You're curious about State Farm Arena's capacity, and you've come to the right place! It's a fantastic venue in Atlanta, Georgia, known for hosting a wide variety of events, from thrilling NBA games to unforgettable concerts. Understanding its capacity isn't as simple as a single number, because it flexes to accommodate different types of events.
Let's dive in and explore the various seating capacities of State Farm Arena!
Step 1: Understanding the "Why" Behind Different Capacities
Have you ever noticed how a basketball game feels much more intimate than a massive concert in the same venue? That's because arenas like State Farm Arena are designed to be versatile. The stage setup for a concert takes up floor space that would otherwise be used for seating, and different sports require different playing areas, impacting seating configurations. This is why you'll see varying numbers depending on the type of event.
Step 2: Basketball & Other Court Sports Capacity
As the proud home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena is primarily known for its basketball configuration.
Primary Basketball Capacity: For most Atlanta Hawks games and other basketball events, State Farm Arena holds approximately 17,044 to 19,050 people. This range accounts for standard seating arrangements, including lower bowl, club seats, and upper deck seating.
Historical Highs: It's worth noting that for particularly high-demand games, like a playoff matchup, the arena has seen even higher attendance. For instance, a 2008 playoff game against the Boston Celtics recorded an attendance of 20,425, thanks to creative use of standing room or temporary seating.
Fun Fact: State Farm Arena also serves as a home venue for the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, with similar basketball capacities.
Step 3: Concert and Entertainment Event Capacity
When the stage rolls in and the lights dim for a concert, the arena transforms.
Concert Capacity (End Stage): For a typical end-stage concert setup, where the stage is at one end of the arena bowl, the capacity can range from around 15,590 to 18,000+. This is because the stage occupies a significant portion of the floor area and often some lower bowl seats behind the stage.
Concert Capacity (In the Round/360-Degree): For major artists who opt for an "in the round" or 360-degree stage setup, which is placed in the center of the arena, the capacity can increase to around 21,000 people. This configuration maximizes seating as it utilizes all sides of the arena bowl.
Key Consideration: The specific stage design, the size of the production, and whether there are any VIP standing areas on the floor will all influence the exact number of tickets available for a concert.
Step 4: Ice Hockey and Other Arena Sports Capacity
While not currently home to an NHL team, State Farm Arena has hosted ice hockey in the past (it was once home to the Atlanta Thrashers) and can still be configured for it.
Ice Hockey Capacity: For ice hockey events, the capacity typically sits around 17,624 people. The ice rink and its surrounding boards take up different floor space than a basketball court, leading to a slightly adjusted seating arrangement.
Other Sports: For other arena sports or specialized events, the capacity will be adjusted accordingly based on the playing surface and setup required.
Step 5: Premium Seating and Suite Capacities
Beyond the general seating, State Farm Arena also offers a variety of premium experiences.
Luxury Suites: The arena boasts 92 luxury suites, providing a more private and upscale viewing experience. These suites vary in size and can accommodate different numbers of guests.
Party Suites: In addition to the standard luxury suites, there are 9 party suites, designed for larger groups and celebratory occasions.
Club Seats: There are also approximately 1,866 club seats, which offer enhanced amenities and access to exclusive club lounges.
Why it Matters: While these don't add to the overall maximum capacity in the same way general seating does, they represent a significant portion of the arena's offerings and impact the total number of people experiencing an event in a premium setting.
By understanding these different configurations and features, you can better appreciate the dynamic nature of State Farm Arena's capacity and how it adapts to provide the best possible experience for every event.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find the seating chart for a specific event at State Farm Arena? Quick Answer: The best way to find the seating chart for a specific event is to visit the official State Farm Arena website or the ticketing platform (e.g., Ticketmaster) where you're purchasing tickets. They will display the relevant seating map for that particular show or game.
How to determine if an event at State Farm Arena will be an "end-stage" or "in the round" concert? Quick Answer: This information is usually indicated on the event's ticketing page or official announcement. Look for terms like "360-degree stage," "in the round," or a seating chart that shows seating all around the stage. If not specified, an "end-stage" setup is the most common.
How to purchase tickets for State Farm Arena events? Quick Answer: Tickets can be purchased through official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, directly from the State Farm Arena website, or in person at the arena box office (if available).
How to access premium seating or suites at State Farm Arena? Quick Answer: Information on premium seating, including luxury suites and club seats, can typically be found under the "Premium Seating" or "Suites" section of the State Farm Arena official website. You can often inquire directly with their sales team.
How to get to State Farm Arena using public transportation? Quick Answer: State Farm Arena is conveniently located in downtown Atlanta and is easily accessible via MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). The GWCC/CNN Center station (Blue and Green Lines) is directly connected to the arena.
How to find parking near State Farm Arena? Quick Answer: The State Farm Arena website provides detailed information on available parking lots and garages near the venue, often with options for pre-paid parking. It's recommended to book parking in advance for major events.
How to know the bag policy for State Farm Arena events? Quick Answer: The arena's bag policy, including size restrictions and prohibited items, is typically listed on the "Guest Services" or "Know Before You Go" section of the official State Farm Arena website. Policies can sometimes vary slightly by event.
How to find out about upcoming events at State Farm Arena? Quick Answer: Check the "Events" or "Calendar" section of the official State Farm Arena website, or sign up for their newsletter for updates on upcoming games, concerts, and shows.
How to contact State Farm Arena for general inquiries? Quick Answer: The official State Farm Arena website will have a "Contact Us" section with phone numbers, email addresses, or a contact form for general inquiries.
How to learn more about the history and renovations of State Farm Arena? Quick Answer: The "About Us" or "Arena Information" sections of the State Farm Arena website, as well as reputable online encyclopedias like Wikipedia, often provide comprehensive details on the venue's history, construction, and any significant renovations.
