Peacock's ‘Fight Night ’Taps Artists and Businesses to Bring ‘70s Energy to the 404
Peacock's ‘Fight Night’ Takes Atlanta Back to where it all began… the 1970s.
Presented By
Peacock
Chicken Man, Cadillac Richie, JD Hudson, Vivian Thomas, and of course, some dude named Frank. Why? Well, isn't there always some guy named Frank?
These are a few of the players in Peacock’s new original limited-series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. The show is executive-produced by Will Packer and Kevin Hart, who also stars as the lead protagonist, Chicken Man. Viewers are transported to the 1970s in Atlanta, Georgia, on the evening of Muhammad Ali’s comeback fight. Set against a backdrop of opportunity, style, hope, and obstacles, viewers get to see how Atlanta became America’s Black Mecca.
Fight Night is based on the acclaimed true-crime podcast, which follows the real-life story of an armed robbery that occurs on the night of the epic comeback fight. A who’s who of celebrities and entertainers flocked to Atlanta to see the match, and Chicken Man, a hustler in the city, throws an afterparty to celebrate. Unfortunately, his event becomes ground zero for a brazen robbery. In hopes of clearing his name and the perceived connection he has to the crime, Chicken Man has to work with an old adversary, before it’s too late.
To celebrate the September 5 premiere of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, Atlanta and Peacock are doing it big. Peacock is spotlighting local Black-owned businesses in Atlanta to offer throwback prices at historical and beloved establishments throughout the city on Saturday, August 24. They’ve enlisted the help of two Black artists, E.L. Chisolm and Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin, to create four custom murals around the city, highlighting the participating businesses, which will offer food, drinks, merch and other items at throwback prices.
Locals will also have a chance to see a replica of Chicken Man’s 1966 Cadillac Calais driving around Atlanta, which was built by the world-famous car customization shop West Coast Customs and their student academy. Check out the Black-Owned Businesses offering throwback prices in partnership with Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
Sublime Donuts
535 10th St NW
As a nod to the era, on Saturday, August 24, Sublime Donuts (10th St, NW location, near Georgia Tech) will offer twenty five cent chocolate or vanilla doughnuts, which were popular flavors during the 1970s. Founded by Kamal Grant in 2008, the sweet treats eatery has two locations, both open 24/7, (just in case your sweet tooth strikes after business hours) And while the establishment boasts all kinds of flavors (A-Town Mocha and Ying-Yang Twist are among some of treats) chocolate and vanilla are simple yet classic options for a reason.
180 Northside Dr SW
What if you could get a drink and a top-notch fried chicken sandwich for less than three dollars? What would you do? Well on Saturday, August 24, Paschal’s, located in downtown Atlanta, will offer all guests fifty-cent sweet teas (normally priced at $5) and their famous fried chicken sandwich for $2 (normally $15). Paschal’s is a staple in the city, with roots that go back more than 75 years. The Paschal brothers, James and Robert, opened their first location at 831 West Hunter Street in Atlanta and it would go on to become a central hub for the biggest names in music and politics across generations. Fight Night carries that real life tradition into the show by prominently featuring it in the series.
789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta’s skyline is one of the nation’s best, and being able to see it with a nice cocktail in hand, isn’t a bad deal either. The famous rooftop bar of the Clermont Hotel, on historic Ponce De Leon Avenue, is giving attendees a chance to step back in time. On Saturday, August 24, you can enjoy whiskey and cola from a Black-owned brand for $4 or tequila and ginger for $4. The Clermont Hotel is a staple in Atlanta and is also prominently featured in Fight Night.
Tu La 2 Nail Salon
1133 Huff Rd NW Suite E
It’s called self-care now, but back in the ’70s, it was simply getting your nails done. On Saturday, August 24, Tu La 2 Nail Salon will offer their signature manicure (normally $55) for $19.70. Their famous $15 cuticle oil will be marked down to $2 and their luxe body polish, which is normally $35 will be available for $9. You can’t beat those prices if you tried. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic was cooling down, twin sisters Sabrina Brie Rowe and Sharlinda Rowe-Parker (and manicurists) opened their business, and the salon, which specializes in natural nail care, took off! It’s also become a go-to spot for a few A-listers, which only solidifies its reputation as the best
Copper Cove
1782 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Premium cocktails at a reasonable price? Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity? On Saturday, August 24, Copper Cove, located in the middle of Buckhead, is offering $10 cocktails that embody the spirit of the ‘70s and Fight Night. The $10 cocktails include “The Heist Highball,” “’70s Smash,” or an “Atlanta Heist Mule.” From 5PM to 9PM guests will be able to enjoy a nice drink in an upscale yet comfortable environment, which is exactly what 1970s Atlanta was all about.
Brooklyn Tea ATL
329 Nelson St SW
Sometimes a good cup of tea is the answer to life’s dilemmas. And if you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, then Brooklyn Tea ATL is a business you should know about. Founded by Jamila Wright along with her husband and Tea Sommelier, Alfonso Wright, this couple has one mission: to connect people through the art and ritual of tea. To help promote Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, Brooklyn Tea ATL is offering a peach & ginger tea blend to customers on August 24 for fifty cents. Stop by and grab a cup and let the first sip melt your anxieties away.
Versus ATL
323 Nelson St SW
Atlanta fashion and style cannot be denied or underestimated. Versus ATL knows this and has decided to participate in the Fight Night promotion. Saturday, August 24, Versus ATL will offer their branded sock set for $4 (normally $20), Logo Stitched Hoodies for $15 (normally $80, and Embroidered Trucker Hats for $8 (normally $40). The top tier premium vintage and streetwear clothing shop is located in Downtown Atlanta and is made up of pieces from the ’80s and ’90s along with the Versus branded apparel.
The old adage "It takes a village" can apply to any venture that requires sweat equity, community and resilience. The Village Retail, located at 675 Ponce De Leon Ave, NE Suite 225, is a place for Black consumers and entrepreneurs to connect and build community, while also supporting a Black-owned business. On August 24, Village will offer their top three selling embroidered t-shirts at special, throwback prices. The shirts include HBCU T-shirt, Support Is A Verb T-shirt, and Atlanta T-shirt for $15 (normally $60). Stop by for the merchandise and stay for the loving community.
Learn more about muralists E.L. Chisolm and Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin and their creative process below.
What mentality, energy, or attitude from the ’70s would you like to see reflected within Black folks in 2024?E.L. Chisolm: The ’70s in Atlanta was a period marked by resilience, pride and a deep sense of community among Black folks. There was a strong belief in the power of collective progress, and that energy fueled significant cultural and social advancements. For 2024, I’d love to see a resurgence of that unity and self-determination. The mentality that “we are stronger together” and the drive to build something lasting for future generations is timeless. It’s about harnessing that bold, unapologetic attitude and channeling it into today’s movements and initiatives.
What was your first thought when you heard the story that Fight Night is based on?
Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin: When I first heard the story that Fight Night is based on, I was immediately excited. It felt like the perfect Atlanta vibe—something that really captures the energy and culture of the city. I was like, "Wow, this is going to be DOPE!" The cast is fire, and I can’t wait to see how everything comes together on screen. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how everyone is styled because the ’70s is one of my all-time favorite eras for both fashion and art. The story has inspired me, and now I can't wait to experience Fight Night myself!
What attracted you to the type of art you do?E.L. Chisolm: I’ve been drawn to art that tells a story—art that captures the essence of a moment, a place, or a community. The ability to convey complex emotions, histories, and aspirations through visual media is powerful. What attracted me to my particular style was the idea of merging traditional techniques with contemporary themes, creating something that feels both timeless and relevant. I want my work to resonate with people on a personal level while also contributing to a broader cultural dialogue.
You’ve been tapped to paint a mural. What is your creative process?
IYM: My creative process begins with endless hours of research—delving into the history, themes, and inspirations that will shape the mural. This is followed by drawing countless sketches, which is often the most challenging part. Conceptualizing the idea and bringing it to life on paper or my iPad takes time and patience, but once that’s done, the rest of the process flows more smoothly. Next comes one of my favorite parts: paint shopping. I love selecting the colors and materials that will bring the mural to life. Working with a talented team of painters is another highlight, as collaboration is key to making the process enjoyable and efficient. After that, we sketch the design onto the wall and get to work. It's crucial to take care of your team—having great synergy with everyone involved makes the painting process much smoother and more fun.
The first three episodes of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist premieres on Thursday, September 5 only on Peacock. Tune in.
