Mercedes-Benz Stadium just lately reworked right into a scene straight out of a nostalgic Atlanta dream as Falcons All-Professional cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. hosted his first-ever “Mr. Atlanta Presents: Curler Ball” Celeb Skating Expertise.
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The charitable occasion, powered by the A.J.T. Basis and hosted by Massive Tigger of V-103, merged tradition, neighborhood, and trigger beneath one glowing rink.
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The night time unfolded at Molly B’s and The Outlook inside Mercedes-Benz Enviornment, the place neon lights, stay performances, and signature ATL vitality got here collectively for a function: to lift funds and consciousness for Terrell’s youth-centered initiatives by the A.J.T. Academy.
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The pink carpet featured appearances from celebrities, athletes, and neighborhood leaders, together with Gail Bean (Snowfall), Councilwoman Carmelitha Gumbs, Bijan Robinson, Monica Coleman, and DJ Jelly—all representing the essence of Atlanta excellence.
Massive Tigger, who emceed the occasion, shared his pleasure about serving to deliver Terrell’s imaginative and prescient to life.
“We turned Mercedes-Benz Stadium right into a roller-skating rink for a charitable trigger,” Massive Tigger mentioned. “A.J. Terrell Jr., born and raised in Atlanta, is giving again to Atlanta. I’m simply completely satisfied to be part of it.”
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The host famous that the night’s program included a proclamation from Councilwoman Carmelitha Gumbs and a message from the Mayor’s workplace, formally recognizing Terrell’s contributions to the town.
“It wasn’t nearly enjoyable,” Massive Tigger defined. “We bought to let folks know why we’re having enjoyable—elevating consciousness for what A.J.’s Basis is doing with native faculties and neighborhood initiatives.”
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A New Period Of Fundraising
Ashly Cargle-Thompson, Govt Director of the A.J.T. Basis, revealed that Curler Ball marked a significant milestone for the group.
“This was our first main fundraising occasion,” she mentioned. “We wished to make fundraising accessible to a youthful technology of givers—one thing they’d wish to go to anyway. There are millions of galas in Atlanta, however we wished to rejoice the town the way in which Atlanta celebrates Atlanta.”
The occasion captured that very spirit—from the customized skates to the high-energy crowd. Performances by Younger Dro, Kodie Shane, Breskii, and Sha Da God saved the ambiance vibrant, whereas DJs like Oppdigy and Jelly spun Atlanta anthems between units.
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Breskii, whose viral hit “Take Me Via Dere” just lately appeared on Metro Boomin’s A Futuristic Summa, known as the expertise “nervy however superb.” The Atlanta rapper laughed about not with the ability to skate in her boots, however mentioned the gang’s vitality made all of it value it.
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ROLLING FOR A CAUSE
The night time wasn’t only a social gathering—it was a function in movement. Proceeds from the occasion will go towards increasing the A.J.T. Academy, which helps student-athletes in under-resourced Atlanta and Fulton County faculties.
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“We wish to bridge the chance hole for student-athletes,” Cargle-Thompson defined. “Our objective is to verify athletics seems like a launch pad, not an escape hatch. Not each child will go D1—however each child deserves the boldness, abilities, and mentorship that sports activities can provide.”
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She added that the inspiration is already making ready for its subsequent main initiative, Crown Eucopia, which gives full-size Black hair care kits and styling workshops to ladies at My Sister’s Home by the Atlanta Mission. This November’s installment will embrace training and self-care classes led by native stylists.
In spring 2026, the Basis will host its first annual Neighborhood Camp, bringing collectively A.J. Terrell’s teammates—like D. Alford and Michael Carter of the New York Jets—to co-sponsor a free flag soccer occasion for native youth.
All through the night, the gang mirrored Atlanta’s signature unity. Fashions, athletes like Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and followers alike laced up their skates whereas others watched from the sidelines, cheering to DJ units and stay performances.
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Attendee Aaliyah B, a mannequin and skater, summed up the night time’s vitality greatest.
“It was Black excellence on wheels. I really like that it’s a fundraiser for youngsters rising up with out entry to what they want. It’s about consciousness, neighborhood, and uplifting each other. I’m right here for the tradition and the nice vibes.”
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ATLANTA ROLLS FORWARD
By the night time’s finish, Curler Ball had confirmed to be greater than a fundraiser—it was a motion. A reminder that Atlanta’s tradition, from skating rinks to soundtracks, can nonetheless lead with love, unity, and function.
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As Massive Tigger mentioned with a smile, “It seemed like a brand new Cascade out right here.” And for one night time, it really was—Atlanta on full show, spinning towards a greater future.
For extra on the A.J.T. Basis and methods to become involved, go to ajtfoundation.org.