Atlanta Hawks considering change to start times

The Hawks are giving serious consideration to moving up start times next season, according to several people familiar with the situation.

No final decision has been made, but most or some home games could move back to a 7:30 p.m. start time.

Last season, the Hawks move start times to 8 p.m. for the majority of games played Monday through Friday. Most Saturday night games began at 7:30 p.m.

The Hawks made the switch to a later start time to help with traffic and to ensure more fans would seated in the arena by opening tipoff. According to those familiar with the situation, the team found that more fans were seated by game time and that will factor into the decision. The teams travel schedule will also be a factor.

Once the NBA schedule is released, which likely will come in the next two weeks, the Hawks will look at travel considerations, number of back-to-back games and number of weekend games before making a final determination on start times.

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Credit: AP