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.

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