State Farm Arena is a 16,888-seat multi-purpose indoor arena located at 1 State Farm Drive in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Originally opened on September 18, 1999 as Philips Arena, the $213.5 million venue replaced the Omni Coliseum and quickly established itself as the premier entertainment destination in the Southeast.
After a sweeping $192.5 million renovation completed in 2018, the arena was renamed State Farm Arena and re-emerged as one of the most technologically advanced live music venues in North America. The overhaul eliminated traditional upper suite rows in favor of premium seating distributed throughout the bowl, dramatically improving sightlines and the overall concert experience.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Type: Multi-purpose indoor arena
- Opened: September 18, 1999
- Renovated: 2017–2018 ($192.5 million)
- Capacity: 16,888 (basketball); 15,590+ (concerts)
- Famous for: Hosting NBA All-Star Games (2003 & 2021) and the world’s biggest touring acts
A World-Class Concert Experience
State Farm Arena has hosted some of the biggest names in music since its very first event — an Elton John concert in September 1999. In the decades since, artists including U2, Madonna, Beyoncé, and The Weeknd have performed on its stage, cementing the arena’s reputation as a must-stop destination for major touring acts.
The 2018 renovation transformed the in-venue experience from top to bottom. A massive center-hung video board featuring over 4,477 square feet of active display wrapping approximately 80 feet around the bowl ensures clear sightlines from virtually every seat, making State Farm Arena one of the most visually immersive arenas in the country.
Sustainability and Innovation
Beyond the music, State Farm Arena has become a national benchmark for sustainable venue operations. It holds LEED Gold Certification and TRUE Platinum Certification for Zero Waste — the first sports and entertainment venue in the world to earn that distinction. The arena also hosted the first zero-waste NBA All-Star Game in 2021, diverting nearly all event waste from landfills.
The 680,000-square-foot venue is owned by the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority and operated by the Atlanta Hawks organization, with Levy Restaurants handling food and beverage. Its downtown Atlanta location offers easy access via major transit lines, making it one of the most accessible large-capacity concert venues in the South.
Explore more: Live Music venues guide.
State Farm Arena FAQs
When did State Farm Arena open?
The arena originally opened on September 18, 1999, as Philips Arena. It was renamed State Farm Arena on August 29, 2018, following a $192.5 million renovation.
What is the concert capacity at State Farm Arena?
According to the arena’s official quick facts, State Farm Arena accommodates 15,590+ fans for concerts, with exact capacity varying by stage configuration and floor seating setup.
What major events have been held at State Farm Arena?
The arena has hosted two NBA All-Star Games (2003 and 2021), the 2008 NHL All-Star Game, and hundreds of major concert tours. Its very first event was an Elton John performance in September 1999.
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Photo: Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.