The Atlanta Hawks opened their 2018-19 season on Wednesday, Oct. 24 with a win against the Dallas Mavericks. The game also served as the sports debut of State Farm Arena, the $200-million-plus upgrade from what was formerly known as Philips Arena.
The venue officially opened Oct. 21 with the So So Def 25th Anniversary Concert, but also incorporated plenty of music into the Hawks’ opener.
The Zac Brown Band sang the national anthem, while Atlanta hip-hop star Future performed at halftime (see video below).
Brown has a particular interest in the arena - his expansive Zac Brown Social Club, with its handcrafted, wooden stools, chandeliers and a menu ranging from chicken wings to flatbreads, is an attractive addition to the new concourse.