Hawk Nation

Lore & Background

The arena opened in 1999 as Philips Arena, replacing the structurally flawed Omni Coliseum. It served as home to the Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) from 1999 to 2011 and the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) from 2008 to 2016 and 2019. It hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2003 and 2021, the NHL All-Star Game in 2008, and the Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball tournament in 2012. The arena was originally laid out with club seats and luxury boxes on one side only, a design later emulated in other venues. Renovations in 2017–18 removed the upper levels of the suite wall for premium seating throughout. The exterior steel columns spell out 'ATLANTA' facing downtown. Philips purchased naming rights in 1999 for $185 million over 20 years; State Farm purchased them in 2018 for $175 million over 20 years.

In Their Own Story

The air inside State Farm Arena is thick with humidity and anticipation as the final seconds tick away. A sea of red and black rises in unison, a tidal wave of noise that seems to vibrate through the floorboards. It isn't just cheering; it's a roar born from decades of waiting. As the ball arcs toward the rim, the crowd holds its breath, a collective silence falling over Hawk Nation for a split second before erupting into chaos. In that moment, strangers become family, bound by the shared memory of past glories and the relentless hope of tomorrow.

Reader's Guide

The arena seats 17,608 for basketball and 18,000+ for concerts, with up to 21,000 for concerts. It includes 92 luxury suites, 9 party suites, and 1,866 club seats. The largest crowd for a Hawks game was 20,425 for Game 6 of the 2008 Eastern Conference First Round. The SEC District rail station below provides MARTA access. The arena has been nicknamed the 'Highlight Factory.'

Did You Know?

• The arena opened in 1999 as Philips Arena and was renamed State Farm Arena in 2018.
• It was the world's first LEED certified NBA/NHL arena, achieving certification on April 2, 2009.
• The Omni Coliseum's center-hung scoreboard now hangs in the arena's lobby and still functions.
• An EF2 tornado struck near the arena on March 14, 2008, causing only minor exterior damage.

Global Rise and Historic Draft Selection

Born in Málaga, Spain, while his father Stéphane played professionally there, Zaccharie Risacher returned to Lyon, France, to begin his basketball journey at age three. After a standout loan season with JL Bourg where he earned EuroCup Rising Star honors, Risacher declared for the NBA draft. This selection was particularly significant for France, which saw three native players—Risacher, Alex Sarr, and Tidjane Salaün—taken within the top ten, a feat never before achieved by any foreign nation in NBA draft history.

Rookie Breakout and Statistical Milestones

Following his signing with Atlanta, Risacher immediately made an impact during his rookie campaign. His regular-season debut against the Brooklyn Nets was modest, but he quickly found his rhythm, eventually posting career-high scoring performances of 33 points against the New York Knicks and 36 points versus the Milwaukee Bucks. A standout moment occurred on April 10, when he scored a then-career-high 38 points in a blowout victory over Brooklyn. This performance cemented his status as an elite rookie scorer, making him only the fourth number-one pick ever to record at least 35 points and five three-pointers in a single game alongside legends like Allen Iverson and LeBron James. His ability to hit catch-and-shoot opportunities and defend multiple positions showcased his versatility early in his professional career.

Sophomore Slump and Trade to Dallas

Entering his second season, Risacher experienced a notable shift in his role within the Hawks' rotation, with both his playing time and usage rate decreasing significantly. The team reached the playoffs but faced an early exit against the New York Knicks in the first round. Risacher's playoff debut was limited to just seven minutes per game on average as the Hawks fell in six games.

International Pedigree and Family Legacy

Risacher's basketball DNA is deeply rooted in both international competition and family tradition. On the international stage, Zaccharie represented France at the Under-17 World Cup, helping secure a bronze medal despite a difficult final performance against Spain. His Martiniquais heritage through his father adds another layer to his diverse background, connecting him to a rich lineage of French basketball excellence that spans generations.