Bowing to public pressure, the NBA announced that ‘Magic City Monday’ was cancelled.
The NBA team announced that March 16 would be “Magic City Monday” at State Farm Arena as the team faces off against the Orlando Magic. And while none of the strip clubs famed dancers would be performing, the evening was designed to celebrate the infamous venue’s contributions to the culture.
“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”
On Tuesday, the Magic City Instagram account posted a message with a graphic reading “Atlanta Can’t Be Cancelled” while also reinforcing their love for the culture, reading in part:
“If anything, this moment shows that Atlanta stands united. We’re proud to represent the culture, energy, and creativity that make this city special, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate and support the community that supports us.”
The Hawks announced on Feb. 26 that the evening would feature a performance by T.I., co-branded merchandise like a Peachtree-themed hoodie featuring the words “MAGIC CITY” in peach across the front and on the sleeves, and two versions of Magic City’s famous lemon pepper wings. With the cancellation, these items are likely now collector’s items.
While Magic City is considered an institution by many in Atlanta, some called foul over a partnership with the Atlanta Hawks prior to the cancellation.
Luke Kornet, a player for the San Antonio Spurs, ignited the basketball backlash on social media when he took to his blog to question why the NBA would partner with a strip club when they should be promoting family values.
“In its press release, the Hawks failed to acknowledge that this place is, as the business itself boasts, ‘Atlanta’s premier strip club.’ Given this fact, I would like to respectfully ask that the Atlanta Hawks cancel this promotional night with Magic City,” Kornet wrote.
“The NBA should desire to protect and esteem women, many of whom work diligently every day to make this the best basketball league in the world,” he continued. “We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love.”
Former Atlanta Hawks star Al Horford posted in support of Kornet’s post by sharing it on X with the comment, “Well said.”
Another former Atlanta player had a different opinion. Jeff Teague said during a YouTube podcast, “I would have been on that promo!” And ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith enthusiastically shared on his podcast: “I’m appalled … because I can’t go!”
In response to the the cancellation, the Hawks released a statement.
“While we are very disappointed in the NBA’s decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision. As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta – with authenticity – in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together.”
T.I.’s performance at halftime will reportedly go on as scheduled.
The promotion had many in the city and sports world debating its merits on social media, but one bright spot was folks were talking about a team currently fighting to make the playoffs.
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