The future of the fan base is getting the spotlight.
When the Atlanta Hawks tip off against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, March 1 at State Farm Arena, the night will be about far more than basketball. It will mark the franchise’s first-ever Next Gen Night presented by Novelis — a family-focused celebration designed to energize, inspire, and connect with the next wave of Hawks fans.
From the moment doors open, the arena will feel different — louder, younger, and packed with hands-on experiences built specifically for kids and teens.
The first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive a complimentary black hat made from recycled materials, a nod to the event’s sustainability theme and Novelis’ role as the team’s official aluminum recycling partner.
But the real draw is everything happening beyond the seats.
Concourse areas will transform into interactive playgrounds featuring gaming stations, themed photo ops, and immersive activities that turn the arena into a full-night experience. It’s the kind of environment where kids aren’t just spectators — they’re participants.
Pregame festivities will include a TikTok dance clinic hosted by the ATL Hawks Dancers, giving 20 selected participants the chance to learn choreography, film content, and step directly into the entertainment side of game night. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity that blurs the line between fan and performer.
Setting the soundtrack for the evening will be Storm the DJ, whose live pregame set will bounce across genres — Top 40, hip-hop, R&B, house, and nostalgic throwbacks — creating a party atmosphere long before tipoff.
The night will also spotlight youth leadership in the community. Students from David T. Howard Middle School will serve as honorary co-captains, representing the thousands of young people engaged through recent Hawks and Novelis community initiatives.
Earlier this year, the organizations partnered on a recycling challenge at the school that mobilized more than 1,000 students. Together, they collected nearly 800 pounds of recyclable materials and more than 3,000 aluminum cans — proof that when young people are empowered, they show up in a big way.
Environmental awareness will remain front and center throughout the game. Fans will be able to participate in a recycling-themed shooting challenge that ties directly into aluminum sustainability efforts, turning education into action through play.
Then comes halftime — and it won’t be ordinary.
Instead of a traditional performance, fans will witness an indoor drone spectacle by Volta Swarm, blending synchronized aerial formations with live acrobatics. The show promises a futuristic visual experience designed to captivate every generation in the building.
Of course, no Hawks event would be complete without appearances from Harry the Hawk and the entertainment team, who will keep the energy high throughout the night with contests, crowd interactions, and youth-focused moments.
At its core, Next Gen Night represents something bigger than a themed game. It’s part of a broader effort to build lasting relationships with young fans while promoting creativity, community involvement, and sustainable habits.
In other words, this isn’t just about filling seats today — it’s about shaping who fills them tomorrow.
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m., but the real action starts the moment families walk through the doors. For one night, the arena will double as a playground, a classroom, a concert stage, and a glimpse into the future of Hawks basketball — all rolled into one.
