For this, the second volume featuring photographs of vintage billboard ads, I’m tightening the focus a bit. This group of billboards was displayed in the Phoenix, Arizona area in 1969 and advertised the new Phoenix Suns basketball team.

The 1969-70 season was the franchise’s second in the NBA, and it was the year they made a dramatic turnaround from 7th place to 3rd. This was thanks in large part to the addition of Connie Hawkins (#42, who appears in a few of the ads), who came from the ABA and went on to the Hall of Fame. Hawkins led the Suns to a 39-43 record, and they nearly won their first-ever playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers until they lost three straight games.

All images courtesy Duke University’s Digital Collections site. Click for a larger version.

As for a Dec. 25 game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Coca-Coloa ticket promotion for the Oct. 26th home game.

Season ticket ad feat. Connie Hawkins (#42).

Season ticket ad feat. Connie Hawkins (#42).

Season ticket ad – “We’ve got a winner, Phoenix.”

Coca-Cola ticket promotion for the Oct. 30th home game against the Cincinnati Royals.

Season ticket ad – “Big Time Basketball.”