Atlanta Hawks' Magic City Night Tickets Spike Amid Backlash

Controversy over the team's plans to honor the iconic strip club hasn't dampened fan enthusiasm.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Despite facing criticism from some players and fans over plans to honor Atlanta's iconic Magic City strip club during an upcoming home game, ticket sales for the Atlanta Hawks' Magic City Night have spiked, making it one of the hottest matchups of the season. Ticket prices have jumped 84% compared to a month ago, and the game is on pace to be the highest-selling Monday matchup this season, surpassing all but the MLK Day game in January.

Why it matters

The Hawks' decision to pay tribute to Magic City, a renowned Atlanta strip club, has sparked a debate around whether such an event is appropriate and respectful, especially toward women. While some players have voiced concerns, the strong ticket sales suggest many fans are eager to celebrate the club's cultural impact on the city.

The details

The Hawks announced they would be honoring Magic City, a famous Atlanta strip club, during their March 16th home game against the Orlando Magic. Since then, the team has faced criticism from players like San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet, who called the tribute "disrespectful to women." Warriors players Al Horford and Draymond Green have also weighed in on the controversy. However, the Hawks say they are pressing forward with the event as scheduled, and Magic City's manager has clarified that there will be no nudity, just "wings, music, and good vibes."

  • The Hawks announced the Magic City Night event in early March 2026.
  • The game is scheduled for March 16, 2026.

The players

Atlanta Hawks

The professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Luke Kornet

A center for the San Antonio Spurs who criticized the Hawks' plans to honor Magic City as "disrespectful to women."

Al Horford

A center for the Golden State Warriors who co-signed Kornet's statement criticizing the Hawks' plans.

Draymond Green

A forward for the Golden State Warriors who defended the Hawks' plans, describing Magic City's dancers as a form of art.

JuJu Barney

The manager of Magic City who clarified that the event will not feature any nudity, just "wings, music, and good vibes."

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What they’re saying

“We should promote an atmosphere that is protective and respectful of the daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and partners that we know and love.”

— Luke Kornet, San Antonio Spurs center (TMZ)

“There won't be any nudity -- just wings, music, and good vibes!”

— JuJu Barney, Magic City manager (TMZ)

What’s next

The Hawks have stated they will proceed with the Magic City Night event as scheduled on March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

The Atlanta Hawks' decision to honor Magic City, a renowned strip club in the city, has sparked a debate around whether such an event is appropriate and respectful, especially toward women. While some players have voiced concerns, the strong ticket sales suggest many fans are eager to celebrate the club's cultural impact on the city, raising questions about the balance between entertainment, community values, and social responsibility.