Atlanta Hawks Mascots: The Unsung Heroes of Game Day Entertainment

The Atlanta Hawks, a professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, have had several actors who have portrayed their team mascots over the years. The team's first mascot, "Harry the Hawk," was introduced in 1986. Harry was portrayed by several actors, including Mike Glenn and James Mapp. Harry the Hawk was known for his acrobatic dunks and energetic performances during games. He became a beloved figure among Hawks fans. In 1998, the team introduced a new mascot, "SkyHawk," who was portrayed by actor Matthew Charles.

The Atlanta Hawks’ official mascot, Harry the Hawk, is popular with lots of Hawks fans. To an outsider, he can look like an ordinary mascot, but those in-the-know will tell you different. Back in the day when many of the teams’ mascots didn’t even exist, the Hawks already had a mascot that’s as popular today as it was in 1985, when the mascot was first introduced – that’s more than forty years! Quite a lot of work for a bird, if you ask us.

Although the Hawks returned to the play-offs in all but one of the following 15 seasons, they advanced to the finals only twice, losing to the Celtics on both occasions. Being the most popular bird in Atlanta, his goal is, of course, to see the Hawks win the NBA Championship and he does his best to help make that goal reality.

In 1998, the team introduced a new mascot, "SkyHawk," who was portrayed by actor Matthew Charles. SkyHawk was known for his gravity-defying stunts and high-flying performances. He brought a new level of excitement and entertainment to Hawks games.

Atlanta Hawks

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• New Georgia Encyclopedia - Atlanta Hawks
• Official Site of the Atlanta Hawks

• Atlanta Hawks - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• New Georgia Encyclopedia - Atlanta Hawks
• Official Site of the Atlanta Hawks

• Atlanta Hawks - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

In 2013, the team unveiled their current mascot, "Harry the Hawk II," who is portrayed by actor Ali Sepasyar. Harry the Hawk II is known for his comedic antics and engaging interactions with fans. He has become a fan favorite and continues to entertain audiences at Hawks games. The Atlanta Hawks have a rich history of talented actors bringing their mascots to life, adding to the overall game-day experience for fans..

Reviews for "A Day in the Life of an Atlanta Hawks Mascot Actor"

1. Alex - 2/5 stars - I went to a recent Atlanta Hawks game and I have to say, I was really disappointed with the team mascot actors. Their performances were lackluster and unenthusiastic. It seemed like they were just going through the motions instead of really engaging with the crowd. The costumes didn't look great either, they seemed cheap and poorly made. Overall, I was expecting more from the team's mascots and it really took away from the game experience.

2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - The Atlanta Hawks team mascots' actors were absolutely awful. Their interactions with the audience were forced and awkward. They had no presence or energy, which made it hard to get excited during the game. It felt like they were just there to check off a box, rather than genuinely entertaining the crowd. I would definitely not recommend going to a Hawks game if you're looking for some fun mascot entertainment.

3. Mike - 2/5 stars - I've been to a couple of Atlanta Hawks games and I have to say, the team mascot actors were really disappointing. Their performances lacked creativity and originality. It felt like they were just going through the same routine every game, without bringing anything new to the table. The lack of enthusiasm from the mascots really dampened the overall atmosphere of the game. I hope the team makes some improvements in this area because it's definitely a letdown for fans.

4. Jessica - 1/5 stars - The Atlanta Hawks team mascot actors were a complete letdown. They lacked any sort of charisma or energy. It seemed like they were just going through the motions with no real passion for their roles. The lack of creativity in their performances was evident and made for a really dull game experience. I would highly recommend the team invest in new mascot actors who can truly engage with the crowd and bring some excitement to the games.

Exploring the Legacy of Atlanta Hawks Mascots: Where Are They Now?