State Farm Arena Renovation

The transformation of State Farm Arena revitalized a 20-year-old venue into a vibrant hub that celebrates Atlanta’s culture and community. Working with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, HOK reimagined the arena as the city’s “living room”—a place where fans gather, connect and spend an entire evening together, not just attend an event.

Design Solutions

Our design introduces a flexible, hospitality-inspired environment that reflects Atlanta’s creative spirit and diverse neighborhoods. Inspired by the city’s BeltLine—an urban redevelopment project connecting Atlanta’s neighborhoods through a 22-mile loop of trails and parks—the open concourses connect social experiences and vantage points throughout the 17,000-seat arena, allowing fans to explore and discover new spaces throughout their visit.

To enhance connection and visibility, the team removed a wall of private suites that spanned four levels on the arena’s west side. In its place, viewing terraces, open suites, multilevel connection points and the 18,000-square-foot Atlanta Social suite encourage movement and interaction among fans, breaking down barriers between premium and general seating areas.

The food and beverage program showcases the city’s culinary talent and celebrity partnerships, including Zac Brown’s Social Club, Killer Mike’s SWAG Shop and Giovanni di Palma’s Little Italia eateries. These local partnerships give fans authentic Atlanta experiences while supporting hometown businesses. The arena renovation also introduced the NBA’s first courtside bar, bringing fans closer to the action while blending hospitality and entertainment.

Atlanta craftsmanship defines the interiors through warm wood detailing reminiscent of a concert hall, intricate tilework and a palette of eclectic materials that reflect the city’s character. The design balances comfort, style and community to create an inclusive experience where every guest feels welcome regardless of their ticket price.

Impact

Since reopening, State Farm Arena has become a premier destination for NBA games, major concerts and NCAA tournaments. In 2025, Billboard and Pollstar ranked the arena among the world’s top five venues for ticket sales and attendance. These achievements have reinforced its role as a cornerstone of downtown Atlanta’s cultural and economic life.

HOK’s renovation design has elevated the fan experience and expanded revenue opportunities through diverse food, entertainment and premium amenities. The project demonstrates how thoughtful reinvestment in existing venues can rejuvenate both the fan experience and the surrounding community.