NHL arena-anchored Atlanta sports destination

Article posted by Coliseum, June 19^th, 2025

Image: The Gathering at South Forsyth

A mixed-use development project called ‘The Gathering at South Forsyth’ has been approved by the Forsyth County Commission in Cumming, Georgia (US).

‘yahoo!sports’ stated that this project revolves around a National Hockey League (NHL)-ready arena. With this approval the return of the NHL to Atlanta in the near future seems bright.

Manhattan (US)-based the National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams – 25 in the United States and seven in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is considered the premier professional ice hockey league in the world.

Observed Vernon Krause, Developer and head honcho of Krause Sports and Entertainment, “This vote marks a catalytic step forward in bringing this visionary project to life. Our team is more energized than ever as we prepare to meet with the NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss possible expansion.”

Alpharetta (US)-based Krause Sports and Entertainment is a family-owned and -operated company that is involved in various aspects of sports and entertainment including the development of venues and potential involvement in professional sports franchises.

What Potential Atlanta NHL Arena Project Entails

The Gathering at South Forsyth is a proposed development project spanning 100 acres in Forsyth County, Georgia. This project is anchored around an NHL arena, as mentioned. However, the arena will not be the only aspect of this project. The project has been pitched as “a regional destination for sports, concerts and tourism”.

‘yahoo!sports’ further stated that the arena proposal calls for an 18,000-seat arena for the NHL use. Hotels, homes, restaurants, and retail space would surround the arena. The developers and City officials have stressed that the taxpayers will not shoulder the financial burden for this project. The real estate taxes generated by the project’s development will pay for the project.

The NHL has placed a team in Atlanta twice in its history. In 1972, the league expanded by two teams for the 1972-1973 seasons. The New York Islanders and the Atlanta Flames began play that year. However, the Flames relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1980 after attendance issues.

In 1999, the NHL returned to Atlanta as the Atlanta Thrashers began play in 1998-1999. Unfortunately, this would not work out, either. Attendance and ownership issues led the team to be sold off in 2011. Following the sale, the Thrashers were relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where they became the second iteration of the Winnipeg Jets.

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