The event will take place when the team faces the Miami Heat at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Friday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. with the first 5,000 fans in attendance receiving a limited-edition red reversible bucket hat, courtesy of Verizon. Additionally, Telemundo Atlanta will simulcast the matchup, providing fans with access to the action on the premier Spanish-language television station.

Culture Fest will showcase the sounds, customs, and heritage of those who have defined Atlanta’s identity, while honoring their lasting influence on the city’s spirit. According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, nearly 62 percent of the region’s population is projected to consist of racial and ethnic minority groups by 2050, showcasing Atlanta’s growing impact as a thriving multicultural hub.

“We are proud to continue Culture Fest in partnership with Verizon, reflecting both who Atlanta is today and the city it is becoming, a vibrant center shaped and strengthened by the African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and Latin communities that drive its creativity, growth, and global influence,” said Camye Mackey, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. “This celebration provides a space where culture is recognized, fully experienced, and honored and underscores our ongoing commitment to inclusion and amplifying the diverse voices that make Atlanta unique.”

Festivities will begin with a lively pregame parade on the concourse featuring the ATL Hawks Dancers alongside performers from African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and Latino communities, celebrating the cultures through dance and artistic expression. Pregame sounds will highlight a dynamic mix of global communities, with in-bowl music curated by DJ Kash blending Amapiano, Afrobeats, and Afro-house, while DJ Sidd Kel will provide a fusion of Indian soundtracks for fans on the concourse. Ahead of tipoff, Verizon Regional President Jerome Cheatham will serve as an honorary co-captain.

Halftime entertainment will feature a collaborative on-court performance by DJ ECool, DJ EU, and Mix Master David with their hype crews, blending sounds from their respective cultures to celebrate the unifying power of music across Atlanta’s diverse communities. 

Ebianga Ikpeme, professionally known as DJ ECool, is a Nigerian DJ, producer and musician whose influence spans from Lagos to Atlanta, where he is a driving force in the city’s Afrobeats scene. As the official DJ for Davido Music Worldwide, he has collaborated with award-winning artists including D’banj, Doug E. Fresh, and Ludacris and released standout singles such as ‘Give Dem,’ ‘Kilode,’ and ‘Ada’ featuring global superstar Davido.

“Music is the heartbeat of Atlanta, and nights like this show how it can bring the community together. I’m excited to share that energy with Hawks fans and celebrate the power of music,” said DJ ECool.

Atlanta-based DJ EU, a six-time Jezebel Magazine Best DJ winner and one of Georgia’s 50 Most Influential Latinos, has built a global career with electrifying, genre-blending sets at major festivals including TomorrowWorld, Tomorrowland, and One Music Fest, as well as performances across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. His unique style continues to influence Atlanta’s music scene, earning him recognition as a leader in the city’s and Southeast’s musical landscape.

“Culture Fest is about honoring Atlanta’s roots, and I’m thrilled to partner with the Hawks for a night where fans can dance and experience all of the city’s vibrant cultures under one roof,” said DJ EU.

Jamaica-born, Atlanta-based DJ and producer Mix Master David is celebrated for genre-defying sets that fuse Dancehall, Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, EDM, Soca, R&B, and Top 40, electrifying audiences from major festivals to private celebrity events. With performances alongside icons like Ludacris, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, and Usher, he has become a leading innovator in bridging genres and generations.

“Atlanta thrives on creativity and energy and bringing that to center court is always exciting. I can’t wait to see the fans vibe with the music and feel the city’s spirit come alive,” said Mix Master David.

In February 2025, Verizon Business launched its Sensor Insights, a turnkey IoT solution, with the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena as its first marquee customer, leveraging real-time data to enhance equipment monitoring, operational efficiency and the overall fan experience through advanced connected technology. Since 2024, Verizon has been deploying cutting-edge technologies at the arena, transforming the way fans experience events and strengthening connections with the Atlanta community.

Limited tickets remain for Culture Fest presented by Verizon on Friday, Feb. 20. To secure tickets for the game, visit Hawks.com/tickets.

Source: NBA