Philips Arena in Downtown is making big changes, and the most notable change is the new policy that will prohibit smoking anywhere on the premises. This new rule shall be effective starting February 4th, 2017.
“We are very excited to offer our guests and employees a fully smoke-free experience,” said Brett Stefansson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Philips Arena. “The harmful effects of smoking are well documented, both directly and indirectly, and this new policy will help ensure a safer and healthier environment for all that work and play here.”
Philips Arena has the capacity to hold 18,000+ guests and will be the first among Atlanta sports franchises to make this decision. All outdoor smoking patios will be discontinued and guests that exit to smoke will be prohibited from re entry.
It’s a wonderful choice by the executives of Philips Arena and sets a good model for other public locations in Atlanta. It’s one more step to making the city a better place for everyone to enjoy.
Along with that, the Hawks/Philips organization boasts a strong partnership with Emory Healthcare for its new practice facility that is currently under construction.
And while there are sure to be a handful of people who don’t agree with the new policy, it’s better as a whole for the community. It’ll be the Emory Healthcare Courts and “Heart of the Hawks” Sunday games. As expected, the healthcare provider was all for the new smoke free policy.
“Emory Healthcare applauds this step which is entirely consistent with one of the central unifying themes of our partnership, specifically promoting fitness, nutrition, and wellness in our community,” said Scott D. Boden, MD Director of the Emory Orthopedics & Spine Center, and primary liaison for the Emory/Hawks partnership.
This new policy is sure to create a positive effect and foster a more unified feeling between guest, employees, and others. Events, concerts, and sports matches can only get better from here. For more info about the new changes or anything else pertaining to Philips Arena, click here.
