ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks today revealed plans to install a custom-made, larger-than-life bird’s nest in Philips Arena as part of its Tinder-themed “Swipe Right 2.0” on March 19. Commissioned by the basketball club’s popular mascot Harry the Hawk, the seven-and-a-half-foot-wide creation will allow for a bird’s eye view of the 7:30 p.m. matchup against the Houston Rockets. The seating will also serve as an exclusive meeting spot during the second incarnation of the social app-driven night that caused a sensation with both fans and media last January.
One of the first guests in mascot Harry the Hawk’s new perch will be Power 96.1 FM radio personality Riley Couture, who will host a hand-selected listener of the station to join her. Couture and the winner of the promotion will occupy “The Nest” during the game’s second half, having the chance to make in-person introductions to other Tinder users.
“I’m so excited to participate in ‘Swipe Right 2.0’ and be one of the first people to spend time in ‘The Nest,’” said Couture. “Last season’s ‘Swipe Right Night’ set social media on fire. I can’t wait to see first-hand how many connections are made this year.”
The unique perch was created by Georgia-based fabricators, ReadySet Atlanta. The company has crafted a wide variety of set and production pieces used in photo shoots, events, retail and TV/Video for clients including Google, Coca-Cola, Gossip Girl, Victoria’s Secret and MTV. “Harry’s Love Nest” is sure to offer a distinctive viewing experience complete with cushioned banquettes to accommodate as many as four fans. Expect the new roost to be prominently located just behind the goal near the bottom of section 108.
Special “prep-and-primp” beauty stations in Philips Experience are also a new addition to “Swipe Right 2.0.” Here, men and women can take advantage of complimentary cosmetic touch-ups and hairstyling before hopefully making “new friends, dates, relationships and everything in between.” The “Swipe Right” and “Super Like” lounges on the arena’s club side will serve as the official meeting places for Tinder users to connect in person.
Fans at Saturday’s game wanting to use Tinder to make in-arena introductions need to set their “search distance” on the app’s Discovery Settings to one mile. Tinder is compatible with Android and Apple devices and is available for download from the iTunes or Google Play stores.
A special “Swipe Right” ticket package is now available by tapping here, starting at $70 for two seats.