On March 16, 2026, the Atlanta Hawks will host “Magic City Monday,” a unique collaboration with the renowned Atlanta strip club Magic City during their game against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena. Fans attending the event will have the opportunity to enjoy popular menu items like lemon pepper wings and the Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ wings, a homage to former NBA player Lou Williams. The halftime show is set to feature the renowned rapper T.I., and a special edition of Peachtree City hoodies will be available for purchase.
Melissa Proctor, the Hawks’ chief marketing officer, highlighted the excitement surrounding the event, noting an unprecedented demand for tickets. However, this partnership has sparked a debate within the NBA, drawing criticism from some players and commentators. Notably, San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet expressed his concerns through a blog post, emphasizing the need for the league to uphold respect for women and create a safe environment for all fans. He argued that promoting a strip club night could undermine that ethos and inadvertently support an atmosphere of objectification and mistreatment of women.
Kornet’s stance resonates with many who believe in championing women’s rights and creating a respectful community within sports. He pointed out the struggles some individuals face in the adult entertainment industry, emphasizing the necessity to provide a safe space for basketball fans of all ages.
However, the move has also garnered support, with seasoned sports journalist David Aldridge making a case for the cultural significance of establishments like Magic City in Atlanta. He compared the strip club’s local importance to other cultural staples across the country, suggesting that dismissing its influence overlooks a significant aspect of Atlanta’s identity and history.
As the Hawks prepare for this notable event, it remains to be seen whether Kornet’s objections will resonate more widely or if the excitement around the collaboration will prevail. Regardless, “Magic City Monday” is sparking an important conversation within the NBA regarding how sports engage with surrounding communities and cultures.