Hawk Nation

Lore & Background

The arena was originally laid out in a rather unusual manner, with the club seats and luxury boxes aligned solely along one side of the playing surface, and the general admission seating along the other three sides. This layout was a vast contrast to many of its contemporaries. Renovations in 2017–18 removed the upper levels of the suite wall in favor of premium seating spread throughout the arena, turning those upper areas to standard seating. On the exterior, angled steel columns supporting the roof facing downtown spell out 'ATLANTA.'

The side facing the Georgia World Congress Center originally spelled out 'CNN' (whose headquarters adjoins the arena), but that section has since been altered to accommodate a Taco Mac restaurant. The SEC District rail station below the arena provides access to MARTA public transportation. Eindhoven, Netherlands-based technology company Philips purchased the initial naming rights to the arena in February 1999 for $185 million over 20 years. In February 2018, it was reported that Philips would not renew its naming rights agreement for the arena when it expired in June 2019.

On August 29, 2018, State Farm purchased the naming rights to the arena, in a 20-year deal that cost $175 million. The Omni's 'center-hung scoreboard' now hangs in the lobby of Philips Arena, where it still displays the Omni's logo along with those of Philips Arena, the Hawks, and the Thrashers. The scoreboard still functions and displays information relevant to the game taking place in the arena. On April 2, 2009, Philips Arena achieved LEED for Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance certification. It was the world's first LEED certified NBA/NHL arena. It has been nicknamed the 'Highlight Factory'.

Reader's Guide

The arena seats 17,608 for basketball and 18,000+ for concerts. The largest crowd ever for an Atlanta Hawks basketball game at the arena was Game 6 of the 2008 Eastern Conference First Round on May 2, 2008 (against the Boston Celtics), where there was an announced attendance of 20,425. The arena includes 92 luxury suites, 9 party suites, and 1,866 club seats. For concerts and other entertainment events, the arena can seat 21,000. For the 2007–2008 season, State Farm Arena utilized the new 'see-through' shot clock units which allow spectators seated behind the basket to see the action without having the clocks interfere with their view, joining FedExForum, Wells Fargo Center, TD Garden, United Center, Footprint Center and the Spectrum Center. Video advertising panels replaced the traditional scrolling panels.

Did You Know?

• The arena hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2003 and 2021 and the Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball tournament in 2012. It also hosted the NHL All-Star Game in 2008.
• The first playoff game in any professional league played in Philips Arena was in 2005, when the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League hosted, and won, its first home playoff game.
• On March 14, 2008, an EF2 Tornado struck near the Arena as part of a tornado outbreak that hit the city. The arena only received minor exterior damage.
• Since the 2010s, several statues have been erected near the arena in honor of notable Atlantan athletes, including a statue of Dominique Wilkins and a statue of Evander Holyfield.

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.