Editorial illustration. It does not depict the actual event.
Atlanta rapper Belly Gang Kushington performs at halftime when the Hawks open their 2026-27 season against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, October 24. The home opener brings local music and basketball together at State Farm Arena, with additional performances and a fan giveaway planned for the night.
Event details
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Time: 8:30 p.m.
- Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
- Opponent: Houston Rockets
- Halftime performer: Belly Gang Kushington
- National anthem: Keri Hilson
- Tickets: Limited tickets remain, according to the Hawks. Visit Hawks.com/tickets for availability.
Kushington takes the halftime stage
The Hawks announced Kushington’s halftime performance in an October 14 release. The announcement describes him as Atlanta’s own and says he began making music at 19. It characterizes his work as Southern storytelling and sharp wordplay set to movement-driven rhythms.
The release says his debut project, The Streets Is Yours, marked a breakthrough, and that “Friend Do (Remix)” climbed to No. 1 on Billboard.
The Hawks’ announcement quotes Kushington reflecting on the hometown performance:
“Performing at halftime on Opening Night for the Hawks, right here in the city that raised me, is a true full-circle moment. Atlanta's energy is completely unmatched, and there is no better feeling than being inside State Farm Arena to tip this season off the right way for the city!”
The quote and career details above are from the Hawks’ announcement. Atlanta Wave TV has not interviewed Kushington.
More of the night
Georgia native Keri Hilson performs the national anthem before the game. The two-time GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter and actress is from Decatur and is known for songs including “Knock You Down” and “Pretty Girl Rock,” according to the Hawks’ release.
The Hawks also welcome back Samuel Henderson, the 12-year-old bird-calling performer who appeared in the team’s 2026-27 schedule release video. The announcement says the video drew more than 13 million views, leading the NBA.
Fans in attendance receive a special Harry the Hawk black T-shirt courtesy of State Farm. Before Opening Night, the Hawks plan to deliver 1,200 of the shirts to local Good Neighbor Clubs throughout Atlanta.
The Hawks enter a new season
Atlanta comes into 2026-27 after winning 46 games last season, its most since 2015-16. The Hawks also won the Southeast Division title and reached the 2026 Eastern Conference Playoffs, according to the team’s announcement.
For fans following from home, the Hawks say every non-nationally televised regular-season game airs free over the air this season on WANF (Atlanta News First), the team’s official broadcast partner, and Peachtree Sports Network. Gray Media stations in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah also carry the games.
Are you going to Opening Night? Share your plans, and find more local sports news and entertainment news from the newsroom.
This article is based on the Atlanta Hawks' public announcement. Atlanta Wave TV is not credentialed and is not attending the game as media. Information current as of October 22, 2026.
