If you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably seen the Atlanta Hawks’ old logo on throwback jerseys, hats in Little Five Points, or murals around downtown. The team’s history is woven into the city’s identity, and the logos tell that story just as clearly as any highlight reel.
This guide walks you through the evolution of the Atlanta Hawks old logos, what they mean, and where in Atlanta you can still see and celebrate them today.
The Hawks didn’t start in Atlanta, but once the team arrived in 1968, the logo gradually shifted from a generic bird to a symbol that feels uniquely tied to the city.
Over the decades, Atlanta fans have gotten especially attached to two old logos:
Both still show up constantly in Atlanta — at State Farm Arena, in vintage shops, and on the backs of fans walking around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you keep the different old logos straight.
| Era (Approx.) | Main Logo Style | What Locals Often Call It | Where You Still See It in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Atlanta (late 1960s–1970s) | Simple hawk image, minimalist | Early hawk head | Vintage gear, old photos in arena |
| 1972–1995 (various uses) | Round hawk head inside a circle | “Pac-Man” logo | Throwback merch, murals, fan gear |
| 1995–2015 | Full hawk with wings spread holding a ball | Flying hawk | Older jerseys, posters, resale stores |
| 2015–present (primary) | Modern update of the Pac-Man-style hawk head | Updated Pac-Man | Current branding, but rooted in the old logo |
Even today, when people in Atlanta say “Atlanta Hawks old logo,” they’re usually talking about either the classic Pac-Man hawk head or the ’90s flying hawk.
The classic Pac-Man logo is:
It’s bold, simple, and reads instantly from across an arena or on a hat.
Many long-time Atlantans connect the Pac-Man logo with:
When the team updated its branding in the mid-2010s, they actually brought back an updated version of this logo. That decision reflected what a lot of Atlanta fans were already showing with their wallets and wardrobes: the old Pac-Man hawk had never really left.
You might see the old-style Pac-Man logo or its throwback variations:
The 1990s and 2000s “flying hawk” logo is more detailed:
This logo has a more aggressive, action-focused feel than the minimalist Pac-Man emblem.
For many in Atlanta, the flying hawk is tied to:
If you grew up in Metro Atlanta in that period, this may be the Atlanta Hawks old logo you remember first.
You’re likely to run into this logo:
Even though the Hawks use more modern branding today, State Farm Arena still feels like a living history book for the team.
At or around the arena you may see:
If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to get a feel for the old logos in context, attending a home game is one of the easiest ways to see how past and present design live side-by-side.
Address for reference:
When locals say “old Hawks logo” in conversation, here’s what they often mean:
Long-time fans and collectors
Often refer to both the Pac-Man and flying hawk eras, sometimes comparing which they like better.
Younger fans
May call the classic round hawk head the “throwback Pac-Man logo,” even though a modern version is now official again.
Merch shoppers
Often search locally for “Atlanta Hawks old logo hat” or “throwback Hawks jersey” when they want something with the retro feel instead of the current clean, modern look.
If you’re talking to fans in Atlanta sports bars or at State Farm Arena, using the term “Pac-Man logo” is usually the quickest way to be understood.
If you want to wear or display the classic Atlanta Hawks old logo, you have several options in and around the city.
You may find old-logo gear:
Because availability can change quickly, many Atlanta fans check a mix of local stores and online retailers while they’re in town.
For many Atlantans, the old Hawks logos are more than just designs:
Walking around Atlanta today, you’ll see modern Hawks branding right next to classic Pac-Man or flying hawk gear. That mix reflects how the city itself feels — constantly changing, but still rooted in what came before.
If you’re living in or visiting Atlanta and you’re curious about the Atlanta Hawks old logo, watching what fans wear at State Farm Arena, on MARTA rides to the game, or around downtown on game nights is one of the quickest ways to see which versions still mean the most to the city.
