This Week in History

Two years ago, to this week, the Hawks went on a 6 game winning streak with 5 straight wins at home in Philips Arena. On December 19, 2008, the Hawks began their streak by beating the Golden State Warriors 115 to 99 at home. The Hawks came off that win to defeat the Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, and the Denver Nuggets with the home court advantage. After the huge wins in a row at home, Joe Johnson and the Hawks went to Indiana to beat the Pacers 110-104 on December 30th.

This Monday, the Hawks defeated their division rivals, the Orlando Magic, 91-81 at home. Come cheer on the Hawks to another winning streak this year starting now. The Hawks play Cleveland, December 17th at 7:00. If you miss this game, go to-http://www.nba.com/hawks/tickets/ to buy tickets for upcoming games.

This Week in History

With many Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show made a pit stop at Philips Arena during their road trip last year on December 20th. Audiences got to sing along with Cinderella, bounce with Tigger, and join Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear for a fun hoedown.

This December, Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show is going to be live at Philips Arena on the 19th. Your favorite characters are in town again, but this time for a magic show! The audience will get to watch magic performed right in front of their own eyes. Kids get to see Cinderella, Jasmine, brooms from Fantasia, Alice and the Mad Hatter along with their favorite characters, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy.

Time is running out! Get your tickets now! You have two chances to see Mickey’s Magic show in Atlanta, 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm on Sunday, December 19th. Tickets start at $15 and you can purchase them through- http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/114689/1016361 OR charge by phone (800) 745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets and Philips Arena Box Office.

This Week in History

On December 10, 2002, Philips Arena hosted the WWE SmackDown. WWE SmackDown started in April of 1999. A few years later in 2002, WWE decided to do some brand extension and came up with WWE Raw. WWE wanted to split SmackDown into two separate rosters, storylines, and figures to rival each other.

About eight years later, still with all the excitement and action, Atlanta will host the extension, WWE Raw on April 4th. This will be the first Monday Night Raw after the Wrestlemania 27 held in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome. Come see the superstar champions such as The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Santino Marella, and Vladimir Kozlov. Tickets go on sale for general public on Saturday, December 11th at 10 AM for WWE Raw at Philips Arena through Ticketmaster.

This Week in History

Last year on November 29th, Miley Cyrus performed live at Philips Arena. Her Wonderful World Tour promoted her albums, Breakout and Time of Our Lives.

Ticketmaster used Miley's tour as a huge experiment in paperless ticketing. This went into effect to try to limit the amount of ticket scalping. As a part of an "official paperless tour," all tickets were sold through paperless ticket delivery. This meant that all fans attending the show were not given a physical ticket to enter Philips Arena or other venues. Instead, fans were required to bring the credit card the tickets were purchased with along with a photo ID. Then, at the doors, fans recieved a seat locater slip telling where to sit.

Also trying the paperless tour is Justin Bieber's My World Tour. Some paperless tickets were issued for Bieber's stop at Philips Arena on December 23rd.

This Week in History

On November 24th, 1999, the Backstreet Boys performed live during the inaugural year of Philips Arena. The “Into the Millennium” Tour occurred after the release of their hit album, “Millennium” that May. “Millennium” was the best selling album in the US in 1999 selling almost 9.5 million copies.

Last night on November 21st, at the American Music Awards, the show went back old school with performances by Bush with Carlos Santana, Bon Jovi, and New Kids on the Block along with the Backstreet Boys. The two bands performed for the first time with the name NKOTBSB. Together they performed a mash up of their hit songs which included, “Everybody,” “The Right Stuff,” “Step By Step,” and two songs form the “Millennium” album, “I Want It That Way” and “Larger Than Life.”

With NKOTBSB being 9 strong, they are working on their new tour now! They will stop in Atlanta at Philips Arena on June 22, 2011. Tickets will go one sale December 11th!

This Week in History

Known as the world’s highest earning musicians in 2008, The Police performed at Philips Arena on November 17-18, 2007 for the reuniting tour after their breakup in 1984. The tour was the 30th anniversary of their hit single “Roxanne.” The English band, composed of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland, formed in London in 1977. Their music was influenced by Jazz, Punk, and Reggae.

Another English band that started in London’s underground music scene about 12 years earlier was Pink Floyd. However, Pink Floyd is known for psychedelic and progressive rock. The principal song -writer of Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, will be live at Philips Arena this Thursday, November 18th. He will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the original release of The Wall. Waters will be performing the entire album during this monumental tour.

This Week in History

This week in 2002, Philips Arena was lucky enough to host one of Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom HuckJam events. Being the first show of its kind, Boom Boom HuckJam was packed with skateboarding, BMX, motocross, and live music from Good Charlotte. The show originated in Vegas before Tony Hawk decided to take the show on tour complete with an over a million dollar ramp.

On Saturday, February 5, 2011, Nuclear Cowboyz will perform live at Philips Arena. Nuclear Cowboyz is a freestyle motocross show full of gravity defying and fearless aerial feats. You don’t want to miss this non-shop, theatrical filled show. Check out this video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t88aSzw2zOw

Buy your tickets now- http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E004552A7A87D02?artistid=1387441&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=25.

This Week in History

Composed of 20 shows in October and November 2006, Barbra Streisand toured the country for the first time in almost a decade. “Streisand: The Tour” performed live in Atlanta on November 2, 2006 with a variety of performances including from her 50th gold album, “Guilty Pleasures.” A main decision to return to the road was to donate proceeds to charity through The Streisand Foundation. Some tickets for the tour reached $750 and even more for VIP tickets! The total gross of the tour reached over $76 million. If you missed the show back in 2006, grab the double live album ‘Live in Concert 2006.’

This Week in History

On Wednesday, October 28, 2009, the Hawks hosted their regular season home opener against the Indiana Pacers. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 120-109 with the help of Al Horford with 16 rebounds and Josh Smith with 8 assists.

This year, the Hawks’ home opener is this Saturday, October 30th. They are taking on the Washington Wizards at Philips Arena at 7:00 PM. It’s a new start for the Hawks and their new head coach, Larry Drew. Get your tickets now-

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E00451DED067B58?artistid=805898&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=7&brand=hawks&camefrom=NBAHAWKS_1011_W_HUB

It’s Happening at the Highlight Factory!

This Week in History

For the past two years during this week, Disney on Ice has performed at Philips Arena. In 2008, the show was Disney on Ice- Worlds of Fantasy. Worlds of Fantasy consisted of scenes from the Little Mermaid, Lion King, Cars and Tinker Bell. Known as “One Big Colossal on Ice,” the next year’s show was Let’s Celebrate packed with a winter wonderland, Halloween haunt with some notorious villains, a “very merry unbirthday,” and a ball with the Disney Princesses. The Disney on Ice show for this year was a production from the 2010 Disney-Pixar movie, Toy Story 3. Buzz and Woody, along with the whole gang, stopped in Atlanta this past weekend for an entertaining show full with tons of new characters.

Take a look at some clips from the past shows here-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWqhwzlQsJE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F5xzTLGrRw

This Week in History

With their unique sound and widespread appeal, they are known as one of the greatest rock and roll bands on the planet. Five years ago to this week on October 15, 2005, the city of Atlanta got to host The Rolling Stones while on their A Bigger Bang Tour at Philips Arena. Recognized as the highest grossing tour ever, A Bigger Bang Tour lasted two years from August 2005 to August 2007 and sold 4.5 million tickets across 118 cities in 32 countries. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts performed 81 different songs 2637 times. A taste of what songs the Stones played include “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” which opened many shows, “Brown Sugar,” and “It’s Only Rock in Roll.”

This Week in History

This week in 2004, Usher stopped in Atlanta for two consecutive sold out shows at Philips Arena. The tour followed his release of his hit album Confessions in March with four chart topping singles including “Yeah!” and “Burn.” Confessions even won a Grammy for best Contemporary R&B album. Six years later, Usher is returning to Philips Arena December 5, 2010 for his OMG tour. Don’t miss his live performance featuring songs from his album, Raymond V Raymond. Special performances include Trey Songz and Miguel! Get your tickets before they sell out- http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E004522DA6F8B0C?artistid=766722&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202.

To prepare yourself for the entertainment, check out Usher’s OMG music video now and hear it live December 5th- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnPB76mjx

This Week in History

Last year on September 27, the Atlanta Thrashers took on their division rival, the Tampa Bay Lightning in a pre-season match up. Don’t miss out on the Thrashers 2010-2011 season! Check out the Thrashers Flex Plan. Go ahead and secure your seats for the best games of the year and save 15-30% off gate price. Click the link now and start making your personal Thrashers Flex Plan- http://thrashers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=63063

The puck drops Friday, October 8th for the regular season opener!

This Week in History

As hurricane season kicks into high gear we remember the victims of Katrina in 2005. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina Philips Arena was one of many venues across the south east to host events to help raise funds for Katrina victims. Heal the Hood Relief Concert was held at Philips Arena in September of 2005 hosted by Lil' Jon, with celebrity guests Nelly, T.I., 8Ball and MJG, Young Jeezy, Tango Redd, Lloyd, Ali & Big Gipp, 112, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Bubba Sparks and many more.

This Week in History

September 2007, Walking With Dinosaurs stepped into the spotlight at Philips Arena for the first time. Walking With Dinosaurs is a live adaptation of the BBC TV series using animatronic and costumed dinosaurs to reenact a vision of prehistoric times. A creation of entrepreneur Bruce Mactaggart, Walking With Dinosaurs toured North America from 2007-early 2010. click here and check out this video clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_9GnP-lhaY

This Week in History

On August 23, 2005 Green Day performed at Philips Arena along with fellow punk rockers Jimmy Eat World on the 2005 American Idiot Tour. American Idiot is the seventh studio tour for Green Day which was produced as a rock opera inspired by the work of The Who following the life of "Jesus of Suburbia"

Check out this clip from the 2005 tour-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yi-LvnM_5M&feature=channel

This Week in History

On August 21, 2004 the Rolling Thunder Monster Truck Challenge rolled in to Philips Arena for 2 shows. It was all you can expect and more from pit passes, to drivers signing autographs, to the rumbling of the monster trucks! Rolling Thunder Monster Truck Challenge, now owned by AMP Tour is a series of monster truck shows that perform mostly in venues of all sizes bringing monstrous 10,000 pound, 10" tall, 2,000+ horsepower masters of destruction. Check out some of the upcoming shows here-http://www.amptour.com/ Who wants to see a Monster Truck Challenge at Philips Arnea?

Tom Petty DISCOUNT TIX HERE!!!

Hey Philips Arena Bloggers! Tom Petty is playing at Philips Arena on Wednesday night with Crosby, Stills, and Nash on Wednesday night. Take advantage of this Friends and Family discount offer now and get tickets for $20.00. Click here- http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E004463D2938394?did=petty&camefrom=CFC_PHILIPS_0910_E_080910Fanand enter the promotional code PETTY in the Friends and Family Promotion box to get in on the action. Hope to see you at the show!

Tom Petty at Philips Arena

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will perform at Philips Arena on August 11th with a very special guest, Corsby, Stills, and Nash. So far their tour is rockin stadiums all over the United States playing hits from their new album Mojo and working some classics in the set list as well. Check out this article about the show from Rolling Stone Magazine. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/17386/110603

Tickets are still available for the show at Philips Arena on August 11th. Click here to purchase- http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E004463D2938394?artistid=735854&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

This Week in History

July 28th-2001....Philips Arena became home to all the Independent Women of Atlanta, GA, as Destiny's Child took the stage on the TRL Tour. These fabulous ladies were not alone as the show also featured performances from artist such as Eve, Nelly, Dream, and Jessica Simpson. Back in 2001 these acts were consistently competing for the top slot on the popular afternoon MTV show TRL and the competition was apparent on the tour as well. What started off as a friendly group of young stars touring together to promote their music turned into a debacle of pants-splitting, pyro bursting, booty poppin' extravaganza.

This Week in History

On July 24th and 25th of 2004 the pop icon, Madonna performed two sold out shows during her Re-Invention Tour. This tour was Madonna's sixth of her career in support of her ninth studio album. The Re-Invention Tour was inspired by an art installation Madonna had taken part in called X-STaTIC PRo=CeSSwhich was directed by Steven Klein. Some of the images from this installation were incorporated into the tour.

The tour was divided into five segments including French Baroque-Marie Antoinette Revival, Military-Army, Circus-Cabaret, Acoustic, and Scottish-Tribal. This tour proved to be a commercial success for Madonna as tickets were sold out as soon as dates and venues for the tour were announced. By the end of the tour Madonna's Re-Invention was named the highest grossing tour of 2004, earning $125 million from 56 shows with 900,000 fans.

This Week in History

Soul 2 Soul 2000 Tour took place 10 years ago today at Philips Arena! This tour was the first concert tour including country singers and husband and wife Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. This tour kicked off with its first show in Atlanta ending in December of 2000 in Orlando. The show included solo sets by both Tim and Faith and concluded with a set performed by both artists together. selling close to 950,000 tickets the tour grossed nearly $50 million with 60 of the 65 shows being recorded as "sold out" placing the Soul 2 Soul Tour as the leading country musing tour of 2000.

This Week in History

In the year 2000, Philips Arena celebrated the 4th of July while singing along to Born in the U.S.A. with Bruce Springsteen. Two sold out shows were played on July 3rd and 4th as the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Reunion Tour made it through Atlanta, GA. Preperation for this tour took place at Asbury Park Convention Hall in New Jersey and started in March of 1999. Dozens of Springsteen fans stood outside the Hall on the cold and windy boardwalk and beach, hearing what they could and reporting it to fan forums on various internet sites. During one of these sessions fans heard the first run through of "The Train Song" which would become the tours closing epic "Land of Hope and Dreams."

This Week in History

On July 9, 2001 WWF Wrestling was still in full swing at Philips Arena with the Raw is War Monday night live event. Announcers Jim Ross and Paul Heyman called the shots as Shane McMahon and Diamond Dallas Page started the night with a street fight. Later on in the night Jeff Hardy took on The Big Show and the fight card came to a finish with a match between ECW vs. WWF and WCW creating total chaos for Monday night Raw ending in the final announcement of the new owner of ECW-Stephanie McMahon. Check out this clip from the exciting night at Philips Arena- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhBaREV0zVw

This Week in History

June 27, 2009 Dane Cook brought his Globo Thermo Tour to Philips Arena, this being the third tour of his career. The Globo Thermo Tour accompanied the release of his latest stand up "isolated Incident" which aired on Comedy Central May 17, 2009. Comedy Central and Dane Cook go way back...all the way to the start of his stand up career when he got his big break with an appearance on Premium Blend. Following the success of this appearance Cook was asked to do a special with the network for Comedy Central Presents. As his success with Comedy Central grew, his career began to drift into the film industry as well. You may have seen him in flicks such as Stuck on You, Employee of the Month, Good Luck Chuck, and most recently My Best Friend's Girl.

This Week in History

Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash has quickly become a legacy at Philips Arena and in the southeast as the largest hip hop show of the summer. Dating back to 1995 hot 107.9 Birthday Bash was hosted at Lakewood Amphitheatre for a number of years before moving to Philips Arena in 2006. Playing host to some of the greatest names in hip hop there have been cameos from Jay-Z and appearances by T.I., Ludacris, even Plies cascading $15,000 in dollar bills into the audience. This years show will be on Saturday, June 19th and the line up includes Gucci, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Plies, Roscoe Dash, Travis Porter, Monica, Shawty Lo, Wacka Flocka, Rocko, and more! Tickets are still available for this years show, click here to purchase-http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E004479CACA8B45?artistid=1427841&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=3

Justin Bieber Pre-Sale

Philips Arena has the Bieber Fever! Justin Bieber tickets are on pre-sale now. Click the link below to get yours before the general public on sale Saturday June 12 at 11 AM. This offer is good through 10 PM on Friday, June 11. Click here-http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E0044ADD96E8911?artistid=1369961&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1&camefrom=CFC_PHILIPS_0910_E_060810

This week Philips Arena is pleased to host Maxwell for two nights: Friday, June 11th featuring special guest Erykah Badu and Saturday, June 12th featuring special guest Jill Scott. We are so excited about these two great performances, so excited that we have put together a date night discount for you and your special someone. Click this link http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/wggi57 to save on tickets for the Friday night show only. Also, click the link below to check out a live clip of Maxwell when he performed a few weeks ago on Dancing with the Stars! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FksYTWDPMYo

This Week in History

During the summer of 2007 the starts of Lynard Skynard decided to get together with Hank Williams Jr. to co-headline the Rowdy Friends Tour. This tour soon become the party event of the summer kicking off on April 11 in Huntsville AL and landing at Philips Arena on June 1. Lynard Skynard released almost 65 albums throughout their career selling 30 million albums and conducting approximately 80 concerts per year!

Maxwell's Street Team Needs You!

Calling all Maxwell/Erykah Badu fans! Would you like to help distribute posters and flyers for our upcoming concert on June 11th at Philips Arena in exchange for a pair of tickets? If you are interested, please send an email to stefanie.stephens@atlantaspirit.com and include Street Team in the subject line to get started!

This Week in History

T.I. spent some time with Philips Arena this time last year right before he went to prison for federal weapons chargers. His 1 year sentence (including 1500 hours of community service) started following his farewell performance to fans on May 24, 2009. A start studded event, T.I. was accompanied by Little Duvall, Juice, Rich Kids, Big Country, MLK, BOB, G Ball and MJG, Manio, and Soulja Boy! This event sold out in a 9 days and was a huge success for T.I. and the Grand Hustle family.

1 year later as T.I. returns from his sentence he is interviewed with Larry King. Lets see what the rappers plans are for the future...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vipeW28cA2c

This Week in History

10 years ago this week, pop sensation N'Sync took the stage for two sold out performances at Philips Arena on their no Strings Attached Tour. This show featured hits such as Bye, Bye, Bye, It's Gona Be Me, and Just Got Paid. This was N'Sync's second album together including members Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick. This group was not just a singing group but also a marketing machine creating merchandise around the album and tour including board games, microphones, lip balm, marionettes, books, key chains, bedding, clothing, and video games...not to mention a video about the making of the tour. Check out this clip from that video here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6nhMkhqtn4&feature=PlayList&p=8B63254EB8AB1B67&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=2

This Week in History

Sting took the stage at Philips Arena on May 9th in 2001 on his 2001-2002 All This Time Tour. Sting started his music career as the principal songwriter for The Police as well as the lead singer and bassist in the band. The police performed together for 6 years releasing 5 chart topping albums together. Their best selling album, and their last, titled Synchronicity, included their most successful song "Every Breath You Take." This song then re-surfaced in 1997 at the death of rapper Notorious B.I.G. as Puff Daddy and Sting performed a compilation of this song on the MTV video Music Awards to honor Notorious B.I.G. Check it out here-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtslxA_BRzg

Check out this link from Stings official fan site and see what else Sting has done on May 9th throughout his career.....http://www.sting.com/news/

This Week in History

This time last year, the Atlanta Hawks made it into the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Cleavland Cavaliers to play 4 games. This year your Atlanta Hawks will again see a match in the Eastern Conference semi-finals playing against the Orland Magic. Games 3 on Saturday, May 8th, and Game 4 on Monday, May 10th will be played at Philips Arena. Click the link to get your tickets before they sell out! http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/ckscy7?brand=hawks&camefrom=NBAHAWKS_0910_W__

Let's Go Hawks....Let's Go Hawks!!

Hey Hawks Fans!! Check out Josh, Joe, Al and the rest of the team as we take on the Bucks for game 7 at Philips Arena! Bring your A game fans, and be sure to wear WHITE and click here for cheap tickets to get in on the action. GOOOOOO Hakws! http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/twe0pl?did=playoff&brand=hawks&camefrom=NBAHAWKS_0910_ABLOG10

Hawks defeat Bucks, advance to game 7!

Now is your chance to purchase tickets and guarantee your seat in the Highlight Factory to watch the Atlanta Hawks during the 2010 NBA Playoffs.
Through this exclusive offer you can get tickets starting as low as $10 game 7 on Sunday at 1PM. Click here-http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/twe0pl?did=playoff&brand=hawks&camefrom=NBAHAWKS_0910_ABLOG10

Atlanta Hawks Game 7 Discount!!

Don't miss your chance to purchase tickets to Game 7 of the Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Playoff series. Game 7 of round one will return to the Highlight Factory on Sunday, may 2nd at 1PM ET. For a limited time only, the Hawks are offering upper level seats for only $10 and lower level seats for only $30. don't miss your chance to be a part of another historic Game 7 at Philips Arena! Click here to purchase! http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/twe0pl?did=playoff&brand=hawks&camefrom=NBAHAWKS_0910_E_Spirit

Atlanta Hawks Round 2 playoffs pre-sale

Don't miss the action of the Atlanta Hawks Round 2 playoff games! Round 2 tickets are on pre-sale now and you can click the link to buy now! http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/ckscy7?brand=hawks&camefrom=NBAHAWKS_0910_ABLOG

The Atlanta Hawks win game one against the Milwaukee Bucks-Hawks 102 Bucks 92. Game 2 will be played at Philips Arena on Tuesday, April 20 at 7:00 PM. Get tickets by clicking here-http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/e1w3k6?brand=hawks&camefrom=NBAHAWKS_0910_PABLOG

Atlanta Hawks DISCOUNTED Playoff Tix!

The Atlanta Hawks are offering an exclusive opportunity for fans to purchase Playoff tickets! Now is your chance to purchase discount tickets and guarantee your seat in the Highlight Factory to watch the Atlanta Hawks during the 2010 NBA Playoffs. Click here to purchase- http://srm.vitrue.com/DKv

This Week in History

On April 15, 2002 the legendary rock ‘n roll trio Crosby, Stills & Nash performed at Philips Arena. David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash released their first album, Crosby, Still & Nash, in May of 1969, and that same year they were honored with the GRAMMY award for Best New Artist. The band is best known for their hits “Marrakesh Express,” "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Woodstock," and "Southern Cross." In 1997 the Trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Today the band is still active and rocking concert venues across the globe. You can see Crosby, Stills & Nash on AUGUST 11, 2010 at Philips Arena when the band opens for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers!

Tickets are available here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E004463D2938394?cce_tid=38D323F3F45504F627523F3F7B633F3F413F3F&oid=38D323F3F45504F627523F3F7B633F3F413F3F&eid=419054&artistid=735854&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

This Week in History

The Italian pop tenor, Andrea Bocelli, performed at Philips Arena on April 5, 2000. Bocelli released his debut album titled Il Mare Calmo Della Sera in 1994 and has since recorded over a dozen albums, as well as eight complete operas. In 2010 he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bocelli was not always a musical superstar. He practiced law and had no formal musical training until his adult life. Growing up, Bocelli had problems with his eye sight and at the age of 12 he was completely blind. Music was the only thing that comforted him. Through his talented combination of pop music and traditional opera, Bocelli entertains the masses. His performance at Philips Arena drew record crowds and record ticket prices. The Philips Arena performance came at a significant time in Bocelli’s life as his father passed away 25 days after his Atlanta visit. Bocelli honored his father May 1 by singing for the Pope in Rome.

This Week in History

In only our third year of operation, the concert industry publication Pollstar magazine named Philips Arena the number one concert arena in the U.S based on ticket sales for the third quarter of 2001. This was the year we welcomed Irish rock band U2.

Philips Arena hosted U2’s “Elevation Tour” on March 30th. The tour sold out in one hour and set our attendance record for that time of 20,596.

Nelly Furtado opened for U2. Soon after her set, Bono and the band walked onto the stage - with the house lights on - creating a casual, intimate atmosphere. Atlanta rocked out to U2’s greatest hits such as Elevation, Beautiful Day, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and With or Without You.

The concert was one of the most anticipated events of that year, and according to fans, the band did not disappoint.

This Week in History

March 23, 2004 Britney Spears brought her fifth concert tour, The Onyx Hotel Tour, to Philips Arena. Critics gave mixed reviews of the tour. It was described as a theatrical extravaganza, sexy, low on substance, and sloppy. However, for one lucky Philips Arena guest, this concert was unrivaled. Donna Topper was welcomed into Philips Arena as the ten millionth guest.

Philips Arena President Bob Williams awarded Topper a gift package featuring:

• Two tickets to all Philips Arena ticketed events for one year
• Philips 23-inch TFT LCD Flat TV
• Philips digital key ring camera
• Philips Arena Party Suite
• A commemorative "Ten-Million" team jerseys from the Atlanta Thrashers and Atlanta Hawks

The gift package also included gifts from Philips Arena's and the team's sponsors:

• Two round-trip Delta Air Lines tickets
• $250 gift certificate from The Home Depot
• Mountain bike courtesy of Anheuser-Busch
• Motorola V300 T-Mobile phone and one year of free service
• Coca-Cola Nostalgia Radios
• $500 savings bond from Bank of America

This Week in History

On March 18, 2003 Country Music Star Tim McGraw performed at Philips Arena. McGraw and his tour band, The Dancehall Doctors, played songs from their latest self-titled album. Real Good Man, She’s My Kind of Rain, and Red Ragtop were just a few hits from the set list.

McGraw used this tour as an opportunity to raise money for the Red Cross chapter in each city he visited. He donated $0.50 from each ticket sold through his website, and 100% of proceeds from the sale of his Tim McGraw / American Red Cross t-shirt sold during the show.

“We are living in a time where people need to stick together and help one another," McGraw said in a statement. "We need to be prepared for any crisis that might present itself and we need to do our part in banding together," he added. "It gives me a tremendous amount of comfort to know that the monies that we raise will go towards a great organization like the American Red Cross, that provides so much, for so many, around this country and around the globe."

This Week in History

For several years Philips Arena has hosted the iconic Harlem Globetrotters during the second week of March. This year, the team returns to Philips Arena on March 13 as part of its 84th consecutive season of touring the world. Throughout the team’s history, the Globetrotters have entertained more than two million fans in more than 25,000 games and have played on six continents in front of Presidents and Popes!

The Globetrotters’ high-flying show features some of the most extraordinary athletes and entertainers on the planet – including Big Easy Lofton and Flight Time Lang, who stared in the CBS reality hit, The Amazing Race.

Sports Illustrated praised the Harlem Globetrotter’s show as “the sports equivalent of comfort food,” in its March 2009 feature article on the Globetrotters titled, Still Crazy After All These Years.

Tickets are still available for the 1:00pm show on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Philips Arena. Save $6 on tickets by clicking on the link below and enter the promo code SAVE at checkout.
http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/wzpz52