The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm teamed up on May 23 to host a “Console to Career” esports panel and demonstrations at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center in Cobb County. The event was attended by 40 students who learned about different career paths and opportunities in gaming from local esports professionals.
The panel featured Wesley Acuff (Director of Esports at Hawks Talon GC), Justice Miranda (Director of Operations at Cxmmunity) and Erich Thomas (Co-Founder of Pharaoh’s Conclave (PCX)). Moderated by Esports broadcaster Zunaid “India” Suleman, the panel discussed the different career opportunities that exist in esports, including professional gaming, streaming, broadcasting, and game development. The panelists also discussed the importance of diversity and inclusivity in technology and gaming.
After the panel, students were divided into groups and participated in various activation stations where they played sports and action games. The panelists joined them at each station and were able to explain how the different games connected to their individual career paths.
The Ron Anderson Recreation Center’s Good Neighbor Club was chosen because it is esports-focused and recently received enhanced gaming technology courtesy of State Farm.
The Hawks and State Farm have led efforts in multiple community-focused initiatives to better serve Metro Atlanta. In March, the organizations joined together to host a STEM and Innovation Night at N.H. Scott Recreation Center in Decatur, Ga. The Hawks and State Farm have previously teamed up to open other Good Neighbor Clubs in locations such as: William Walker Recreation Center in Atlanta, Lucky Shoals Park in Gwinnett, Lynwood Park in Brookhaven, Welcome All Park in South Fulton, Coan Park Recreation Center in Atlanta and Bessie Branham Park in Kirkwood.
To learn more about the Hawks’ work in the community, visit Hawks.com/community.
Hawks Talon started THE TIPOFF 5v5 action on Tuesday, May 23 against Gen G Tigers. Games can be watched via the Hawks Talon Twitch channel at twitch.tv/HawksTalonGC.
