The Atlanta Hawks are mourning the loss of Tom Cousins, one of the team’s original owners, who has passed away at the age of 93. A key figure in Atlanta’s history, Cousins was instrumental in bringing professional basketball to the city and left a lasting mark on its community and skyline.
🙏 A Lasting Legacy in Atlanta The Hawks organization shared their condolences, remembering Tom Cousins as a visionary leader and philanthropist. His influence went far beyond the basketball court, as he played a major role in developing the downtown Atlanta area we see today. He is celebrated not just as a former team owner, but as a community builder who truly shaped the city.
🏀 Bringing the Hawks to Town In 1968, Tom Cousins, along with former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders, made a pivotal decision. They purchased the Hawks franchise and moved it from St. Louis to Atlanta. This move was a huge step for the city, establishing it as a major sports hub in the southeastern United States and giving fans a new team to cheer for.
🏟️ Building a Home for the Team To give the new team a proper home, Cousins developed the Omni Coliseum. For 25 years, this arena was the heart of Hawks basketball, creating countless memories for fans and becoming a landmark in downtown Atlanta. It was the first stage for the Hawks in their new city, all thanks to his vision.
❤️ More Than a Team Owner Beyond his work with the Hawks, Cousins was deeply committed to improving the community. He was a leader in many important projects, including the revitalization of Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood. His dedication to philanthropy and community development showed his deep love for the city and its people.
