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Hawks launch billboard blitz | ajc.com

Hawks launch billboard blitz
Team hopes 7-1 preseason gets fans to share high expectations

By TIM TUCKER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/28/07

Hoping a 7-1 preseason record has opened fans to the possibility that this season could be better than the past eight, the Hawks' marketers are trying to reinforce the point.

Each of 19 billboards around town carries a large photo of a Hawks player, an oversized team logo and bold type conveying the message that things are changing

"Changing Attitudes," blares one. "Changing Perceptions," says another. "Changing The Game," screams another.

The Hawks open the regular season Friday night at Philips Arena vs. the Dallas Mavericks. And after eight consecutive losing seasons — and the NBA's longest current streak of seasons without a playoff berth — there's plenty to change.

"We've gotten new uniforms, new colors, made a couple of nice draft picks, and the team has done well [in preseason]," said Lou DePaoli, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Hawks' parent company, Atlanta Spirit. "We're trying to get people to change their perception of the Hawks."