Some movies become a part of culture. Others become a part of you. For me, ATL is both.
When the announcement dropped for the 20th anniversary celebration of ATL the movie and The King album at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, I already knew I had to be there. It honestly did not matter whether I attended as a photographer or simply as a fan with a ticket in hand.There was no way I was missing this moment! The second tickets were released, I jumped on the opportunity immediately.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I can practically go word for word with anybody when it comes to ATL. It represents Atlanta culture, family, ambition, skating culture, music, and nostalgia in a way that still feels authentic even 20 years later.
The day of the event finally arrived, and I was genuinely excited. Pulling up to the stadium, it was obvious I wasn’t the only one anticipating the experience. The line was already long before doors opened, filled with fans ready to relive a piece of Atlanta history. Everybody seemed excited, talking about favorite scenes, favorite characters, and memories connected to the movie.
Before entering, guests had to sign skating waivers which instantly hinted that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary movie celebration. Once inside, you were met with multiple photo opportunities featuring ATL backdrops that immediately pulled fans into the nostalgia of the film. Every corner felt intentional and immersive.
Walking further in, giant ATL inflatable letters stood right in front of our eyes and also the skate counter and performance stage. The setup felt larger than life. As I continued exploring the venue, I noticed arcade games scattered throughout the space before eventually making my way outside to the skating rink they built specifically for the event.
And honestly? It felt like Cascade on a Sunday night.
The energy was pure Atlanta. Skaters gliding effortlessly across the rink, music filling the air, people laughing, recording videos, playing games, and simply enjoying the moment. It felt nostalgic while somehow still feeling futuristic at the same time, like old Atlanta meeting a new era.
As a photographer, moments like this are special because you are documenting culture in real time.
While moving through the venue, I spotted Atlanta music legends like Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, and Polow da Don and managed to capture a few shots of them. Everywhere you looked there was another familiar face connected to Atlanta culture, music, film, and entertainment.
Members of the ATL cast were also in attendance including T.I., Lauren London, Albe Daniels, Evan Ross, and Jackie Long. One person fans definitely missed was Jason Weaver, but with The Chi returning soon, everybody understood he was probably busy on a promo run.
The celebrity sightings honestly did not stop there. Also in attendance were members of T.I.’s family including Tiny Harris, Domani, King, and Messiah (Buddy Red) , along with artists and personalities like Young Dro, Summer Walker, Terrence J, Jazze Pha, Turk, Ghetto Mafia, YK Niece, Deante Kyle, and many more.
The night reached another level once T.I. and Young Dro took the stage to perform. Hearing those records live while surrounded by people who grew up on the music created a feeling that is hard to fully describe. It was nostalgia, celebration, and music all happening at once.
The entire experience felt like a futuristic version of Atlanta while still honoring the era that shaped so many memories for people who grew up here.
As a photographer, events like this remind me why I love documenting culture. It is more than taking pictures, it is preserving moments people never want to forget. And for one night, Atlanta got to step back into one of its most iconic eras while creating brand new memories at the same time.
Images by Glassy Cassie
