Industry News

Hawks recycle 12,500 Philips Arena seats

NBA basketball team the Atlanta Hawks has removed and recycled some 12,500 seats from its Philips Arena home as part of the venue’s redevelopment.

The revamped arena is due to open in October, with the redevelopment project including the installation of new amenities on each level of the arena, along with 360-degree connected concourses at all levels, improved sight lines and state-of-the-art video throughout the facility.

The team has taken steps to improve their sustainability efforts by recycling existing seats at the 18,000-seat venue. Team officials began removing the seats after the Hawks’ 2017-18 season came to an end in April.

Brett Stefansson, executive vice-president for the Hawks and general manager at Philips Arena, said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper: “(We) felt it was our responsibility to remove seats and other materials in a way that values sustainability.”

According to the AJC, the redevelopment of Philips Arena will cost a total of $192.5m. the facility’s capacity will be reduced to around 17,500 once the work is finished.

Thad Sheely, COO of the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena, is one of the confirmed speakers at TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit 2018, 13-14 November at Wembley. More details here.

Image: Mike Gonzalez