Atlanta Hawks & Philips Arena Overview: The Atlanta Hawks began their inaugural season in Atlanta in 1968 and now play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. Philips Arena is a 20,000-seat sports and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Philips Arena has hosted more than 25 million patrons since opening in September 1999. Considered one of the most intimate state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports and entertainment complexes in the world, Philips Arena offers a guest experience unmatched in the industry. Home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, Philips Arena hosts 1.6 million guests and 160 events annually. Philips Arena is consistently ranked among North America’s Top-10 arenas based on attendance by Pollstar magazine. Since 2006, Philips Arena has ranked in the top 5 arenas in the United States six consecutive years and was #8 in the country in 2012. Over its 13 years, the venue has hosted numerous world-class events, including the 2012 ACC Basketball Tournament, 2004 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and the 2003 NBA All-Star events. Philips Arena delivers the top concert tours, professional and college sporting events, family shows and conferences in a first-rate setting with unparalleled customer service.