Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) and the Atlanta Hawks invited Atlanta’s next generation to explore the world of STEM at the third annual Arena of the Future Innovation Challenge at State Farm Arena. Over the course of a seven-week program, more than 30 9^TH – 12^TH grade students from Charles R. Drew Charter School developed innovative ideas showcasing the possibilities for the future of arenas. The program focused on transforming the downtown arena into a more automated, energy-efficient, and guest-friendly venue. 

The event tipped off earlier today with welcome speeches from Geoffrey Stiles, Senior Vice President of Arena Facilities and Events for the Hawks & State Farm Arena and Chris Ladas, Chief Technology Officer – Building Management Systems for Honeywell. The students then took turns presenting their ideas in groups to the panel of industry judges which included former Hawks player Mario West. After careful deliberation, two teams were selected and awarded a total of $10,000 funded by Honeywell. In addition, Honeywell presented the school with a check for $4,000 to support continued STEM education.

“We’re extremely proud of and impressed by all of the students from Drew Charter School who presented ideas today,” said Stiles. “Their dedication and commitment is truly inspiring. We hope this program has the students thinking about STEM and sustainability well beyond the conclusion of this contest.”

The winning team proposed using robotics to lift, carry, and neatly stack floor panels in preparation for games, concerts, and other events. This idea would allow staff and team members to control the robots and eliminate the need for physical labor.

The second-place team presented the idea of using AI-enabled cameras with smart sensors to monitor crowd density. The technology involved would track traffic in hallways, concession stands, and restrooms to provide guests with real-time data about which areas of the arena were less populated. 

“I’m amazed by the presentations we saw today.” Ladas, said. “The students from Drew Charter School conceptualized opportunities in crowd-control and environmental sustainability and came up with tangible solutions leveraging technology, including those from Honeywell. The hard-work, teamwork, and professionalism presented by the students was incredible to witness.”

Drew Charter School serves more than 1,900 Pre-K through 12^th grade students and institutes a Project-Based Learning model that prioritizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). The innovation challenge matched each student team with a mentor from Honeywell as they brainstormed concepts to help improve building automation, sustainability, and energy management efforts at State Farm Arena.  

In 2024, Honeywell became the Official Sustainable Building Technology Partner for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. As part of this multi-year deal, Honeywell will continue to implement a series of high-tech upgrades to State Farm Arena's building operations systems to help decrease energy consumption and emissions while increasing visibility and control of the indoor environment.

To learn more about the organizations’ commitment to sustainability, visit StateFarmArena.com/sustainability.