Work is well underway on the latest phase of the Philips Arena renovation. Between now and the beginning of the 2018-19 NBA season, the home of the Atlanta Hawks will receive the final—and perhaps most elaborate—round of an ongoing improvement project.
Following the 2016-17 season, work began on a three-phase renovation to Philips Arena. The $192.5 million project follows several trends in arena renovations, including the introduction of new premium areas and social spaces, technology upgrades, and more.
Some results of the renovation were in place for the 2017-18 season. Perhaps the highlight among those improvements was the Courtside Club, a court-level premium area located behind one of the baskets.
In one of the core areas of the Philips Arena renovation, the Hawks will place an emphasis on the social aspect of events by overhauling their suites. One of the more notable aspects of this plan is the Atlanta Social concept, which calls for an array of seating options that include terrace tables, couches, and cabanas. There will also be several spaces that promote the social aspect of attending an event, including the Bridge Bar—a walkway that connects the Atlanta Social suites to other spaces.
Another feature on tap are Topgolf Swing suites, which will feature Topgolf simulators and views into the arena’s seating bowl. The emphasis on unique areas will also be reflected by Killer Mike’s SWAG Shop, a four-chair barber shop that will offer views of the action. Philips Arena will also include Zac Brown’s Social Club, a southern gourmet-style restaurant.
That mix of new social and club areas reflects a broader effort for Philips Arena, as other similar spaces will be introduced as part of the renovation. The upgrades are not stopping there, however, as technology is also a major focus.
Perhaps the most striking addition will be the new center-hung videoboard, which is projected to be three times larger than its predecessor. In addition, the Hawks will add more LED screens throughout the arena while improved audio technology should yield a better experience for events at the facility, including basketball and concerts. A move that will improve connectivity throughout the arena is upgraded Wi-Fi. The ability for fans to connect to their smartphones and bolster the social aspect of attending events is key for many venues, which is why more facilities—including Philips Arena—are seeing this technology enhanced through renovations.
The Hawks are adding what have been billed as neighborhoods throughout the arena. These areas will be found throughout the 100 and 200 levels of the facility, with each placing an emphasis on unique social areas and concession options. For instance, the Hawks Walk Market on the 100 level will resemble an open food hall, while the ATL Brew Pub on the 200 level will feature a wide array of beer options.
Th current Philips Arena renovation phase began April 22. The arena will be closed until this fall, with the facility showing off its new features at the beginning of the 2018-19 season.
Renderings courtesy Atlanta Hawks.
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