On Wednesday, Forsyth County, a key suburb northeast of Atlanta, took a major step toward welcoming the NHL back to Georgia. County officials voted to approve the concept for The Gathering, a proposed $3 billion mixed-use entertainment complex anchored by an NHL-ready arena. This decisive move brings the region one step closer to securing a new professional hockey franchise for the first time since the Thrashers relocated in 2011.
A Smart Bet on Sports, Retail, and Housing
The Gathering is led by Vernon Krause and his Krause Group, and features an 18,500-seat arena at its core. Beyond sports, the plan outlines hotels, retail spaces, restaurants, offices, and nearly 2,000 new homes spread across roughly 100 acres off GA-400 and Union Hill Road. This mixed-use concept mirrors successful developments like The Battery Atlanta and is viewed as a transformative addition to suburban Forsyth County.
Also Read Georgia Power announces 765 MW BESS projects across Georgia State
Strong Financial Backing Opens the Door
With the county’s approval of tax allocation and zoning overlays, The Gathering is now officially shovel-ready. Forsyth County plans to issue $225 million in bonds to support arena construction, with taxpayers also voting to allow a tax allocation district to repay the debt Next, Vernon Krause and his team will pitch their proposal to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, a critical step toward landing the city’s 33rd franchise.
Also Read $107 Million GSU Revamp of Downtown Atlanta Campus
Atlanta Poised for NHL Return, with a Suburban Twist
Although Atlanta previously hosted NHL teams, the Flames in the 1970s and the Thrashers through 2011, both relocations stemmed from arena and financial challenges. This new bid stands out because it focuses on suburban development: placing the arena within a thriving mixed-use district designed to support year-round activity. Additionally, this mirrors the Braves’ move to Truist Park in Cobb County in 2017. While success isn’t guaranteed, strong community support and financial structure position Forsyth County as a top contender for future NHL expansion.
The Forsyth NHL Atlanta Project Overview
Project Name: The Gathering at South Forsyth
Total Investment: Estimated $3 billion mixed-use development
Location: Approximately 100‑to‑100.3 acres at Union Hill Road & Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Forsyth County, Georgia
Developer: Vernon Krause with Krause Sports & Entertainment
Central Feature: A 18,500–18,700‑seat NHL-level arena (approx. $700M construction cost)
Additional Components:
Up to 1,800 apartments and 150 single-family homes + 500 hotel rooms
Parking decks with up to 8,780 spaces
Public amenities including green spaces, community center, fire station, and sheriff’s substation
Financial Structure:
Forsyth County to issue $225M in bonds, repaid via a Tax Allocation District (TAD) tied to the site’s future tax revenue
County incentives may reach up to $390M in public funding contingent on securing an NHL franchise
Timeline:
Public referendum held Nov 2024 approving creation of TAD and redevelopment powers
Next step: Pitch to NHL Commissioner Bettman; arena expected to break ground soon after franchise approval
