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Belly Gang Kushington to Perform at Atlanta Hawks Opening Night; Keri Hilson to Sing National Anthem
Atlanta basketball and hometown music will share the spotlight when the Hawks celebrate Opening Night presented by State Farm on Saturday, October 24, at State Farm Arena.
Atlanta’s own Belly Gang Kushington will headline the halftime show, while Keri Hilson will perform the national anthem. The evening will also feature a Harry the Hawk T-shirt giveaway and an appearance from a young fan favorite whose signature bird call helped power the team’s viral schedule release.
For fans welcoming back Hawks basketball, the celebration brings together the team, the city’s music scene and the personalities that make Atlanta sports culture its own.
Belly Gang Kushington Brings Atlanta Energy to Halftime
Performing on the Hawks’ Opening Night stage represents a hometown milestone for Belly Gang Kushington.
“Performing at halftime on Opening Night for the Hawks, right here in the city that raised me, is a true full-circle moment,” Kushington said in the team’s announcement.
The Atlanta-born rapper began pursuing music at 19, developing a style rooted in Southern storytelling, sharp wordplay and energetic rhythms. His debut project, The Streets Is Yours, introduced listeners to his range and delivery, while “Friend Do (Remix)” helped expand his audience.
His halftime appearance puts that hometown connection at the center of the Hawks’ season-opening celebration. With a crowd ready for the return of basketball, the performance promises a distinctly Atlanta soundtrack to the night.
Keri Hilson Opens the Evening With the National Anthem
Before the halftime performance, Keri Hilson will take the floor for the national anthem.
The Decatur, Georgia, native brings a career spanning songwriting, recording, acting and philanthropy. A two-time GRAMMY Award nominee, Hilson helped write hits for other artists before establishing her own presence with songs including “Knock You Down” and “Pretty Girl Rock.”
Her appearance gives the evening another Georgia connection, pairing an established music voice with an emerging Atlanta rapper on the same game-night program.
Every Fan Receives a Harry the Hawk T-Shirt
Every fan attending Opening Night will receive a special black Harry the Hawk T-shirt, courtesy of State Farm.
The giveaway also extends beyond the arena. Before Opening Night, 1,200 shirts will be delivered to local Good Neighbor Clubs throughout Atlanta, helping community members join the celebration as the season gets underway.
For fans inside State Farm Arena, the shirts will provide a shared look for the occasion—and a keepsake from the start of a new season.
Samuel Henderson Brings His Viral Hawk Call to the Arena
The Hawks will also welcome back 12-year-old bird-calling sensation Samuel Henderson.
Henderson starred in Atlanta’s 2026–27 schedule release video, using his ability to mimic bird calls to give the announcement an unexpected twist.
According to the Hawks, the video generated more than 13 million views and led the NBA’s schedule release videos in views.
Opening Night will bring his signature hawk call from social media into State Farm Arena, giving fans an opportunity to experience it in person.
The celebration arrives as Atlanta looks to build on its previous campaign.
According to the team’s announcement, the Hawks finished the 2025–26 season with 46 wins, their most since 2015–16, while winning the Southeast Division and earning an Eastern Conference playoff berth.
The returning group includes Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu. Atlanta also announced the offseason re-signings of CJ McCollum and Jock Landale, the additions of Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins, and first-round draft selections Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor.
Opening Night gives fans their first home celebration of the new campaign, with the entertainment program adding to the anticipation surrounding the team.
More Ways to Follow Hawks Basketball Across Georgia
The new season also brings expanded television access through the Hawks’ partnership with Gray Media.
According to the announcement, every non-nationally televised regular-season game will air on WANF, Atlanta News First, with distribution also including Peachtree Sports Network and major pay-TV systems.
Gray Media stations in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah will also carry matchups, extending access to Hawks basketball across Georgia.
For supporters who cannot attend Opening Night, the expanded broadcast network offers more opportunities to follow the team throughout the season. Fans should check local listings for individual game information.
How to Get Hawks Opening Night Tickets
The Hawks announced that limited tickets remained for Opening Night presented by State Farm on Saturday, October 24.
Fans can check current availability and purchase seats through Hawks.com/tickets.
For those interested in attending throughout the season, the team is also offering Hawks Membership packages starting at nine games, with benefits including exclusive events and playoff priority.
With Belly Gang Kushington at halftime, Keri Hilson opening the evening and a building full of fans ready to welcome back basketball, the Hawks are putting Atlanta culture at the heart of their Opening Night celebration.
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Source: Atlanta Hawks Brand Communications press release dated October 14, 2026.
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