The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club will host a one-of-a-kind celebration on Nov. 24, today unveiling details of plans to honor Hawks Legend Dikembe Mutombo when the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall-of-Famer’s No. 55 jersey is retired at halftime of the club’s contest against the Boston Celtics. Dikembe Mutombo Night, presented by Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, will include appearances by NBA, team and city officials, a unique fan giveaway, and the sale of Mutombo-themed merchandise to benefit his foundation.
The tribute will begin as soon as guests enter Philips Arena, where Mutombo-centric game programs and commemorative “No, No, No” finger-wagging foam hands, presented by Fusion, will be distributed to each fan. The mid-90’s-themed giveaways feature Mutombo’s name and jersey number, as well as the team’s logo from his playing days and the date of his jersey retirement. Other pregame elements include a projection video dedicated to the 18-year veteran and a performance of The Star-Spangled Banner by a member of the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, a favorite of Mutombo’s.
In addition to the complimentary foam finger, fans in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive shirt detailing a number of Mutombo’s accomplishments. The shirt will be on-sale at Hawks Shop, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation. Throughout the evening, videos will air in-arena to highlight Mutombo’s exploits as a player and a philanthropist, as well as a tribute done by current Hawks players. The 2015-16 Hawks will take it a step further by sporting a No. 55 patch on their jerseys for the night.
At halftime, the celebration will continue with a performance by Manga African Dance, Inc., and remarks from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Hawks Principal Owner and Chair of the Board of Directors Tony Ressler, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Mutombo’s former Hawks teammate Steve Smith, before Mutombo addresses the crowd and his retired jersey is revealed to the audience.
Tickets are on sale now and available by visiting www.hawks.com/tickets, calling 1-866-715-1500, or visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet. The “Hudson Grille Hawks Night Out” promotion is available to fans for Tuesday’s contest, offering four game tickets and four $10 Hudson Grille vouchers starting at $99.
The Hawks and Celtics are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m.
