scanning, and box office staff.
Marketing and Promotion: Costs associated with advertising your event, whether through the arena's channels or external media.
Sub-heading 4.5: Insurance and Permits
Event Insurance: You will be required to carry specific liability insurance for your event.
Permits: Depending on the event type, city permits and licenses may be necessary.
Sub-heading 4.6: Parking and Transportation
Parking Fees: While guests typically pay for parking, if you want to include parking for VIPs or attendees, this will be an added cost. Parking rates can range from $10 to $50 on event days.
Shuttle Services: If needed, transportation to and from off-site parking or hotels.
Step 5: Finalizing Your Booking and Preparing for Success
Once you've received your proposal, negotiated terms, and are ready to proceed:
Sign the Contract: Read every clause carefully before signing.
Pay Deposits: Most venues require a non-refundable deposit to secure your date.
Regular Communication: Maintain open and frequent communication with the State Farm Arena events team. They are your partners in making your event a success.
Detailed Planning: Work with their team on every aspect, from floor plans and catering menus to security protocols and emergency procedures.
Consider a Site Visit: If you haven't already, arrange a comprehensive site visit to visualize your event in the space.
Renting out State Farm Arena is a significant undertaking, but with proper planning and communication, it can lead to a truly memorable and impactful event.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about renting State Farm Arena, with quick answers:
How to How to inquire about renting State Farm Arena for an event?
You can inquire by visiting the "Host An Event" or "Book An Event" section on the official State Farm Arena website (statefarmarena.com) and filling out their "Request A Proposal" form.
How to How much does it cost to rent a private suite at State Farm Arena?
Private suites for Atlanta Hawks games average $3,500-$4,000, while concert suite prices can range from $1,500 for smaller acts to $7,000+ for popular performers.
How to How many people can a State Farm Arena suite accommodate?
State Farm Arena suites typically have a capacity of 12-23 guests, with some variations like Loft Suites (8-12 guests) and Veranda Suites (16 guests).
How to How much should I budget for catering in a State Farm Arena suite?
For a full catering spread, budget approximately $75-$150 per guest. Snacks with beer and wine might be $50-$75 per guest, and beer and wine alone around $35-$50 per guest.
How to How far in advance should I book an event at State Farm Arena?
For major events or peak seasons, it's advisable to inquire and book as far in advance as possible, often 6-12 months or more, due to high demand.
How to How do I know if the full arena bowl is available for my dates?
The availability of the full arena bowl will be determined by the State Farm Arena events team once you submit your proposal request and they review their existing schedule.
How to How much does parking cost at State Farm Arena for events?
Parking at State Farm Arena can range from $10 to $50 on game and event days, depending on the type of parking and location. It's often recommended to purchase passes in advance.
How to How are tickets handled if I rent the full arena?
If you rent the full arena for a ticketed event, the arena's ticketing services, likely in partnership with a major vendor like Ticketmaster, will handle ticket sales and distribution, with associated fees.
How to How can I take a tour of State Farm Arena's event spaces before booking?
After submitting an event inquiry, the State Farm Arena events team can arrange a site visit for you to tour the various event spaces and discuss your needs in person.
How to How do I get more detailed information about specific event spaces like the Practice Court or the Suite Level spaces?
When you submit your proposal request, explicitly mention your interest in these specific spaces, and the events team will provide detailed information on their capacities, features, and potential rental costs.
