T.I. To Headline Hawks’ Halftime Show on Magic City Night
The Atlanta Hawks are bringing Atlanta culture to center court. On Monday, March 16, the Hawks host the Orlando Magic in a themed celebration called Magic City Monday. The night blends basketball, hip-hop, food, fashion, and film inside State Farm Arena.
The headline attraction is Atlanta’s own T.I., who will perform at halftime. His appearance anchors a broader collaboration between the Hawks and the iconic Atlanta institution Magic City, which has been known as one of the biggest clubs in the city since the 1980s.
This is more than a halftime show. It is a full-arena cultural experience designed for fans who love basketball and the city that surrounds it.
Magic City Monday Brings Atlanta Culture to the NBA Stage
Magic City has long held a unique place in Atlanta’s music story. For decades, the venue has been referenced in songs, mixtapes, documentaries, and pop culture conversations. The Hawks are leaning into that history for one night only.
The March 16 matchup against Orlando is officially themed around Magic City. The goal is to celebrate the club’s cultural influence on hip-hop and Atlanta nightlife while delivering the high-level game entertainment the Hawks are known for.
Last season, the Hawks were recognized as one of the NBA’s best overall game entertainment experiences. This collaboration continues that push. Fans can expect curated music, themed food, exclusive merchandise, and a halftime performance built around Atlanta’s sound.
For visiting fans of the Orlando Magic, it offers a snapshot of Atlanta culture. For locals, it feels like home court in more ways than one.
T.I. Headlines Halftime Performance
T.I., often referred to as the “King of the South,” will perform some of his best-known tracks during halftime. His catalog includes chart-topping hits and collaborations that helped define Southern rap in the 2000s and beyond.
His single “Let Me Know” is currently No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, adding fresh momentum to his appearance at State Farm Arena.
T.I. is also featured in the STARZ docuseries Magic City: An American Fantasy, which explores the history and cultural impact of Magic City. His connection to the venue and to Atlanta’s music scene makes him a natural fit for this event.
Halftime shows at NBA games are typically short and high energy. Expect a tight, performance-driven set that keeps the crowd engaged and bridges the first and second halves of the Hawks vs. Magic matchup.
Pregame Hawks AF Live Podcast Recording
Fans who arrive early can take part in a special live recording of the Hawks AF Podcast. The pregame event features a conversation centered on the Magic City documentary and the club’s broader influence on Atlanta music, sports, and culture.
Scheduled guests include Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney and T.I. The discussion will be hosted by Atlanta entertainer D.C. Young Fly.
This podcast activation adds depth to the night. It gives fans context behind the celebration and offers insight into how a nightlife institution became part of mainstream cultural conversation.
Special ticket packs are available for fans who want access to both the live podcast event and the game against Orlando. Standard game tickets are also available for those who prefer to attend the matchup only.
Arriving early is encouraged. Events like this often reach capacity quickly.
The Magic City Documentary Connection
The collaboration also ties back to the five-part STARZ series, Magic City: An American Fantasy. The project was produced by Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz alongside Grammy Award-winning producer Jermaine Dupri.
The docuseries examines Magic City’s 40-year history and its influence on hip-hop and Black culture. It includes interviews with major artists and cultural figures connected to Atlanta’s music scene.
By bringing this theme into an NBA setting, the Hawks are creating a bridge between sports ownership, storytelling, and city identity. It also reinforces how professional sports franchises can serve as cultural platforms, not just athletic ones.
For fans unfamiliar with the documentary, the event may spark interest in watching the series and learning more about Atlanta’s creative ecosystem.
DJ Esco Sets the Pregame Tone
Music will not be limited to halftime. Pregame sounds will be curated by DJ Esco, who is known for his work in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene and as Magic City’s resident Monday DJ.
His role ensures that the arena atmosphere reflects the theme from the moment doors open. Expect a playlist rooted in Atlanta rap, club anthems, and Southern classics.
Pregame entertainment is a major part of the modern NBA experience. Fans arrive early for warmups, social media moments, and arena activations. With DJ Esco handling the soundtrack, the energy should build steadily toward tipoff.
Lemon Pepper Wings and Atlanta Flavor
No Magic City-themed event would be complete without food. Magic City Kitchen will serve two versions of its well-known lemon pepper wings: Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ and traditional Lemon Pepper.
Wings will be available at select sections throughout the arena, including 114, 120, and 211. Premium spaces such as Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s Club and the Players Club will also feature the wings while supplies last.
Lemon pepper wings have become synonymous with Atlanta food culture. They are often referenced in music and sports conversations alike. Offering them inside State Farm Arena adds authenticity to the night.
For fans attending their first Hawks game, this is also a reminder that arena food has evolved. Many NBA venues now spotlight local restaurants and flavors. It enhances the overall fan experience and connects the team to the community.
Limited-Edition Magic City x Hawks Merchandise
The Hawks Shop is releasing a limited-edition Peachtree-themed hoodie as part of the collaboration. The front features bold “MAGIC CITY” lettering in peach. The sleeves include the Hawks’ official logo and a peach emblem.
The hoodie will be available at the Hawks Shop inside State Farm Arena and online starting March 16. Limited runs often sell out quickly, especially when tied to themed nights.
For collectors, themed NBA merchandise can become valuable memorabilia. For casual fans, it is simply a wearable piece of Atlanta pride.
Why Theme Nights Matter in the NBA
Theme nights have become central to NBA fan engagement strategy. Teams use them to celebrate heritage months, local institutions, alumni, and pop culture connections.
For the Atlanta Hawks, Magic City Monday is an example of hyper-local branding done intentionally. It reflects the city’s music legacy and nightlife identity while maintaining a family-friendly NBA environment.
These events also attract new audiences. Music fans may attend for T.I. and leave with a deeper appreciation for Hawks basketball. Sports fans may discover more about Atlanta’s cultural institutions.
It is a cross-pollination strategy that benefits both sides.
What Fans Should Know Before Attending
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Doors typically open well before game time, especially for special events.
Fans interested in the Hawks AF Live Podcast should secure the special ticket pack in advance. Those interested only in the game can purchase standard tickets.
Arriving early allows time to explore food options, merchandise stands, and pregame entertainment. Expect increased attendance due to the halftime performance and themed activation.
Parking and transportation plans should be made ahead of time. State Farm Arena is located in downtown Atlanta and is accessible via MARTA for those who prefer public transit.
A Night That Blends Hoops and Hip-Hop
At its core, this is still a basketball game. The Hawks and Orlando Magic will compete in a regular-season matchup that carries importance in the standings.
But Magic City Monday adds layers. It celebrates a 40-year Atlanta institution, spotlights a hometown rap icon whose single “Let Me Know” is currently No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and connects sports ownership to documentary storytelling. And it brings lemon pepper wings into the arena spotlight.
For fans, that combination makes March 16 more than just another game on the schedule.
It becomes an experience rooted in Atlanta identity.
And in a league where entertainment value matters as much as the final score, that experience may be the biggest win of the night.
The post Atlanta Hawks announce T.I. halftime show and Magic City hoodie collaboration coming on March 16 appeared first on Hip Hop Vibe.
source https://hip-hopvibe.com/news/atlanta-hawks-announce-t-i-halftime-show-and-magic-city-hoodie-collaboration-coming-on-march-16/
Comments
Post a Comment