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.

During the half time show and post game, Atlanta hip hop artist Future performed in front of thousands of Atlanta Hawks fans with his son Future. (Video by Ryon Horne/AJC)

About the Author

Keep Reading

Valerie Hoff discussing expired food during a 2015 11Alive segment. (Courtesy of 11Alive)

Credit: 11ALIVE

Featured

Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo