{"id":9073,"date":"2018-04-11T17:08:11","date_gmt":"2018-04-11T21:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=9073"},"modified":"2018-06-22T09:36:35","modified_gmt":"2018-06-22T13:36:35","slug":"atl-celebrates-atlanta-hawks-five-decade-run-with-art-exhibit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/atl-celebrates-atlanta-hawks-five-decade-run-with-art-exhibit\/","title":{"rendered":"ATL celebrates Atlanta Hawks’ five-decade run with art exhibit"},"content":{"rendered":"
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ATL and Atlanta Hawks officials celebrate opening of Atlanta Hawks exhibit at Hartsfield-Jackson’s Domestic Terminal atrium April 9.\u00a0\u00a9 2018 Decisive Moment Events<\/p><\/div>\n

By Anika Robertson
\nSenior Editor\/Assistant Public Relations Manager<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

ATL and Atlanta Hawks leaders cut a ribbon April 9 to officially open an art exhibit at the Airport commemorating the 50th<\/sup> anniversary of the iconic NBA franchise.<\/p>\n

This exhibit features photographs and artifacts that trace the Atlanta Hawk\u2019s evolution and honor its \u201cprofound impact,\u201d Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith told dozens in the Domestic Terminal atrium.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Hawks jerseys of four top players \u2013 \u201cPistol Pete\u201d Maravich, Lou Hudson, Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins \u2013 are featured in the installation, coordinated by the Airport Art program and located behind the west elevators in the atrium. Other artifacts include trophies, vintage photos and an array of media credentials.<\/p>\n

Legendary Hall of Famer Wilkins said he\u2019s grateful that the Hawks\u2019 legacy is now being appreciated.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a pleasure coming from the University of Georgia to help build this rich history,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Veteran Hawks announcer Steve Holman, who hasn\u2019t missed a game in more than 33 years, said they\u2019ve shared some amazing history, adding that \u201cmanagement has great plans for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders performed during the ceremony while team mascot Harry the Hawk teased fans and encouraged goofy photos.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Hawks Owner Jami Gertz said Atlanta has been welcoming after she, her husband and partners obtained ownership in 2015.<\/p>\n

As for the future, \u201cwe are looking to bring the Naismith Trophy here to Atlanta,\u201d Gertz said. \u201cWe want championships.\u201d<\/p>\n

Showcasing the Hawks exhibit and other homegrown brands at ATL makes sense, Smith said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor many passengers, Hartsfield-Jackson is their first \u2013 and only stop \u2013 in Atlanta,\u201d he said. \u201cIn fact, of the more than 103 million passengers who navigate through this Airport each year, some 60 million never venture out of these walls to explore what this City has to offer. We\u2019d like to change that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Hawks exhibit runs through June.<\/p>\n

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