We end 2018 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Arena Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #3: Atlanta Hawks complete State Farm Arena renovations.
Many changes have been underway in Atlanta, where Philips Arena was rechristened State Farm Arena and renovations were completed just in time for the Atlanta Hawks’ 2018-2019 home opener in October. The multi-phase, $192.5-million renovation included new video displays, new social spaces, technology initiatives, and upgraded food and beverage offerings including a floor-level bar.
Perhaps the jewel of these renovations is the multiple video displays around the arena. The highlight is the first continuous 360-degree videoboard in the NBA and the first arena bowl with HD-quality, 6mm LED video display technology. The 360-degree display is about 161 feet around, 27 feet tall, and has over 4,000 square feet of active video display space. That doesn’t even include the multiple screens added around the arena which adds up to 12,000-square feet of video space, 10 times more LED video than the arena had before construction.
As our own Kevin Reichard wrote in July 2017, other improvements in this arena upgrade include the Hawks Bar, a Hawks Meeting and Conference Center, a Zac-Brown inspired restaurant, a custom suites experience by Topgolf, and one of Killer Mike’s signature SWAG Shop barbershops.
The renovations have led to the Hawks signing a new 18-year lease that will keep the team at State Farm Arena through 2046 and have started sparking new business partnerships. That includes partnering with Comcast Business to manage the Hawks’ Wi-Fi network and speed up connectivity, as the two sides announced earlier this month. State Farm Arena will be drawing high-profile events in 2019 including Michelle Obama, Hugh Jackman, and Queen. With the renovations in place, State Farm Arena should provide a more modern spectator experience for NBA games and other events going forward.
Rendering courtesy Atlanta Hawks.
Here’s our Top Ten of 2018 to date:
Best of 2018, #4: New Ottawa Senators Arena Plan Stalls
Best of 2018, #5: Online Sports Gambling Hits Arenas
Best of 2018, #6: New Hopes for Calgary Flames Arena Discussions
Best of 2018, #7: Proposed Clippers Inglewood Arena Sparks Controversy
Best of 2018, #8: Phoenix Suns Pitch Talking Stick Resort Arena Renovation Plan
