Family-Focused Night to Feature Halftime Drone Show, Interactive Entertainment and Youth-Centered Experiences;
First 5,000 Fans to Receive Complimentary Hat Crafted from Recycled Materials
The Atlanta Hawks will host their first Next Gen Night presented by Novelis, the team’s official aluminum recycling and sustainability partner, when the team tips off against the Portland Trail Blazers at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Sunday, March 1, at 6 p.m.
The family-focused night will celebrate youth culture and serve as a platform to engage, inspire and connect with the next generation of Hawks fans. To commemorate the evening, Novelis will provide the first 5,000 fans in attendance with a complimentary black hat made from recycled materials, while supplies last.
“We are incredibly excited to host our first Next Gen Night in partnership with Novelis, as the next generation represents the future of our fans, our organization and our community,” said Melissa Proctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. “This night celebrates their energy and creativity with interactive experiences and in-arena moments that are sure to create lasting memories.”
Throughout the evening, the arena will feature interactive and youth-centered activations across the concourse, including gaming stations, themed photo opportunities and immersive activities. As part of the pregame programming, the ATL Hawks Dancers will host a TikTok dance clinic for 20 select participants when doors open, providing kids the opportunity to learn choreography, create social content and engage directly with the team’s entertainment staff.
The night’s atmosphere will be fueled by a live pregame DJ set from Storm the DJ, a top 10-ranked Live Pro DJ on TikTok, featuring top 40, house, hip-hop, R&B and nostalgic throwbacks. Ahead of tip off, students from David T. Howard Middle School will serve as honorary co-captains, highlighting youth leadership within the Atlanta community.
Throughout January and February, the Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena and Novelis partnered to host the second annual Community Recycling Challenge at David T. Howard Middle School, where more than 1,000 students collected nearly 800 pounds of recyclable materials and over 3,000 aluminum cans. Students contributed by properly sorting materials, collecting recyclables from classmates and helping establish clearly labeled recycling stations to strengthen the school’s overall recycling infrastructure.
“The remarkable success of the recycling program at David T. Howard shows how young people can spark meaningful change when they are empowered to lead. Their passion for aluminum recycling reflects the heart of Novelis’ sustainability vision and proves that a truly circular future begins with the next generation,” said Greg Schlicht, Executive Vice President and President, Novelis North America.
Additionally, Novelis will spotlight its sustainability initiatives through an interactive recycling-themed shooting challenge connected to its aluminum recycling program, offering a hands-on experience that highlights environmental responsibility and teaches the importance of taking action to protect the planet.
A unique halftime experience will feature Volta Swarm, an innovative indoor drone show blending cutting-edge drone technology with live acrobatics and aerial formations, creating stunning visuals that captivate all ages. Fan favorites, Harry the Hawk and the ATL Hawks Dancers, along with additional special guests, will also make appearances and entertain youth throughout the evening.
“We’re thrilled to bring Volta Swarm to Next Gen Night and create something truly unforgettable for Hawks fans,” said David Matz, Creative Director for Volta Swarm. “By blending precision drone technology with live acrobatics, we’re delivering an immersive visual experience that celebrates innovation and inspires the next generation.”
Next Gen Night is part of a broader commitment to engaging young fans through youth-centered programming, activations and community outreach, designed to build lifelong connections to the game while promoting sustainable practices.
To secure tickets for Next Gen Night presented by Novelis on Sunday, March 1, visit Hawks.com/tickets.
