Hawks, Reed discuss Philips Arena rehab; locations for new arena

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks are eyeing three potential locations for a new arena, including the Civic Center, according to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

In addition to the Civic Center, a city-owned property that Reed put up for sale in recent years, the team is also considering an undisclosed Atlanta location and rehabbing Philips Arena, the mayor told reporters on Thursday.

Reed said he’s met once with the team’s new owners and repeated his willingness to consider a deal involving the use public funds. The mayor first indicated that option last year in the wake of controversy involving the team’s previous leadership.

“What I’m willing to do is come to the table with a plan that makes sense and is fair to the people of Atlanta,” Reed said. “I’m not closed to participating in a reasonable plan to make sure that the Hawks remain in the city and that’s what I expressed in our meeting.”

The mayor didn’t elaborate, but said he was “very satisfied” with his interactions with the new ownership group led by billionaire philanthropist Antony Ressler and NBA All-Star Grant Hill.

On his first full day as principal owner of the Hawks in June, Ressler told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the 16-year-old Philips Arena would need to be remodeled or replaced.

“There’s do-nothing. There’s remodel. Or there’s a new arena,” Ressler said. “Do-nothing is not an option.”

Cox Media Group