“Big Energy” Artist Will Intro Immersive Video at Atlanta Hawks “Forever 404” Night on Jan. 28 Just Ahead of Launching Her Augmented Reality Content Available Exclusively via Sprite Products
ATLANTA (Jan. 23, 2022) – Sprite has partnered with chart-topping Atlanta rapper Latto and the Atlanta Hawks to launch a series of immersive, high-tech experiences this winter that will excite and intrigue sports fans, entertainment lovers, and tech junkies both in and outside of the arena.
Amplifying the high-tech theme of the partnership, Atlanta rapper sensation Latto will be virtually transported to the Atlanta Hawks game at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Friday, Jan. 28 via an immersive video experience produced with the help of volumetric scanning – a cutting-edge technology that creates digital clones of real people. The experience will culminate in a grand finale surprise for all fans in attendance at the game.
“We are thrilled to team up with Sprite to engage all Hawks’ fans in attendance for an immersive virtual performance at Friday night’s game,” said Hawks’ EVP and Chief Revenue Officer Andrew Saltzman. “As we continue to find innovative ways to enhance our in-game fan experience at State Farm Arena, we believe this night will be memorable for all.”
Consumers will also have the ability to access Latto’s virtual performance through augmented reality by scanning Sprite products in metro Atlanta. In other words, Latto can be transported to consumers’ desks, kitchen tables, living rooms, or wherever they prefer beginning Jan. 31. In addition, as of Dec. 1, 2021, any Sprite product purchased in metro Atlanta can be scanned via mobile device atwww.sprite.com/hawks to automatically unlock special prizes, including an exclusive meet-and-greet with Latto and tickets to the Jan. 28 Atlanta Hawks game. Other prizes include jerseys and basketballs signed by fan-favorite Hawks players.
Appropriately featuring this Atlanta-raised, BET Hip Hop Award-nominated artist, the Jan. 28 game is also one of the Atlanta Hawks’ twelve popular “Forever 404” nights, which are dedicated to paying homage to Atlanta’s unique culture – past, present and future.
“As an Atlanta Hawks fan, it is a huge honor for me to support my team and my city during the next ‘Forever 404’ night, said Latto. “We have created an unforgettable experience for fans by using innovative technology that is, without a doubt, the future of entertainment.”
In partnership with Sprite, Atlanta agencyYou Are Here (YAH) produced the unique tech components behind this campaign by teaming up with Georgia State University’s Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII), which builds connections between creative students and the entertainment and information industries. Fans can even watch a bonus video that captures Latto’s volumetric scans, available the day after the game.
“We have seen firsthand how uniting sports and entertainment engages people through shared passions,” says Ryan Duffy, President, Creative & Strategy, YAH. “Augmented reality is one of the most valuable and exciting tech trends right now – and for good reason. We’re excited to marry our commitment to our clients with ground-breaking technology.”
“This unique fusion of sports, entertainment and technology is truly a reflection of and tribute to our great city of Atlanta,” Duffy continues. “This ‘Forever 404’ night is particularly special, and it has all come together thanks to the generous support from Sprite.”
About Latto
Raised in Atlanta, rapper Latto has been making a name for herself since she was 10. In 2016, Latto appeared on the reality show “The Rap Game” in 2016 where she won the show’s first season. In 2020, she was nominated for Best New Hip Hop Artist at the 2020’s BET Hip Hop Awards, where she was also a performer. This same year, she signed with RCA Records, then in 2021 was selected for Sprite’s Live From The Label performance series. Last February, she was named MTV’s Global Push Artist, and currently boasts 8.6 million followers on Instagram.
About the Atlanta Hawks
Committed to entertaining and uniting the city of Atlanta since 1968, the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, under the leadership of Principal Owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, continue to build bridges through basketball by following its “True to Atlanta” mantra. On the court, the Hawks’ exciting young core is led by All-Star point guard Trae Young as the organization received the NBA’s top ranking in overall in-game experience for the last two seasons. Off the court, the Hawks organization focuses on positively impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth basketball, fighting food insecurity, and the recent transformation of State Farm Arena into Georgia’s largest-ever voting precinct for the 2020 elections. The Hawks family also includes the College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League) and Hawks Talon Gaming Club (NBA 2K League). Atlanta Hawks Membership, which includes your seat for every home game for the 2022-23 regular season, is on sale now atwww.hawks.com/membership or by calling 866-715-1500. For more information on the Hawks, log on to www.hawks.com or follow us on social media @ATLHawks.
About You Are Here (YAH)
You Are Here (YAH) is an award-winning, full service, Atlanta-based agency that creates meaningful human experiences – offline and online – by connecting brands and consumers through strategic, innovative, and data-driven solutions. For additional information, visit www.yahagency.com.
Media Contacts:
Julia Berg
Public Relations Director
Huff & Co.
T: 404.226.117
Max Strauss
Director, Brand Communications
Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena
T: 404.878.3793
By:Atlanta Hawks
