news

Atlanta Hawks

Skyhawks Season Ticket Members Will Get Priority Access to Tickets

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks today announced that the team will host the New Orleans Pelicans for a preseason contest at the Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Saturday, October 14. The game is set for a 3:30 p.m. ET tip-off. The Gateway Center Arena is the home of the Hawks’ NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.

Last preseason, the Pelicans hosted the Hawks at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham - the home of the Pelicans’ NBA G League affiliate, Birmingham Squadron.

“This game is a tremendous opportunity to not only give back to the amazing fans of the Skyhawks with a unique game experience, but to expose new fans to our G League venue in College Park,” said Atlanta Hawks Vice President of NBA G League and 2K League Operations Janice Koon. “We are so excited that it came together and can’t wait to welcome fans to College Park in October.”

Season ticket members of the College Park Skyhawks will get exclusive priority access to tickets, with exact access dates to be announced. To find out more or join the College Skyhawks Membership program and secure your tickets to this special game, visit&nbsp;cpskyhawks.com/membership, call 404-878-3370 or email at info@cpskyhawks.com.

The Hawks’ full 2023 preseason schedule will be released at a later date.

atlanta-hawks-to-host-new-orleans-pelicans-at-gateway-center-arena-in-college-park-for-preseason-game-on-october-14

Atlanta Hawks to Host New Orleans Pelicans at Gateway Center Arena in College Park for Preseason Game on October 14

Hawks Will Host Celtics in First Round Games 3 and 4; Standing Room Tickets Available Now at Hawks.com/tickets

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks today announced that they entered the playoffs on the heels of establishing new franchise bests for sellouts in a single season and season ticket memberships. The Hawks saw a record 38 sellouts in 41 home games during the 2022-23 regular season at the award-winning State Farm Arena.

In addition, the organization saw a substantial season-over-season increase in ticket sales, leading to one of the NBA’s top percent capacity figures at an average of 104% to capacity this season. Percent capacity is measured as the percentage of a venue’s total capacity including standing room only seats to its capacity in its regular configuration.

“We are grateful to the city for embracing us and helping us create an environment on game nights that represents the passion of this city,” said Hawks and State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin. “We are excited to see Hawks’ fans energy and enthusiasm throughout this weekend’s games.”

Prior to the start of the 2022-23 regular season, the Hawks sold out of full season tickets. The franchise currently has wait lists for both premium club tickets and its variety of suite inventory.

“The city of Atlanta has amazing fans, and we take pride in delivering a world-class experience from the moment someone walks into our building,” said Hawks and State Farm Arena’s Chief Revenue Officer Andrew Saltzman. “We wouldn’t be here without our fans who have been so instrumental in helping us achieve this impressive milestone.”

Games 3 and 4 of the Hawks’ first-round series against Boston are currently sold out. Tickets for standing room only are available for purchase at Hawks.com/tickets, the only place to buy verified tickets by Ticketmaster. An all-fan #Together404 black shirt giveaway, courtesy of State Farm®, will take place as part of Friday’s Game 3, the first home game for the Hawks in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

To guarantee the best seats at the best prices throughout the Hawks Playoffs, secure a 2023-24 Membership. Membership packages are available starting with a 10-game Stack Pack. Learn more at Hawks.com/playoffs.

hawks-shatter-sellout-record-during-2022-23-season-with-38-sold-out-game

Hawks Shatter Sellout Record During 2022-23 Season with 38 Sold-Out Games

Fresh off a convincing win in the Play-In Tournament, the Atlanta Hawks will still enter this week's playoff series against the defending Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics as an underdog. Regardless, Clint Capela does not care about anyone's predictions.

"We&nbsp;are the actors here," he said with a slight emphasis on the pronoun, "so&nbsp;we&nbsp;are making it happen."&nbsp;

He took care to point out that, while the players would be on the court Saturday for Game 1 of the series, the predictors would not be.

"Anybody who is not on the court can say anything, but you would not be right, 100 percent, because you can only guess," Capela said. "We are the actors. When I see people out there saying other stuff, I'm just laughing because they're just guessing actually."

Capela also noted that rosters and health statuses change over time, and that strategies evolve over the course of a longer series with more time to rest and adapt. A quick glance at the Celtics/Hawks matchups this season shows that he has a point. Boston center Robert Williams and Hawks&nbsp;guard Bogdan Bogdanovic played in none of the three Hawks/Celtics games this season, and both figure to weigh prominently in the strategies of both teams.&nbsp;

"It doesn't matter how articulate you are saying it," Capela added. "It doesn't matter which stats you got. It doesn't matter, because every game is different."&nbsp;

At the same time, Capela still holds a healthy amount of respect for a talented Boston roster that includes Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

"That's a great shooting team," Capela said. "They have great scorers&nbsp;and experience. They've been on a mission, meaning like they've been doing deep playoff runs since 2016-17."Head Coach Quin Snyder said that the Celtics are just as unique on the defensive end as they are on offense.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"When you move to the defensive end, they are equally unique. They've got (Robert) Williams, so they've got rim protection. They have the ability to switch. They've got Marcus Smart, who to me is an elite player and possibly the best leader in the NBA."&nbsp;

If the Celtics have the edge, shooting-wise, then the Hawks may have a rebounding edge that translates into second-chance points. The Hawks grabbed 22 offensive rebounds in their Play-In win, and since Quin Snyder took the reins as coach, the Hawks have had the best offensive rebounding percentage in the East, grabbing 32.8 percent of their own missed shots.&nbsp;

Saddiq Bey and Jalen Johnson also entered the Hawks' playing rotation right around the same time.

"We definitely have a lot of young, athletic guys," Trae Young said of the team's athleticism. "(Jalen) has been playing really well for us and rebounding. Saddiq has been coming in and doing the same thing&nbsp;and knocking down shots. They have been really good on the glass. Our athleticism has been showing in that way for sure."

Young and Capela also took note that they were excited for players like Saddiq Bey to get the first taste of the NBA Playoffs of their careers.

"I'm so excited for them," Capela said. "I talked to Saddiq and he told me that he used to watch me when he was in high school when I was back with Houston in 2018. Before we played Miami, I told him, 'Man, I want you to see this because the playoffs are really something. Players are in the NBA with careers for 10 years and never get there, you know?' So, yeah, I'm really happy that he is going to be part of this with us."For his part, Bey said that communication was a key point being stressed to the team. 

"We're just making sure we're connected, you know? We're going in like a hostile environment on the road, so we have to come together to get it done."&nbsp;

Snyder said that the Hawks have plenty of work ahead in Boston.

"It is no mystery that we have our work cut out for us. They are that good of a team."&nbsp;

But Capela, who worked the glass to the tune of 21 rebounds Tuesday, appeared ready to relish in that work once again. As he&nbsp;left and got a few steps away from the post-practice media scrum, he clapped his hands and shouted, either to himself or, quite possibly, to everyone in attendance.&nbsp;

we-are-the-actors-capela-remains-unphased-by-predictions

“We Are The Actors”; Clint Capela Remains Unfazed By Predictions

Local Media Panel Recognizes Veteran Center for Professionalism with the Press

ATLANTA&nbsp;– The Atlanta Hawks today announced center Clint Capela as the recipient of the 2022-23 Sekou Smith Award, which annually honors the player on the team’s roster who best represents themselves and the franchise with professionalism and integrity in their interactions with the media.&nbsp;

Capela was selected via vote from a select local media panel. He will be recognized tonight during a pregame presentation, which will include members of Smith’s family.&nbsp;

“Throughout the course of the season, Clint has been accommodating, thoughtful and candid with the media,” said Hawks Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Garin Narain. “He has a respect for the importance of the coverage they provide and the stories they tell our fans. There were many deserving candidates this year, and we’re excited to honor Clint.”

In addition to the award, the Hawks named the media workroom at State Farm Arena after Smith in 2021, redesigning the space to honor his memory. The team also launched an annual Hawks-NBA Summer League internship in Smith’s name in 2021.&nbsp;

Smith served as the AJC’s Hawks beat writer from 2005-09 before joining NBA Digital as a multimedia reporter and analyst. He also spent time at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, MS and the Indianapolis Star, where he covered the Indiana Pacers as the team’s beat writer.

Past Sekou Smith Hawks-NBA Summer League Interns

2021: Clement Gibson (Jackson State University)

2022: Cullen Davis (Alabama State University)

clint-capela-selected-as-recipient-of-2022-23-sekou-smith-award

Clint Capela Selected as Recipient of 2022-23 Sekou Smith Award

Clint Capela has shown everyone that he is ambidextrous for some time now. While he shoots his free throws right-handed, if he sets up for a hook shot in the middle of the lane, it is most likely going up with his left.

But in a pair of astounding defensive plays since the All-Star break, Capela has used&nbsp;both&nbsp;hands on the same play to devastating effect. Last night, in a 134-116 win over the Washington Wizards, he pulled off a ninja no-look steal for the ages.&nbsp;

Then he explained his rationale for sticking his right hand out blindly.

"I just knew that if he's not shooting, then he was going to pass it," he said as he mimicked the pose. "I have two arms and I used them both."

It is not the first time this season, that Capela has pulled off a two-armed gem of a defensive play. He did the same in March against the Pistons. Rodney McGruder drove in for a right-handed layup while Capela went up to contest it with his left hand.&nbsp;

Seeing that it was about to get blocked, McGruder switched hands, and Capela switched with him. He reached around for a sweeping block with his right hand.

It is the kind of play that shows that Capela is going to do whatever it takes to get the stop in the paint. In addition to averaging 1.2 blocks (20th in the NBA) and 0.7 steals, Capela also averages 0.23 charges drawn per game (10th in the NBA).

In other words, Capela is a great defender whether the play requires a basic move or a Jedi one.

clint-capela-is-a-jedi-on-defense

Clint’s Two-Handed Defensive Stops Defy Explanation

Third-Year Player Recognized for Community Service and Youth Enrichment Throughout 2022-23 Season

ATLANTA&nbsp;– The Atlanta Hawks today announced forward-center Onyeka Okongwu has been awarded the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy for the 2022-23 season. The award is earned annually by the Hawks player who best exemplifies the characteristics of a community ambassador displayed by Collier, the late Atlanta center who passed away in 2005. Okongwu becomes the 16th player to receive the award.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be awarded the 2022-23 Jason Collier Memorial Trophy,” said Okongwu. “Giving back to youth has always been important to me. In receiving this honor, I hope to inspire others to lead the charge for community growth and continue to impact youth in engaging and positive ways.”

Throughout the 2022-23 season, Okongwu has demonstrated his commitment to youth and the community, beginning with his participation in the NBA Social Impact Youth Basketball Clinic in Abu Dhabi. In January 2023, he recorded a video for youth at the Bessie Branham Good Neighbor Club to encourage interest in technology.

Okongwu also participated in an audio-guided mindful awareness program for Inner Explorer, a nonprofit that helps kids manage stress and improve focus to reach their full potential. His efforts in the program have aided students and teachers in developing a daily mental wellness routine and will benefit thousands of students at Clayton County Public Schools, Metro Atlanta YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Sheltering Arms locations.

This season, Okongwu has committed himself to community work through basketball. In February 2023, he participated in a basketball clinic and visited students at the SCANA Energy Homework Center at Stone Mill Elementary School.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Okongwu participated in the Hawks, Chase, and Good Sports’ ‘Project Rebound’ basketball clinic for girls. Project Rebound is an initiative launched by the Hawks Foundation to provide sports resources to Title I schools and area nonprofits in high-need communities. All participating schools and organizations receive basketball and fitness equipment for youth programming.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to congratulate Onyeka Okongwu as the recipient of the 2022-23 Jason Collier Memorial Trophy,” said Katie Collier. “Onyeka’s involvement with the youth in our community is impactful and we are immensely proud of him. Additionally, we are grateful for the Atlanta Hawks in keeping Jason’s legacy and passion to serve alive.”&nbsp;

The third-year player has championed for and given back to underserved families. As part of the Hawks’ Season of Giving events, in December 2022, Okongwu invited three single mothers and their families from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta to a Hawks game and presented them with Christmas gifts, including technology, clothing, gift cards and more.

In addition, Okongwu has participated in multiple events through Kate’s Club, an Atlanta-area nonprofit which empowers children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. As a result of his demonstrated desire and commitment to impacting his community, the organization recently named him their 2022 Mourning Glory Gala Honoree. 

Past recipients of the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy include: Josh Childress (2005-06 and 2006-07), Marvin Williams (2007-08 and 2010-11), Al Horford (2008-09), Josh Smith (2009-10), Zaza Pachulia (2011-12), Devin Harris (2012-13), Kyle Korver (2013-14), DeMarre Carroll (2014-15), Mike Muscala (2015-16), Paul Millsap (2016-17), Malcolm Delaney (2017-18), Kent Bazemore (2018-19), John Collins (2019-2020), Cam Reddish (2020-21), and Trae Young (2021-22). 

For more information about the Hawks’ efforts in the community, visit&nbsp;Hawks.com/community.

hawks-forward-center-onyeka-okongwu-awarded-jason-collier-memorial-trophy

Hawks Forward-Center Onyeka Okongwu Awarded Jason Collier Memorial Trophy

The Hawks will celebrate their ‘Hispanic Heritage Night presented by CareSource’ tonight at the award-winning State Farm Arena. The night will celebrate the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans through various in-game elements, music, dance, food and an exciting night of Hawks basketball. Leading up to the night, the Hawks recently unveiled artwork depicting Harry the Hawk as an Alebrije on various promotional items. Created by artist, activist and public speaker Yehimi Cambrón, the ‘Harry the Hawk Alebrije’ is representative of the popular Mexican folk-art sculptures of fantastical and mythical creatures. In this intimate Q&A with Hawks.com, Yehimi recounts her journey growing up as a Latinx artist in Atlanta, shares her experience creating Harry the Hawk as an Alebrije and explains the artwork’s importance to the Mexican culture.

1. What is an Alebrije and why is this form of artwork so important to Mexican culture and tradition?

Alebrijes are brightly-colored sculptures of fantastical creatures and are iconic of Mexican Folk art. The art form was created by Pedro Linares López, a cartonero in Mexico City. Like his father and grandfather, Linares dedicated humself to the creation of papier-mâché pieces, including piñatas, skeletons and masks.

In 1936, when he was 30 years old, Linares became seriously ill and in a state of unconsciousness, dreamed he was walking in a strange forest where he encountered these colorful creatures, from a winged donkey and a dog-headed lion to a rooster with bull's horns, all shouting alebrijes. When Linares recovered, he used his skills to replicate the fantastical creatures from his dream.

The colorful sculptures gradually became popular, and soon other artisans began to imitate Linares' creations. In 1975, the British filmmaker Judith Bronowski made a documentary about his work, launching him to fame internationally. The artisan also went so far as to make several alebrijes for Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, whose collection is now in the Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City.

In 1990, Pedro Linares received the Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes in celebration of his artistic career and his contributions to Mexican art. He passed away two years later at the age of 86, but his family continues the alebrije tradition to this day.

Although the alebrijes originated in Mexico City, artists throughout Mexico made their own iterations of the creatures. Artists such as Manuel Jiménez in Oaxaca combined the area's traditional carved wood crafts with the ideas of Pedro Linares. While maintaining the vivid colors of the papier-mâché versions, Oaxacan alebrijes are made from copal wood and are inspired by the idea of nahuales, supernatural beings that have the ability to transform into animals.

Today, the alebrijes are an undeniable part of the cultural and artistic imagination of Mexico, and it is a craft in constant evolution. Since 2007, the Museum of Popular Art of Mexico City has organized a parade of monumental alebrijes with the intention of promoting the arts and Mexican folk culture. In it, hundreds of artisans build alebrijes up to four meters high and parade them through the historic center of the city in an event full of dance, music and color.

2. You worked on the first ever Alebrije for the Atlanta Hawks and created a Harry the Hawk Alebrije. Can you walk us through that experience and creating that piece of art?

The first part of creating an Alebrije of Harry the Hawk was educating myself on Harry’s personality and the story behind the Alebrije. During this research portion of the process, I reviewed YouTube videos of Harry performing, as well as his Instagram and photos of him shared by the Atlanta Hawks. I spent a great deal of time learning about the origin of the Alebrije and the art techniques behind how the fantastical creatures are made today, especially in the state of Oaxaca. I really enjoyed getting to know Harry and was amazed by the attention to every intricate detail Oaxacan artists pour into every inch of their Alebrijes.

I drew Harry the Hawk with a fiery mohawk and added wings and a tail of realistic feathers inspired by photographs of hawks in mid-flight. Since Alebrijes are sculptural, I painted Harry as a three-dimensional form before adding the intricate details. I referenced Oaxacan Alebrijes to determine the colorful patterns on his body and clothes.

3. What does it mean to be a part of the Hawks’ annual ‘Hispanic Heritage Night presented by CareSource’?

I feel so incredibly proud to have created something so emblematically Mexican for the Atlanta Hawk’s Hispanic Heritage Night. It was very exciting to capture Harry’s fierce attitude through a piece that honors my Mexican roots. I hope seeing Harry the Hawk as an Alebrije allows the Hawks’ Latinx fanbase to feel welcomed and embraced.

I never saw things like this happen in Atlanta growing up. There are so many of us across fields in our city who have been working to ensure our stories are included in these spaces that belong to us all—we are an intersectional community that plays a role in Atlanta’s history. We are part of this city’s fabric. I am grateful that the Hawks see this value and that they have been so intentional in planning this amazing celebration!

4. What are you looking forward to seeing during Hispanic Heritage Night?

I can’t wait to see how Harry’s Alebrije is incorporated throughout the night! Nina Sky’s “Oye Mi Canto” continues to be such an anthem so I was very excited to hear that they will be performing. And of course, any time Mariachis are performing, it’s a party!

Most importantly, I am thrilled that I will be joined by my family, mentors and friends at the game! They have been so excited about this project and I think tomorrow will be an incredibly special night for us all.

5. As a Latinx artist, you understand the challenges artists of color face as they look to have their work recognized in mainstream visual arts. Can you tell us about one of those challenges you faced and how you overcame it?

It’s challenging to pinpoint to one specific instance because it has all been an uphill battle. All the more reason why this collaboration is so meaningful for me!

One of my earliest memories of being an aspiring artist also turned out to be my first heart break. When I was sixteen, one of my teachers encouraged me to participate in an art contest hosted by the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust. I won third place but was denied the prize because I didn’t have a Social Security Number. The rejection was a sobering realization of what it meant to be an Undocumented American and raised alarming questions about my future. What should’ve become a pleasant memory for me as an aspiring artist kindled a fire that galvanized my path toward becoming an activist, educator and artist hoping to play a role in the multi-generational movement for immigrants’ human rights.

My first mural (2017) was destroyed by the owners of the wall one year after I painted it because they became concerned about politics and wanted to remain neutral. Almost every project has entailed these uncomfortable conversations, but eventually, my persistence started bearing results. In 2019, I was invited to exhibit work at the High Museum of Art and became the first openly-undocumented artist to show work there. Atlanta has embraced my work and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to emerge as an artist in this city, where being steeped in the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement undoubtedly contributed to my passion for art as activism.

Over the past five years, I've served as a monument-maker asserting the humanity of immigrants in Atlanta through public art. My murals are the life-affirming spaces I needed to see growing up. They provide the sense of sanctuary art affords me amid uncertainty. I've claimed barren walls to paint landmarks that belong to undocumented people who, through my community-responsive process, share their desire to be defined by more than their immigration status. The murals depict them vividly through larger-than-life, shoulder-to-shoulder portraits, often accompanied by the Monarch butterfly—a symbol of resilience and migration used in activism and a reminder of my first home in Michoacán, where the Monarchs seek sanctuary. Agency and vulnerability coexist in the murals; my subjects choose to come out publicly as undocumented while valiantly facing a system that forces them into the shadows.

The monuments I've painted in Atlanta institute a space for immigrants within the South's dominant racial binary. From my first mural on Buford Hwy—the immigrant heart of Atlanta and where I grew up—to my mural at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, I confront the idea of who is worthy of public celebration in the home of the largest Confederate monument in the nation. My portraits and Monarchs have also found their way into major institutions of art in Atlanta. Like my murals, they have served as a platform for difficult conversations on immigration within a historically anti-immigrant state.

latinx-artist-and-activist-yehimi-cambron-talks-creating-the-hawks-first-harry-the-hawk-alebrije-for-hispanic-heritage-night-presented-by-caresource

Latinx Artist and Activist Yehimi Cambrón Talks Creating the Hawks’ First ‘Harry the Hawk Alebrije’ for ‘Hispanic Heritage Night presented by CareSource’

Hawks To Celebrate South Africa as the ‘Ultimate Vacation Destination’ During Game Against Memphis This Sunday, March 26; One Lucky Fan Will Walk Away from Sunday’s Game with a Trip to South Africa&nbsp;

ATLANTA –&nbsp;The Atlanta Hawks today announced that they will team up with Visit South Africa for a theme night for the team’s home game against Memphis at 6 p.m. this upcoming Sunday, March 26th to celebrate the destination’s diverse offerings and giveaway a trip to South Africa to one lucky winner. Building off the excitement around the recent non-stop service between Atlanta and both Cape Town and Johannesburg, the Hawks will be the first professional sports team in the United States to partner with Visit South Africa. Throughout the game, the Hawks will incorporate the sights and sounds of South Africa into various in-game activations.&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to partner with Visit South Africa to celebrate the country’s unique tourist experiences this Sunday night at State Farm Arena, where our fans will see several unique integrations throughout the game,” said Hawks Chief Revenue Officer Andrew Saltzman.

Prior to the game, the Hawks and Visit South Africa will host a happy hour event with key media and travel trade stakeholders as well as leadership from the Hawks. During the game, one lucky fan will win a trip to South Africa. Also taking place on the arena concourse, the ATL Hawks Dancers will perform a dance routine to popular music from South Africa. During the game, one lucky fan will win a trip to South Africa.

“As part of our ongoing programs to promote the Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta-Cape Town/ Johannesburg routes specifically, and destination South Africa more broadly, Visit South Africa is proud to share the message that it has bever been easier for Hawks fans to connect with our vibrant people and unique experiences when they #VisitSouthAfrica,” said Jerry Mpufane, President South African Tourism North America.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As part of the evening’s food and beverage, State Farm Arena Executive Chef Joe Schafer will curate various South African inspired menu items, which will be served at the arena’s premium spaces.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, it was announced that halftime of Sunday’s game will feature a performance from one of the world’s most influential rappers Gucci Mane. Also known as the East Atlanta Santa, Gucci Mane has more Top 10 albums on Billboard’s ‘Top Rap Albums’ chart than any other hip-hop artist in history.&nbsp;

If you want to secure tickets for this Sunday’s game presented by Visit South Africa, visit&nbsp;Hawks.com/tickets.