Ice, Ice, Maybe: Atlanta’s $3B NHL Arena Project Approved

Even without a formal expansion process in place, a potential NHL return to Atlanta took another sizable step forward late Wednesday as officials in suburban Forsyth County, Ga., approved plans for a $3 billion development that would include an 18,000-seat, league-ready arena for a new franchise. 

Commissioners in the county, located in the northeast part of the Atlanta region, have moved forward on The Gathering at South Forsyth, a 100-acre, mixed-use proposal from local car dealer and developer Vernon Krause that would also feature residential, retail, hospitality, and entertainment spaces. 

“This vote marks a catalytic step forward in bringing this visionary project to life,” Krause said. “Our team is more energized than ever as we prepare to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss possible expansion.”

The NHL, however, has not committed to expanding to Atlanta or adding any franchises at all beyond the current 32. Before the start of the ongoing Stanley Cup Final between the Panthers and Oilers, league deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the expansion question will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

“If somebody wants to essentially apply for an expansion franchise and has all the requisite elements that we would look for in an expansion franchise, we would raise it with the Board of Governors and see if they have any interest in it,” Daly said. “There are some people we’ve talked to more than others, but there’s a lot of interest, which I think we’re gratified with.”

Along similar lines, the NHL has been very careful not to comment prematurely on any specific proposal. 

Prior History

Atlanta will need to overcome the history of two prior, separately owned NHL franchises that left for Canada. The Flames played in the former Omni Coliseum from 1972 to 1980 before relocating to Calgary. The Thrashers were at what is now State Farm Arena, also in downtown Atlanta, from 1999 to 2011, but then moved to Winnipeg to become the second iteration of the Jets. 

Such a legacy of multiple departures, however, is not necessarily a dealbreaker. Washington again has a Major League Baseball franchise with the Nationals after two prior versions of the Senators relocated, and Los Angeles is back in the NFL with the Rams and Chargers after those teams previously left the market.

Atlanta, meanwhile, continues to grow in population and national importance and has risen to the No. 7 U.S. media market. The Forsyth County proposal will tap into that broader notion, pushing a more exurban plan, as The Gathering location is more than 30 miles from downtown Atlanta. The Braves’ presence in Cobb County serves as a model for not only the neighboring NHL advocates but also many other pro teams with its influential mixed-use development, the Battery. That complex, which includes Truist Park, however, is half the distance to downtown.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the development team to ensure The Gathering becomes a model for regional growth and innovation,” said Forsyth County manager David McKee.