You're curious about the size of State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks! That's a great question, as these massive venues often have impressive footprints. Let's dive into exactly how many square feet State Farm Arena encompasses and explore what makes it such a dynamic space.
Unveiling the Grandeur: How Many Square Feet is State Farm Arena?
Alright, let's get straight to the point: State Farm Arena is approximately 680,000 square feet. This figure refers to the overall field size or the total area of the facility. It's a truly massive space designed to host a wide range of events, from thrilling NBA games to blockbuster concerts and everything in between.
Now, you might be thinking, "What does 680,000 square feet really look like?" Well, imagine an area equivalent to about 15.6 acres. That's a significant chunk of real estate, all dedicated to entertainment and events!
Beyond the Number: What Does All That Space Mean?
This impressive square footage isn't just a number; it translates into a versatile and state-of-the-art facility. Here's what that expansive space allows for:
Vast Seating Capacity: While the total square footage remains constant, the seating capacity adjusts based on the event. For basketball, it can accommodate over 17,000 fans, and for concerts, it can expand to over 21,000.
Multiple Levels and Concourse Space: The large footprint allows for multiple levels of seating, numerous concourses for fan circulation, and various amenities.
Extensive Back-of-House Facilities: A significant portion of that square footage is dedicated to operational areas, including locker rooms, media facilities, administrative offices, kitchens, storage, and more.
Unique Fan Experiences: The renovations in recent years have maximized the use of this space, incorporating innovative features like Topgolf Swing Suites, courtside bars, and diverse dining options.
Now that we've got the main number out of the way, let's walk through a more comprehensive understanding of this remarkable arena.
Step 1: Engage Your Curiosity - What Sparks Your Interest in State Farm Arena's Size?
Before we go any further, tell me, what made you curious about the square footage of State Farm Arena? Are you planning a visit, a massive event, or simply intrigued by the scale of modern sports and entertainment venues? Your reason helps me tailor this guide even more to what you're looking for!
Step 2: Understanding the "Square Footage" Measurement
When we talk about the "square footage" of a large building like State Farm Arena, it typically refers to the total enclosed area. This isn't just the playing court or stage; it encompasses every floor, every room, every hallway within the building's outer walls.
Sub-heading: The Difference Between Gross and Net Area
Gross Square Footage (GSF): This is the total area of a building measured from the outside of the exterior walls. It includes all occupied spaces, common areas, structural elements, and mechanical rooms. When you hear "680,000 square feet" for State Farm Arena, it's generally referring to the gross square footage.
Net Usable Area (NUA) or Net Leasable Area (NLA): This refers to the actual space that can be occupied by people or used for specific functions, excluding structural elements, walls, and common areas. While the arena has a massive gross area, the "net usable" space for fans and specific functions would be a smaller, though still substantial, figure.
Step 3: Delving into State Farm Arena's Specifications
State Farm Arena, formerly known as Philips Arena, underwent a significant renovation that was completed in 2018. While the overall footprint largely remained the same, the efficiency and utilization of that 680,000 square feet were dramatically improved.
Sub-heading: Key Features Influenced by its Size
360-Degree Concourse: A major part of the renovation was creating a continuous 360-degree concourse on every level, enhancing fan movement and accessibility. This is a testament to the sheer scale of the arena.
Immersive Video Displays: The arena boasts over 10,000 square feet of LED video screens within the bowl alone, including one of the NBA's largest center-hung video boards (measuring 27 feet high by 97 feet wide). This requires significant structural support and space within the arena's design.
Diverse Amenities and Experiences: Within the 680,000 square feet, there's room for a wide array of amenities:
Multiple Food and Beverage Concepts: From traditional arena fare to unique local Atlanta eateries.
Premium Seating Options: Including luxury suites, party suites, and club seats.
Experiential Zones: Like the Topgolf Swing Suites, providing unique entertainment beyond the main event.
Step 4: Comparing State Farm Arena's Size to Other Venues
To truly appreciate 680,000 square feet, it can be helpful to put it in perspective with other notable structures.
Sub-heading: Is it Big? Absolutely!
While not the absolute largest arena globally (some domes and convention centers can dwarf it), State Farm Arena is certainly among the larger, modern multi-purpose arenas in the United States. Many NBA and NHL arenas fall within the 500,000 to 900,000 square feet range. For example, some football stadiums can easily exceed 1.5 million square feet, but they are built for a different primary purpose.
Step 5: The Significance of Renovation and Space Utilization
As mentioned, the 2017-2018 renovation of State Farm Arena, a substantial $192.5 million project, focused heavily on optimizing the existing 680,000 square feet.
Sub-heading: Putting Every Square Foot to Better Use
Transforming Office and Storage: Roughly 100,000 square feet that were previously used for less fan-centric purposes like offices and storage were reconfigured into more engaging spaces, such as new clubs under the stands.
Reimagined Suites and Seating: The renovation also involved reconfiguring luxury suites and adding new upper-deck seating and party spaces, demonstrating how the existing footprint can be innovatively redesigned to enhance the fan experience.
Fan-Centric Design: The goal was to create a more intimate and engaging atmosphere, even within such a vast structure. This shows that square footage isn't just about raw size, but also about how effectively that space is designed and utilized.
Step 6: The Multifaceted Nature of a 680,000 Sq Ft Arena
Think about all the elements that need to fit within 680,000 square feet:
The Main Bowl: This is the core seating area and the playing surface/stage.
Concourses: Wide pathways for people to move around, access concessions, restrooms, and merchandise.
Restrooms: Hundreds of stalls spread across multiple levels.
Concession Stands & Restaurants: Diverse food and beverage options, from quick bites to sit-down dining.
Retail Stores: Merch shops for team gear and event souvenirs.
Luxury Suites & Premium Clubs: Exclusive areas with enhanced services and views.
Locker Rooms: For home and visiting teams, plus performers.
Media Facilities: Press boxes, interview rooms, broadcast booths.
Administrative Offices: Management, ticketing, marketing, and operations staff.
Mechanical & Electrical Rooms: The heart of the building's infrastructure, housing HVAC, power, and other essential systems.
Storage Areas: For equipment, event setups, and maintenance supplies.
Loading Docks & Service Entrances: For seamless logistics of events.
Emergency Services: First aid stations and security offices.
Every single one of these elements contributes to the overall square footage, showcasing the complexity and extensive planning involved in designing such a large-scale venue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about State Farm Arena
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, starting with "How to," and their quick answers:
How to calculate square footage of a building?
To calculate the square footage of a rectangular building, multiply its length by its width. For irregular shapes, break them down into smaller rectangles and sum their individual square footages.
How to find the seating capacity of State Farm Arena?
The seating capacity of State Farm Arena varies by event: approximately 17,000+ for basketball and 21,000+ for concerts.
How to get to State Farm Arena by public transport?
State Farm Arena is conveniently located in downtown Atlanta and is accessible via MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) on the Blue and Green Lines at the GWCC/CNN Center station.
How to purchase tickets for events at State Farm Arena?
Tickets for events at State Farm Arena can be purchased through the official State Farm Arena website, Ticketmaster, or other authorized ticketing platforms.
How to check the bag policy for State Farm Arena events?
The bag policy for State Farm Arena typically allows bags 14" x 14" x 6" or smaller. Larger bags and backpacks are generally prohibited, but it's always best to check the specific event's policy on the official arena website before attending.
How to find parking near State Farm Arena?
There are numerous parking decks and lots surrounding State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. It's recommended to pre-purchase parking passes or check for available parking options on the arena's website or through parking apps.
How to contact State Farm Arena for general inquiries?
You can usually find contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, for general inquiries on the official State Farm Arena website.
How to rent space for a private event at State Farm Arena?
For information on renting space for private events, it's best to contact the State Farm Arena sales or events department directly through their official website.
How to apply for jobs at State Farm Arena?
Job openings at State Farm Arena are typically listed on the official State Farm Arena website's careers section or on major job boards.
How to get a tour of State Farm Arena?
Availability of public tours for State Farm Arena may vary. You can inquire about tour options by checking the arena's official website or contacting their guest services.