Hawks unveil arena’s extreme makeover

The Hawks celebrated the grand (re)opening of State Farm Arena, formerly Philips Arena, on Saturday. Photo: HYOSUB SHIN / AJCFrom the outside, the Hawks’ arena looks the same as before, with the exception of new signage that conveys a new name.

“When you look at the outside of the building,” Hawks CEO Steve Koonin conceded, “you don’t really anticipate much having been done.”

But a lot has been done -- about $200 million worth, in fact -- on the inside.

The Hawks organization unveiled their renovated and renamed home – formerly Philips Arena, now State Farm Arena – to the public with an open-house party Saturday. The Hawks will play their first game in their remade arena Wednesday night…