The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club unveiled plans to completely transform Philips Arena into a new fan-focused sports and entertainment venue that reflects the ideals and spirit of the City. The transformation will rethink and rebuild the interior of the building from the roof-line to the baseline – and will include major changes to the current arena configuration, including removing the six-level wall of suites on the west side of the arena allowing for new amenities on every level of the building.
![Philips Arena](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/NBA-s-Atlanta-Hawks-unveiled-plans-for-new-Philips-Arena-by-HOK-01-876x538.jpg)
The project also provides installing a new state-of-the-art center-hung scoreboard and video displays, and revamping the concourses with 360-degree connectivity and a reimagined eating and drinking experience featuring new open food stalls and bars throughout. The transformation will be the second-largest renovation in NBA history, behind only the recent renovation of Madison Square Garden.
![Philips Arena](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/NBA-s-Atlanta-Hawks-unveiled-plans-for-new-Philips-Arena-by-HOK-02-876x493.jpg)
Originally designed as a multi-purpose venue, the demolition and reconstruction of the six-level wall of suites will create a dramatically new seating configuration and enhance the overall viewing experience by creating better sightlines for Hawks basketball and the many A-list concerts and shows that frequent the arena.
![Philips Arena](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/NBA-s-Atlanta-Hawks-unveiled-plans-for-new-Philips-Arena-by-HOK-04-876x498.jpg)
The number of traditional 20-person suites will be significantly reduced to make way for more modern and flexible suites showcasing a variety of seating options and amenities, tailored to fit any-sized business, entertainment or personal need. Inspired by the success of the Beltline, the arena will also have a tremendous amount of open, connected spaces with unique things to see, experience and enjoy on every level.
![Philips Arena](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/NBA-s-Atlanta-Hawks-unveiled-plans-for-new-Philips-Arena-by-HOK-03-876x493.jpg)
The new Hawks Bar will be the first bar on the floor in the NBA. Designed in the shape of the Hawks iconic Pacman logo, the bar will be just a handful of feet from the court with one of the best views of the action inside the arena. Each level concourse will have a redesigned look and feel with more open, social dining areas and an increased number of premium food and drink options.
![Philips Arena](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/NBA-s-Atlanta-Hawks-unveiled-plans-for-new-Philips-Arena-by-HOK-06-876x493.jpg)
The technology throughout the building will also receive a major reboot, centered around the most modern video capability in sports. The new center-hung scoreboard will be over three times the size of the current model and each corner of the reimagined arena will be anchored by state-of-the-art video pavilions. The arena will be the first with 6mm resolution throughout, allowing fans in any seat the best second screen experience in professional sports.
![Philips Arena](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/NBA-s-Atlanta-Hawks-unveiled-plans-for-new-Philips-Arena-by-HOK-05-876x493.jpg)
Another new addition to the arena will be the Hawks Meeting and Conference Center, an innovative meeting space including a 250-seat master conference room and four additional breakout rooms equipped with the most advanced technology (touch screen technology, interactive whiteboards and top-notch wireless presentation solutions) and access to full top-shelf bars and amenities. Source by NBA.com, images Courtesy of HOK.