Peachtree Hoops - Hawks, City of Atlanta enter into partnership to renovate Philips ArenaThe place to read about/discuss the Atlanta Hawks.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/8811/peachtree-fave.jpg2016-11-02T08:00:03-04:00http://www.peachtreehoops.com/rss/stream/132516252016-11-02T08:00:03-04:002016-11-02T08:00:03-04:00Philips Arena renovations are next step in Hawks’ long-term plan
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Sacramento Kings at Atlanta Hawks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AS_Usdk4-hF1dD-cNGJe_GoSvjA=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51631983/usa-today-9647608.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With a new practice facility and arena renovations on the horizon, the Hawks are looking toward the future</p> <p id="QkwL68">On November 1, the Atlanta Hawks announced plans to <a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2016/11/1/13487458/philips-arena-renovation-atlanta-hawks-city-of-atlanta">renovate Philips Area in partnership with the City of Atlanta</a>. Arena renovations have been a topic of conversation for some time now, and today concrete details emerged. With this new deal, along with the ongoing construction for a new practice facility, the Hawks continue to plan for the future. </p>
<p id="2xCsIu">The new lease runs through 2046, securing the team’s long-term future with the city of Atlanta. There was no immediate danger that the Hawks would relocate, but these renovations confirm the city and franchise’s mutual commitment. After the Braves’ tenuous move to the suburbs, Atlanta is clearly placing a premium on its relationship with the Hawks and Falcons. </p>
<p id="8OXjL7">The renderings of the renovated arena are impressive. The price tag for these improvements (at just under $200 million) runs nowhere near the cost of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the visual improvements to the Philips Arena experience look spectacular. </p>
<p id="RJjLa2">With a new practice facility under construction, and arena renovation plans in place, a D-League team seems like the next logical step for the franchise. The Hawks famously lack a D-League affiliate, which is surprising given the franchise’s focus on player development. </p>
<p id="dAMXo8">The D-League has <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2F2015%2F11%2F12%2Fnba-d-league-growth-30-teams-within-five-years%2F75665740%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peachtreehoops.com%2F2016%2F11%2F2%2F13491378%2Fatlanta-hawks-long-term-plans-arena-d-league" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">expanded several times in recent years</a>, but, at just 22 teams, still does not have an affiliate for every NBA team. You can find a full rundown of the D-League <a href="http://dleague.nba.com/faq/">here</a>, with a list of franchises who own their own affiliates (and those who have hybrid agreements).</p>
<p id="HLR8UW">The Hawks have placed a premium on acquiring a D-League team, but still do not have one. This hasn’t crippled their player development by any means, since NBA teams without an affiliate can still assign players to a team. However, since D-League teams usually copy the play styles and coaching decisions of their parent NBA teams, not having an affiliate is still a stumbling block to the Hawks’ development as a franchise. </p>
<p id="mZAZQ7">With a new CBA supposedly on the horizon, the D-League could become even more important. Nobody knows for sure what details will emerge from talks between players and the league. However, the potential for added roster spots or unforeseen agreements could make the player development side of the league even more critical. </p>
<p id="1sCtbS">Since the season is already underway, a D-League announcement (if it comes) for Atlanta would most likely happen sometime next summer. The Hawks would most likely look to place the team close to Atlanta, and somewhere like Macon or Gwinnett would be the most likely option.</p>
<p id="9Ujf7M">The Hawks undoubtedly want a D-League team, and the question appears to be one of “when,” instead of “if.” For now, though, the team will have to be content with assigning players to teams like the Austin Spurs. The practice facility and arena plans confirm that more changes should be on the way, though. </p>
<p id="FFwIle">The Hawks are looking ahead, and the team is clearly doing everything it can to encourage future success. Atlanta should reap immediate benefits in the 2018-19 season when both the arena and practice facilities will be complete, and a D-League team — if one exists by that time — will be another step in the right direction. </p>
<p id="S3Vo5w"> </p>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2016/11/2/13491378/atlanta-hawks-long-term-plans-arena-d-leagueThomas Jenkins2016-11-01T14:59:10-04:002016-11-01T14:59:10-04:00Hawks partner with city to renovate Philips Arena (Updated)
<figure>
<img alt="Miami Heat v Atlanta Hawks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yVovw5FHnGLNdg2B5P64F5sWY4I=/104x0:4793x3126/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51628629/106160021.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Big changes coming to Philips Arena.</p> <p id="F90Lmf">Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed held a join press conference along with Atlanta Hawks principle owner Tony Ressler to announce a partnership with the City of Atlanta to refurbish Philips Arena. The proposed deal would cost $192.5 million of which the Hawks would invest $50 million with the city picking up the rest. </p>
<p id="uUoDCB">“When our group became owners almost a year and a half ago, we pledged to work diligently with the City of Atlanta to ensure that the Club remained downtown. We knew that a key part of producing a winning team, providing a superior fan experience and being a civic asset to the City of Atlanta required a renovation of our arena and a meaningful improvement to the downtown area of this city. Today’s announcement with the Mayor is a significant step toward this goal, and we look forward to this exciting transformation that will ensure that we provide the best fan experience possible now and for the next 30 years,” said Tony Ressler, Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner and Chairman. “We appreciate the efforts of the Mayor, his team and the rest of the City government in working with team executives in accomplishing this positive feat for our team and our city.”</p>
<p id="zU5lTW">Per Reed, the funding will not result in higher taxes for any Atlanta citizen. The money will be funded from an extension of the car rental tax along with $12.5 million coming from the sale of Turner Field. </p>
<p id="v6N63J">“This is the first stake in the ground in transforming the critical corridor from the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Centennial Olympic Park and across to Five Points and Underground Atlanta,” said Mayor Reed. “I want to thank Tony Ressler and the Atlanta Hawks’ ownership for committing to this deal that will keep the NBA in our City and help re-imagine downtown for the millions of residents, visitors and tourists who come to Atlanta each year.”</p>
<p id="8pR5GG">The redesign is expected to take place during the offseason and shouldn’t impact the Hawks in season schedule. The redesign will involve the elimination of the stacked suites that make up one side of the arena. The new suites will circle the arena’s upper bowl. </p>
<p id="RSaBQ4">Hawks CEO Steve Koonin said that the redesign would allow connectivity and amenities through out the arena. The renovation is slated to be complete in time for the 2018-19 which would coincide with 50th anniversary of the Hawks’ move to Atlanta. </p>
<p id="rE85AU">Here are some renderings of the proposed renovation:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JQaVFSmlmwpghFZj7drwMV6H-H4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7388849/0.jpeg">
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JfZ1Uqmzixav1PC7zZ2bd9i2OBk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7388853/0%20(1).jpeg">
</figure>
<p id="2FOx4N"></p>
<p id="HIqzAk"></p>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2016/11/1/13487458/philips-arena-renovation-atlanta-hawks-city-of-atlantaKris Willis2016-11-01T11:36:35-04:002016-11-01T11:36:35-04:00Kasim Reed to make real estate announcement<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/CVivlamoreAJC/status/793467804162940928">Kasim Reed to make real estate&nbsp;announcement</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p></p></div>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2016/11/1/13487698/kasim-reed-to-make-real-estate-announcementKris Willis2016-08-22T20:34:58-04:002016-08-22T20:34:58-04:00Dream moving to Georgia Tech for 2017-18 seasons
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Wake Forest at Georgia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6-TH6SxxHBzT2xs289Er7PMJL8g=/0x0:3960x2640/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50485581/usa-today-9105790.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Atlanta Dream will call Hank McCamish Pavilion home for the next two WNBA seasons. </p> <p id="DjHos3">The Atlanta Dream announced on Monday that they would be relocating to Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion for the 2016 Playoffs and for all of the 2017 and 2018 regular seasons. </p>
<p id="eYxQSL">The release doesn't go into detail for why the Dream are moving saying only that Philips Arena "will not be available."</p>
<p id="DJX2Gh">The <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> and the City of Atlanta have been involved in talks for a significant renovation to Philips Arena and that seems to be the likely cause for the move. </p>
<p id="x9gkwM">"We’re excited to highlight the Dream’s exciting style of play to Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion, which is purpose-built for basketball and a tremendous fan experience," said Dream owners Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler. "We will continue to deliver a great experience on the court while contributing to the greater Atlanta community.” </p>
<p id="6mzsbe">The Dream are no strangers to McCamish Pavilion having played three games there in 2014 and once this season. They have gone 3-1 in those games. </p>
<p id="mNLKlh">The Dream will return from the Olympic break on Wednesday and will resume play on Friday in Chicago. </p>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2016/8/22/12597222/atlanta-dream-moving-georgia-tech-for-2017-2018-seasonsKris Willis2016-02-02T14:00:03-05:002016-02-02T14:00:03-05:00City of Atlanta could contribute $100-150 million to Philips Arena remodel
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qnAu3OjwPW2wG6A2wLVDSxR8RGA=/0x3:6016x4014/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48707157/usa-today-8543445.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The planned remodel of Philips Arena is progressing and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says that $100-150 million of public money could be used in the project. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> and the City of Atlanta continue to eye a significant remodel of Philips Arena and Mayor Kasim Reed says that a substantial amount of public money could be contributed to the project.</p>
<p>Mayor Reed recently told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the specific amount hasn't been determined but he is expecting $100-150 million to be dedicated to the process. Reed also indicated that he expected the deal to be in place during the first quarter of 2016.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We have not settled on the number, but what we have looked at is our own capacity of what we can comfortably finance," he said in an hour-long meeting with AJC reporters and the newspaper’s editorial board. "We think that number is between 100 million and 150 million (dollars)."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Complete details of the planned renovation haven't been released but they are said to include the removal of the bank of luxury boxes that occupy one side of the arena. The entire project is expected to cost in the neighborhood of $250 million to $300 million.</p>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2016/2/2/10893574/philips-arena-remodel-kasim-reed-atlanta-hawksKris Willis2015-10-23T07:00:02-04:002015-10-23T07:00:02-04:00Reed, Hawks discussing Philips Arena remodel
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aV20CSK-tMGNZTbzZyCq5Uzsg48=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47502705/usa-today-8564878.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks and the city of Atlanta are in discussions on a plan that would significantly remodel Philips Arena. w</p> <p>Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> are working on a plan to make significant modifications to Philips Arena. The proposed plan could cost up to $250 million although the exact details of how much the city would kick in have not been finalized <a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/news/breaking-news/kasim-reed-city-hawks-talking-philips-arena-remode/nn7gb/">according to a report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We will retrofit Philips. That is the agreement. The discussion is about the number," Reed said, referring to the total cost of a substantial Philips renovation, not just a public amount.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There have been rumblings that members of Tony Ressler's ownership group were not happy with Philips Arena in its current state. One part of the renovation would be the elimination of the wall of suites that occupies one side of the arena. It would also entail connecting some corridors that are disjointed and would more efficiently accommodate game day traffic.</p>
<p>There are already cosmetic upgrades going on at the arena currently. Many of the colors are being updated in the hallways to reflect the team's new color scheme. The player's locker room is also receiving significant upgrades to bring it more up to par with those at other NBA facilities.</p>
<p>The important part of these type of deals is how much public money will be kicked in as part of the project. However, it appears the city has an agreement with the Hawks to remain downtown at Philips Arena and the talk of a new facility should go away at least for now.</p>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2015/10/23/9602384/atlanta-hawks-city-discussing-plans-to-remodel-philips-arenaKris Willis2015-07-23T15:51:47-04:002015-07-23T15:51:47-04:00Hawks discuss new arena, Philips Arena remodel
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1u_dkbNJZ2u-a3K7_NPbKOPSzo4=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46814720/usa-today-8564878.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>New Atlanta Hawks ownership has met with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed about possible renovations to Philips Arena and has also discussed potential locations for a new arena. </p> <p>Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has met with new <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> owners at least once to discuss potential locations for a new arena and the possibility of renovations to Philips Arena.<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-reed-discuss-philips-arena-rehab-locations-f/nm5X4/"> The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports</a> that Mayor Reed is willing to consider a deal that involves some public funding.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"What I'm willing to do is come to the table with a plan that makes sense and is fair to the people of Atlanta," Reed said. "I'm not closed to participating in a reasonable plan to make sure that the Hawks remain in the city and that's what I expressed in our meeting."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Principle owner Tony Ressler previously told the AJC that Philips Arena would need to be remodeled or replaced.</p>
<p>The Hawks are reportedly eyeing the Civic Center which is a city owned property that is for sale. Per the AJC report, there is another unnamed property also in Atlanta. They are also discussing the possibility of refurbishing Philips Arena which has seen moderate upgrades in the last few years.</p>
https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2015/7/23/9026249/atlanta-hawks-new-arena-kasim-reedKris Willis