The new cultural and entertainment hub for Athens is set along the Oconee River. Located adjacent to the Athens Warehouse Historic District, it is part of the Classic Center, a large convention and theater complex in the heart of the city. The Akins Ford Arena establishes a dynamic new destination for sports, entertainment and community life. Designed to strengthen the connection between downtown Athens and the riverfront, the project includes expansive public plazas that invite residents and visitors to gather, explore and celebrate the local landscape.
The 8,200-seat arena serves as the new home for the Federal Prospects Hockey League’s Athens Rock Lobsters and the University of Georgia’s Ice Dawgs hockey team. Designed for maximum flexibility, the venue can accommodate a wide range of events, including concerts, sports tournaments and conventions, positioning it as a year-round driver of activity and economic growth.
Beyond the arena itself, the project is master planned for new residential condominiums, additional parking and a municipal building. A key cultural highlight is the integration of the Georgia Music Collections from the University of Georgia Libraries, featured in an immersive exhibit that celebrates the state’s influential musical legacy.
Architect of Record
Perkins&Will
Denver, Colo.
Design Architect
Smallwood
Atlanta, Ga.
Suppliers
Hoover Met Complex
