A significant obstacle has been removed in the effort to bring the National Hockey League back to Atlanta.
On Wednesday, Forsyth County authorities gave their approval to proposals for a massive $3 billion-plus project known as The Gathering at South Forsyth. This development is centered around a state-of-the-art arena designed to be ready for NHL games.
Located north of the city of Atlanta, the development will encompass more than just the arena, featuring additional infrastructure. Krause Sports and Entertainment is spearheading this initiative.
Vernon Krause, CEO of Krause Sports and Entertainment, commented, “This approval represents a crucial step forward in realizing this ambitious project. Our team feels more motivated than ever as we get ready to meet with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to explore the possibility of expansion.”
Krause is spearheading the effort to return the NHL to Atlanta for the third time. He is anticipated to hold discussions with league leadership in the upcoming weeks, according to information shared by the official NHL to Atlanta social media account.
Krause stated, “We are closer than we have ever been to bringing NHL hockey back to our area, and we are confident that we are nearer to making that dream a reality.”
Atlanta has hosted NHL franchises twice before, with both teams eventually relocating to Canada. The Atlanta Flames moved to become the Calgary Flames in 1980 following eight seasons, and the Atlanta Thrashers, established when the NHL returned to Georgia in 1999, became the Winnipeg Jets in 2011.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman commented in May that Atlanta has significantly changed since the eras of the Flames and Thrashers, noting its current size, economic vitality, and level of interest in sports.
He added that he doesn`t believe the outcomes of the previous two attempts to establish a team in Atlanta would influence a potential return now, provided “all the other necessary components are assembled.”
Despite this progress, it is still uncertain whether the league is planning to add a 33rd team at this time.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly mentioned earlier this month during his availability at the Stanley Cup Final that while they have engaged more with some potential owners than others, there is considerable interest in expansion, which the league finds encouraging.
Alfred John, chairman of the Forsyth County Commission, acknowledged that the development is clearly being planned with professional hockey in mind.
He stated, “The aspiration of having an NHL team in our area is now one step closer to becoming reality. The Gathering is envisioned to be a premier destination for sports and entertainment globally, while also establishing our county as a national leader in progressive, intelligent development. We are enthusiastic about supporting this project and the benefits it will provide to our community.”
Covering 100 acres, the declared aim for the development is to create a `world-class entertainment hub.` This will feature retail spaces, commercial areas, residential units, and hospitality facilities alongside the main arena.
