Motorists on Ga. 400 Tuesday morning got a double bonus: no tolls and no traffic backups. The Atlanta Hawks are paying for all northbound and southbound tolls  from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. to promote the return of NBA basketball after a five-month lockout.

"All 50-cent, cashier and cruise card/Peach Pass lanes’ tolls will be paid for by the Atlanta Hawks," the team said in a statement.

The toll baskets had red placards placed over them and Hawks cheerleaders were handing out magnet schedules as motorists passed through. And since motorists didn't have to fumble for change or wait for a mechanical arm to let them through, the usual backups at the toll plaza were nonexistent Tuesday morning.

Hawks hall of famer Dominique Wilkins and Harry the Hawk were also on hand handing out magnet schedules and $50 holiday cards that can be used toward purchasing Hawks tickets.

The Hawks start their home schedule with a preseason game against the Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday. The regular season begins at home on Dec. 28 against the Washington Wizards.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC