Atlanta’s pursuit of a third NHL team is heating up with a massive $3 billion development plan in Forsyth County. This ambitious project, known as “The Gathering at South Forsyth,” has recently received crucial approvals from county officials, potentially setting the stage for professional hockey’s return to Georgia. But can this northern suburb succeed where two previous NHL franchises in Atlanta have failed?
The stakes are high for both developers and hockey fans as Forsyth County positions itself as the potential new home for an NHL expansion team. With a purpose-built arena at its center, this development aims to rewrite Atlanta’s troubled hockey history and convince the NHL that the third time could indeed be the charm.
Atlanta’s quest for an NHL team
Atlanta stands in a unique position in hockey history as the only city to have lost two NHL franchises – the Flames (1972-1980) and the Thrashers (1999-2011). Both teams relocated to Canadian cities, creating a stigma that the Georgia capital has struggled to shake off. Despite this checkered past, developers believe metropolitan Atlanta’s growth and demographic changes create fertile ground for another attempt.
The gathering at South Forsyth development
The centerpiece of this new NHL pursuit is an ambitious 84-acre mixed-use development in Forsyth County. County commissioners recently approved agreements for “The Gathering at South Forsyth,” which would feature an 18,500-seat NHL-ready arena as its anchor attraction. The development aims to create a “live-work-play” environment similar to The Battery Atlanta, but with hockey at its heart.
Beyond the arena, plans include 1.6 million square feet of office and retail space, hotels, a practice rink and community ice center, over 1,000 multi-family units, and 150 single-family homes. Forsyth County approves plan for $3B mixed-use development with arena meant to attract NHL team, with funding arrangements that include $225 million in taxpayer-backed bonds – contingent on securing an NHL team.
Vernon Krause, leading the Krause Group, is spearheading the project with an ambitious timeline targeting the 2027 NHL season for the arena’s opening. $3 billion project to bring NHL team to Atlanta moves ahead in Forsyth, requiring four construction phases and substantial investment to realize the vision of a hockey-centered entertainment district.
NHL considerations and market history
The NHL remains cautious about expanding to Atlanta, given the city’s previous failures with professional hockey. Commissioner Gary Bettman has acknowledged the region’s growth but hasn’t committed to expansion. “It’s a different place than when the Flames and the Thrashers left,” Bettman noted, suggesting the past might not dictate the future.
The league’s deputy commissioner, Bill Daly, has stated that expansion will be handled on a “case-by-case basis,” giving hope to Forsyth County’s bid. A new arena in Atlanta is an excellent sign for the NHL’s return, though significant hurdles remain before any final decisions.
The location itself presents challenges. While Forsyth County is one of the fastest-growing, most affluent areas in metro Atlanta, its distance from downtown has raised questions about accessibility. Kennesaw State University economics professor J.C. Bradbury has expressed skepticism, suggesting the site may be “far too remote to be practical” for an NHL franchise.
Conclusion
As Forsyth County moves forward with “The Gathering at South Forsyth,” the NHL watches with interest but without commitment. The $3 billion development represents a bold bet on Atlanta’s hockey future, offering state-of-the-art facilities in a booming suburban market. Whether this will be enough to overcome the region’s troubled hockey history remains to be seen.
For hockey fans in Georgia, these developments offer a glimmer of hope that professional hockey might return to the state. The approval of the development plan marks a significant step forward, but many hurdles remain before Atlanta can claim its third NHL franchise – and finally make one stick.
