Swipe Right Night

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ATLANTA -- This past Saturday the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena hosted the wedding ceremony of ‘Swipe Right Night’ couple Ben McCleskey and Avery Armstrong, after three years of dating that started at the Hawks’ Tinder Night promotion. A vintage bohemian theme was reflected in the décor and the ivory, lace, long-sleeve gown worn by the bride. The dress provided by David’s Bridal, along with all of the dresses of her attendants, flower girls and the mother of the bride were chosen at a styling session in January.  McCleskey, the general manager of a restaurant, wore a classic navy suit and matte gold sneakers. He and Armstrong, a lacrosse coach, were flanked by 11 groomsmen in matte gold ties with navy slacks and 11 bridesmaids wearing varied hues of gold, mauve, pink and ivory. The more than 250 guests, including Hawks CEO Steve Koonin were seated around the team’s iconic logo at half court.

“We are so thankful for all the Atlanta Hawks have done for us, especially Mr. Koonin, Janet Smith and Catie Scott,” said Mr. &amp; Mrs. McCleskey in their first joint statement. “It’s been an amazing experience and we will cherish it forever.  Our wedding was truly unforgettable.”

The 30-minute ceremony felt very intimate despite taking place in the nearly empty 16,000+ seat arena on a night between two home games.  Members of both the McCleskey and Armstrong parties encircled the bride and groom for a family prayer, that was followed by the couple taking the sacrament of holy communion and exchanging personally written vows, before the guests retreated to the Courtside Club for the reception. 

“From that much-talked about promotion, none of us would have imagined that it would lead to our first wedding on the Hawks’ court,” said Koonin. “We all know that sports can unite people like few things can and we are happy to consider Avery and Ben Hawks fans and family for life.”

Koonin, who gave the first toast of the reception, offered the couple sage advice based on his own 34-year marriage, then directed guests’ attention to a video message from Rosette Pambakian, Tinder’s Head of Brand, who surprised the couple with an all-inclusive honeymoon getaway.

"We want to congratulate Ben and Avery on their marriage," said Pambakian. "We couldn't be more thrilled that our Swipe Right Night with the Hawks led to such an amazing story and a life-changing match - and we are excited to send them on their honeymoon.” 

GO HERE to view the full gallery of wedding photos.

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Swipe Right Couple Gets Married On Hawks' Court

ATLANTA -– The Atlanta Hawks have announced that ‘Swipe Right Night’ couple Ben McCleskey and Avery Armstrong will say their vows and get married center court of Philips Arena on Saturday, March 3. Nearly two years ago, Hawks Chief Executive Officer, Steve Koonin offered to host and pay for the couple’s wedding should they ever decide to get married. The ceremony will take place on the hardwood at Philips Arena and will be followed by a reception for more than 200 guests in the arena’s newly-opened, exclusive Courtside Club.

“Everyone at the Hawks couldn’t be more delighted for Ben and Avery to tie the knot on our home court,” Koonin said. “What perfect example of our team’s mission coming to life - uniting the city through basketball. We are honored to host the happy couple, along with their friends and family on their special night.” 

In 2015, McCleskey and Armstrong, both Shorter University students at the time, began their relationship at the Atlanta Hawks’ first ever ‘Swipe Right Night’-themed game where fans had the opportunity to meet up with matches from the popular Tinder app in real time. In 2016, the couple returned to Philips Arena as guests of the team for ‘Swipe Right Night 2.0’. It was then the offer of Philips Arena was extended as the future wedding location for the pair. After several Hawks games, two years of dating and a newborn baby, the couple took the team up on its proposition.

David’s Bridal has partnered with the Hawks to provide the soon-to-be bride with dresses for the wedding day. In January, David’s Bridal invited Armstrong to its Kennesaw location for a visit with an in-store styling team to guide her through the selection of her wedding gown, along with dresses for her flower girl, mother and 11 bridesmaids. Get a behind the scenes look here.

"David’s Bridal is thrilled to partner with the Atlanta Hawks to help bring Avery and Ben the wedding of their dreams,” said Elizabeth Crystal, Chief Marketing Officer and EVP at David’s Bridal.  “Our Kennesaw store had a wonderful time styling Avery and her bridesmaids, and we can’t wait to see the happy couple make it official.”

Following the ceremony, the couple will treat their guests to an early evening reception in the arena’s exclusive Courtside Club for a night of dining and dancing. Located just behind the basket, the club recently opened as part of the first phase of the arena’s $192.5MM transformation project.  The space is the most exclusive club in the arena, usually reserved for floor seat ticket holders and features the signature Hawk Bar, the only on-the-floor bar in the NBA.  

“Ben and I are beyond thankful for everything that the Atlanta Hawks have done for us,” Armstrong said. “Philips Arena is where it all began and it just seems fitting that the next big milestone in our lives together happens there. The stylists at David’s Bridal helped me find the dress of my dreams! It made this entire experience even better.”

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Hawks' "Swipe Right Night" Couple To Tie Knot at Philips Arena

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks and music superstar Monica announced today she will be performing during halftime when the team brings back the very popular Swipe Right Night on April 6.  This year the event is sponsored by Bud Light and takes place at the game against the Boston Celtics.  That night fans can use the Tinder app inside the arena to gain access to special perks and meet up with matches in real time.  Additionally, those who connect may get a courtside seat to the in-game concert by native Atlantan Monica, one of music’s reigning voices with more than 25 million records sold.

The Grammy winner’s appearance marks the first by an R&amp;B songstress as part of the Hawks concert series.  Past performers at games just this season have included many of Atlanta’s hottest names in hip hop like Gucci Mane, 2Chainz, Migos and Lil Yachty.

“Atlanta is home and there’s no place like home.  I’m excited to perform during halftime for our own Atlanta Hawks and bring people together for Swipe Right Night.  This city, my friends, family and fans always show me such great love and support, this is going to be a good time for all.  I’m an Atlanta girl,” said the multi-platinum selling Monica.

Whether Hawks fans are looking to meet new friends or make a possible love connection, the night will offer several opportunities, including the “Swipe Right” lounge, presented by Bud Light, where Tinder users can turn on-line interest into real-world interaction.   Guests who are 21 and up, can access the lounge by showing their Tinder profile via the mobile app on their smartphones. Bud Light will provide complimentary beverages, branded merchandise and more to make the private suite the hub for a great night out with acquaintances old and new. 

The Hawks are encouraging everyone to get to the game early for the chance to get upgraded and see Monica’s performance up close from the players bench.  The team will be giving the VIP experience to a lucky few who check into the Swipe Right lounge during the first half of the game.

”When the Hawks presented Swipe Right Night as an opportunity for Bud Light to be involved, it made perfect sense. Bud Light is consistently there for the moments when you’re building connections with others,” said Courtney Baker, Senior Regional Brand Manager for Bud Light. “Reaching beyond the mobile screen resonates with our consumers who crave authentic, emotional experiences with others.”

The Hawks are offering a “Swipe Right Pack” that includes 2 tickets plus $20 food &amp; beverage credit ($10 per ticket) here.

The Tinder app is compatible with Android and Apple devices and is available for download from the iTunes or Google Play stores.  Get more information on Tinder at www.gotinder.com.

Bud Light reminds everyone that you must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic products and to always enjoy them responsibly. 

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Monica To Join Hawks For Latest Swipe Right Night

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Fans Find Their Match at #SwipeRightATL

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Hawks Win 6th-Straight at #SwipeRightATL

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks are encouraging fans to use the people-connecting mobile app Tinder to transform Philips Arena into the premier social networking hub in the NBA. “Swipe Right Night” will take place on Jan. 7, when the Eastern Conference-leading Hawks welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to town for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.

“Hawks games have always been a great place to meet fun and vibrant people and we think ‘Swipe Right Night’ will take that to a whole new level,” said Hawks CEO Steve Koonin. “We were pioneers of the in-game ‘Kiss Cam’ and are hopeful that we can assist in making some more love connections at our games.”

Fans who use the app can simply swipe right to express interest in meeting other Hawks fans while at the venue. If the user gets a like in return … it’s a match. Designated in-arena locations will be provided for Tinder users to meet and will also include the chance to mingle with Jezebel Magazine’s Most Eligible Atlantans, who will also be in attendance.

The night’s theme of connecting Hawks fans will include unique in-game promotions and continue when team radio broadcast partner 92-9 The Game treats select fans to a special dating game involving on-air talent.

Tickets can be purchased here with no ticketing fees for as little as $15, and include a $10 food and beverage credit.