The Story Behind the Atlanta Hawks’ Old Logo: A Local Fan’s Guide
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.
How the Hawks’ Logo Became an Atlanta Icon
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:
- The “Pac-Man” hawk head
- The spread-wing “flying hawk” gripping a basketball
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.
Key Eras of the Atlanta Hawks Old Logo
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 “Pac-Man” Hawk: The Old Logo Atlanta Fans Still Love
What It Looks Like
The classic Pac-Man logo is:
- A circular red outline
- A stylized hawk head forming the inner shape
- A design that, from a distance, can look a bit like the video game character Pac-Man — hence the nickname
It’s bold, simple, and reads instantly from across an arena or on a hat.
Why Atlanta Fans Are So Attached to It
Many long-time Atlantans connect the Pac-Man logo with:
- Early NBA memories in Atlanta
- Games at the old Omni Coliseum
- The era when the Hawks were becoming a fixture of the city’s sports culture
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.
Where to Spot the Old Pac-Man Logo Around Atlanta
You might see the old-style Pac-Man logo or its throwback variations:
- On retro jerseys and snapbacks worn around Downtown, East Atlanta, and the BeltLine
- At or near State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303) on throwback nights or in fan gear
- On murals and street art, especially near sports bars and in neighborhoods that love local teams
- In vintage and resale shops in areas like Little Five Points and Edgewood, where older Hawks gear is often resold
The ’90s Flying Hawk: The Other Classic Atlanta Hawks Old Logo
What It Looks Like
The 1990s and 2000s “flying hawk” logo is more detailed:
- A red hawk with wings fully spread
- Clutching a basketball in its talons
- Usually paired with bold “ATLANTA HAWKS” text
This logo has a more aggressive, action-focused feel than the minimalist Pac-Man emblem.
Why It Stands Out for Atlantans
For many in Atlanta, the flying hawk is tied to:
- The ’90s NBA era and early 2000s
- Big-name players and memorable seasons
- A time when NBA style was loud, colorful, and bold
If you grew up in Metro Atlanta in that period, this may be the Atlanta Hawks old logo you remember first.
Where You’ll Still See the Flying Hawk in Atlanta
You’re likely to run into this logo:
- On older jerseys and warm-ups, especially at resale shops or on long-time fans at games
- In framed posters, banners, or memorabilia at bars and restaurants that show Hawks games
- In collectible stores around the metro area that carry sports cards, vintage shirts, and posters
Old Logos at State Farm Arena and Around Downtown
Even though the Hawks use more modern branding today, State Farm Arena still feels like a living history book for the team.
What You Might Find at or Near State Farm Arena
At or around the arena you may see:
- Throwback jerseys with the old logos in the team store on game days
- Occasional retro-themed nights, where fans show up decked out in Pac-Man or flying hawk gear
- Historic photographs and displays featuring older uniforms and logos in the concourses
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:
- State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Dr
Atlanta, GA 30303
How Atlanta Fans Usually Talk About the Old Logo
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.
Finding Old-Logo Hawks Gear in Atlanta
If you want to wear or display the classic Atlanta Hawks old logo, you have several options in and around the city.
Common Local Options
You may find old-logo gear:
- Inside or near State Farm Arena on game days, including occasional throwback items
- At sports-focused shops in busy commercial areas like Downtown, Midtown, or near major malls
- In vintage, thrift, or resale stores in neighborhoods known for secondhand fashion and local culture
- At flea markets and local pop-up events, where independent sellers often carry older jerseys, hats, and jackets
Because availability can change quickly, many Atlanta fans check a mix of local stores and online retailers while they’re in town.
Why the Old Logo Still Matters in Today’s Atlanta
For many Atlantans, the old Hawks logos are more than just designs:
- They represent eras of the city’s sports history
- They connect older and younger fans through shared imagery
- They link the Hawks to Atlanta’s broader identity as a city that values both heritage and reinvention
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.
