Hawks supporters wear Magic City apparel despite the promotion being called off.
ATLANTA — State Farm Arena was filled to capacity on Monday evening as the Atlanta Hawks triumphed over the Orlando Magic, marking their 10th consecutive victory. With 18,138 spectators present, the ambiance was reminiscent of a playoff atmosphere.
However, it was not a playoff match; it was simply what was previously referred to as Magic City night.
The Hawks’ brief partnership with Atlanta’s famous adult entertainment venue was revealed on February 26 and promised exclusive merchandise, the club’s lemon pepper wings, and a halftime performance by Atlanta rapper T.I. This collaboration lasted less than two weeks before NBA Commissioner Adam Silver terminated it, citing concerns from “a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners, and employees.”
Regardless of the collaboration’s status, many Hawks supporters dressed for the occasion. Magic City apparel, both official and unofficial, was prevalent among the attendees. Among those wearing a club sweatshirt was Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz, who observed the game from a seat near halfcourt as Atlanta secured a 124-112 win.
The cancellation of the event elicited mixed responses and, locally, considerable confusion. This was evident by game time, as one of the retail outlets in the arena reported 12 requests for Magic City hoodies during the first quarter.
A sales associate from the Hawks Shop indicated that 300 of those hoodies were available for preorder, and they sold out almost instantly. The high demand led to a larger order of the sweatshirts, which will now be permanently unavailable.
Koreena Atkins, a member of the Hawks’ fan section known as the 404 crew, managed to obtain one of the 300 sweatshirts. She noted that the hoodies were sold out in less than two hours after the preorder opened.
Atkins intended to wear her sweatshirt to the game, but the fan club, which occupies the top three rows of section 122 at every game, was informed that Magic City chants and apparel would not be permitted.
Nichole Kagwisa, who missed the preorder opportunity, sought answers on Monday night.
“I’ve been a (season-ticket holder) for five years, and I’ve upgraded. Like, I’m a good member. I want a sweatshirt,” she stated. “I didn’t have this game. I was going to buy tickets, but then my friends got standing-room only. We wanted the experience, and we still haven’t seen the lemon pepper wings yet!”
Amid a crowd of disappointed Hawks fans were those who supported the NBA’s decision.
“I personally think they should have never done it. I’m here today with my grandson, who just turned 15 years old,” remarked a longtime season-ticket holder who preferred to remain anonymous. “You want to go in that direction, then go in that direction. But when you do, you’re going to lose grassroots support, and I’ve been a Hawks fan since they arrived here in the ’60s.”
Ashton Leroux, who has been a DJ at Magic City for the past eight years, expressed understanding for both perspectives.
“I didn’t think it was that significant at first, and then I began to realize I’ve been immersed in club culture for half of my DJ career, and it somewhat distanced me from reality,” Leroux commented.
He then gestured toward a young boy, also present in the Hawks Shop.
“Like him, what if he sees this and wants to actually ask, ‘What is this about?’ How do we explain it to the kids? I understand that viewpoint. I truly do.”
The controversy generated more attention and interest in the club than any event could have, Leroux noted, adding that a packed crowd was fully expected on Monday night.
“If there was stock in Magic City, it would have skyrocketed,” Leroux remarked.
