With the Final Four NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament coming up in Atlanta next spring, we’re already having visions of swooshing basketballs running through our heads. We have plenty to draw from considering the multiple NBA Atlanta Hawks events we’ve been a part of, including a tasting event for super-premium ticketholders and a meet-and-greet extravaganza for 1,200 of the team’s biggest fans. So when the Hawks and State Farm Arena brought us on board to design the décor for the Grand Opening of the Hawks Concert Club, we shot and scored.
This premium seating area is part of the arena’s $200 million transformation and is tailored to guests who enjoy a high-end live music experience. The club was specifically designed to deliver optimal concert sound. We wanted to make the party atmosphere as special as the live music performances would be, so we brought in today’s version of bling – iridescence – added eye-catching signage and on-theme album cover art, plus a fun photo booth experience.
Putting a fresh spin on a red-carpet entrance, we used black, gray, blue purple and red hexagon carpet tiles to mark the access to the Concert Club. We perked up the staircase with silver LPs and a 20-ft. organic balloon garland in iridescent colors that directed guests to the party. We placed Concert Club-branded iridescent and silver records throughout the space as a nod to the live music aspect of the new area.
To add a splash of excitement to the club’s existing furniture, we tossed mauve, silver and green lamé and sequin pillows along the sofas. We placed 4-in. chrome vases with fresh, multi-colored flowers that mimic the tones of iridescence around the room and put oversized versions of these on top of the bars. One hundred frosted votives with LED lights surrounded the centerpieces, adding a warm glow throughout.
The perimeter décor mirrored the tablespaces with an iridescent and crystal theme that amped up the bar and lounge areas. This dose of otherworld magic reminded guests of the celebratory nature of the evening.
A specialty graphics package acknowledged the upcoming celebrity concerts and Hawks key players. We created 13 distinct 3-by-4-ft. graphic pieces celebrating musical names like Ariana Grande, the Jonas Brothers, Migos, Shawn Mendes and Elton John. Dual large graphics on chrome paper announced: “Concert Club Grand Opening.”
The colorful palette continued into the interactive photo booth with social media functions. Guests had the chance to take their photos in front of a white backdrop with graphic outlines flanked with potted palm fronds and decorated with giant palm leaves in various shades of purple and pink.
Bringing glam to this grand opening highlighted the benefits of having a team who enjoys sports as much as beauty. We’re looking forward to Atlanta’s ‘Year of Basketball’ and the Final Four events that will come with it!