Good morning. This is LEADOFF, the early buzz in Atlanta sports.
The Hawks are asking fans for input on the planned renovation of Philips Arena.
In a survey posted on social media and the team's website, the Hawks list "possible aspects" of the renovation and ask fans to rank them from 1 ("not at all exciting") to 10 ("very exciting").
The list provides a glimpse of the possibilities the Hawks and their architects have in mind:
— Remove the top two levels of suites and replace them with additional seating for the general public.
— Add a new center scoreboard and additional new video screens in corners of the arena.
— Add different types of seats throughout the arena, such as small, semi-private boxes, flexible spaces and social spaces with a view of the arena floor.
— Remove the overhang from the upper level so that all lower level seats will have a clear view of the arena floor and screens.
— Improved lighting, graphics and way-finding signs.
— Additional bar and social areas with a direct view of the arena floor.
— Improved food and beverage locations, concepts and variety.
— 360-degree access, being able to walk around the entire arena without having to turn around.
The survey also asks: What else would you like to see in a renovation of Philips Arena?
Among numerous other questions, the online survey asks fans to name their favorite Philips feature “that you would definitely like to see in place after the renovation” and to name a feature currently missing “that you would most like to see.”
The Hawks and the City of Atlanta announced Nov. 1 that they had come to terms on a deal for a $192.5 million renovation of the 17-year-old arena. The agreement calls for taxpayers to pay $142.5 million, or almost 75 percent, of the renovation cost.
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The Braves will mark their move into a new ballpark by wearing a SunTrust Park inaugural-season patch on their jersey sleeves next season.
Take a look at the patch and logo here and here.
This year, the Braves wore a final-season-at-Turner-Field patch.
ICYMI: Lots of updates here about the Braves' move into SunTrust Park.
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