There’s been several news reports connecting the return of the National Hockey League to Atlanta. Although there have been no confirmations on another professional hockey team entering the local market (the Atlanta Gladiators are currently the area’s only pro hockey club), that has not stopped the rampant speculation.
What we do know is that a 100 acre property in South Forsyth is looking to attract retail, entertainment, and yes, an NHL team if they can.
South Forsyth Project: What We Know
The project stems from North Georgia entrepreneur Vernon Krause, known for his Krause Auto Group, among other businesses. Krause has been talking to municipal leaders as he looks to build an entertainment hub in one of the northern metro counties.
What Is The Gathering?
The Gathering is a planned mega-development that serve as a gathering place for North Georgia residents and “the Gateway to South Forsyth County,” as a press release puts it.
Here are some facts to know about the $1 billion The Gathering development:
- 750,000 square foot arena
- 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space
- A 100,000 square foot community center
- A 7,500 square foot fire station
- 450 hotel rooms with meeting spaces and residential units
Where Will The Gathering Be Located?
The Gathering will be located at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road along Georgia 400,
“The community of South Forsyth holds great meaning for me. As a global entertainment hub, The Gathering at South Forsyth will provide residents, employers and visitors with the ability to see their favorite musician, experience a family-friendly ice show or eat at a James Beard-awarded restaurant without having to sit in their car for hours,” said Krause. “The development will include the best in advanced technology, sustainability, walkability and connectivity – all within a comfortable and accessible setting,” he added.
Hockey may be coming back to Atlanta, or in this case, suburban Atlanta, according to news reports. A hockey arena called “The Gathering” in south Forsyth County seems to be the location of the National Hockey League team.
The National Hockey League may once again enter the metro Atlanta market, according to ESPN hockey anchor John Buccigross, who tweeted that pro hockey could once again find a home in metro Atlanta. It has now been revealed that the destination will be Alpharetta.
The team would play in a new arena in North Fulton County, according to various reports, including the Twitter account @NHLtoAtlanta. ” Mixed use property & arena is proposed for construction by property owner Vernon Krause on the corner of Union Hill & Reagan. Property is estimated $1B in value and will seat 18,500. Estimated 3 years to build,” the account tweeted.
‘We think it makes sense here. Private sector will be the ones who make the decision,” Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin told 11Alive. “But we want to be in a position that we know what we’re doing if the opportunity arises.”
Alpharetta has been trying to attract a sports team for some time now, Gilvin told the TV station. ”
“We hired a sports consulting firm a few months ago to look into this because we were getting proposals from different leagues and different sports and things like that and we wanted to know the viability,” Gilvin said. “So, we’re hopeful to get some type of information from that consultant in the next month or two that we can share publicly.”
Not everyone has met the news with excitement. Atlanta Gladiators co-owner Anson Carter, a former NHL player and current hockey commentator, told WSB’s Zach Klein that he was disappointed in the news.
“Shows a lot of disrespect for the hockey community to drop this tonight. The entire hockey world knows what happening tonight. It shows me a total disconnect.,” Carter told Klein. “That’s why hockey has failed in this community twice. I’m focused on the roots, not the fruits. Best of luck to them, I’m excited for them, but it’s disappointing.”
“The Gathering at South Forsyth will be an economic driver like no other,” said Alfred John – Chairman, Forsyth County Commission. “It will enhance what our County currently offers with an added focal point for world-class events, shopping and dining, and it will generate thousands of jobs both during, and after, construction. In addition, for the first time, our students and their families will be able to celebrate milestone achievements like graduations without limitations or being forced to travel outside the County’s boundaries. This best-in-class development will create a halo effect that will raise the County’s visibility and provide added economic growth opportunities,” he added.
Final Word
While there’s no doubt that a huge project is brewing in Forsyth County, it remains to be seen if an NHL team — or any sports franchise — decides to put down roots there. As always, as the project continues to develop, stay with AtlantaFi.com for the latest.