Atlanta Hawks CEO Keeps Promise To Pay For Couple's Wedding

Ben McCleskey and Avery Armstrong met during the Atlanta Hawks’ “Swipe Right Night” in 2015 and began dating.

The couple have frequently returned to watch their beloved Hawks, including at the team’s “Swipe Right Night 2.0” in 2016. That’s when Hawks CEO Steve Koonin made a promise.

“If they get married, the Hawks would be happy to host the wedding,” Koonin told the Atlanta Journal Constitution, adding he would foot the bill. “My treat.”

More than a year later, the couple has grown into a family, recently welcoming a baby. While preparing for their wedding, Armstrong and McCleskey were curious if Koonin’s offer still stood.

Koonin proved he was a man of his word.

“Avery and Ben: We are super excited for how your relationship has grown since you met at our first Swipe Right Night, and I will absolutely make good on my promise for the Hawks to host your wedding,” Koonin said on the team’s website. “We can’t wait to start making plans and meet your new little one.”

Not too shabby for two people who visited Philips Arena on that fateful night in 2015 looking for a first date. Instead, they found love, started a family, and will enjoy a free wedding courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks.

About the author

Michael LoRé

Sports Editor

Michael has been obsessed with sports since he started playing recreationally when he was 5 years old. Realizing he couldn't make it as a professional athlete and was a decent enough writer, the lightbulb went off: sports journalist. After honing his craft at the University of Delaware, Michael has covered anything and everything from scholastic field hockey to the World Series. Born and raised in New Jersey, Michael now lives in New York City, having worked most recently for New York City FC and the NHL. His favorite sport is soccer.