We’ve not heard lately much about the proposed location of a National Hockey League (NHL) team locating in Forsyth County. But Tuesday that idea got a strong endorsement from the chairman of the county commission.
Alfred John calls The Gathering at South Forsyth the superior location for an NHL expansion team. Talk of getting a franchise has been going on for some time. Alpharetta is also making overtures to the league, lobbying for a metro Atlanta team.
“In my capacity as Commissioner for Forsyth County, I want to be clear: this community is focused on
delivering the strongest possible opportunity for long-term economic growth, regional access and major-
league success,” John wrote in a lengthy statement issued by the county Tuesday. “We are continually ranked as the most desirable and one of the wealthiest counties in the country and that is due to our location, amenities, business investments and community focus.
“Those familiar with recent developments recognize that the NHL has implemented updated expansion
criteria, establishing a specific set of requirements that prospective markets must satisfy to be
considered. These standards reflect an ongoing evolution in the league’s process, and we remain
actively engaged with all relevant parties, with the full support of the Forsyth County Development
Authority and the Forsyth County School Board, to finalize an arrangement that not only fully complies
with NHL guidelines but also best serves the interests of Forsyth County residents. We are also proud
that The Gathering at South Forsyth’s developer, Krause Sports and Entertainment and Vernon Krause,
has engaged with the local community and listened to their desires from the very beginning of this
process.
“What remains unchanged is the exceptional strength of The Gathering at South Forsyth’s location, the
comprehensive infrastructure planning already in place, and the steadfast commitment of both Forsyth
County and the development team to executing this opportunity with the highest standards of diligence
and responsibility.
“The Gathering at South Forsyth sits on what is unquestionably the best site in the region. Unlike other
potential locations, this site is shovel ready, with the proper zoning and $225 million committed from a
Tax Allocation District (TAD) that county residents overwhelmingly supported with their votes. I am
continually encouraged by comments from my constituents who want to see a thoughtful development
like The Gathering that will provide world-class entertainment options similar to what the Atlanta Braves
created with The Battery. It is also community-focused with the ability to accommodate graduations, as
well as hosting a command center for law enforcement, a fire station and housing for our local
schoolteachers and first responders.
“Another notable difference is The Gathering at South Forsyth’s 100-acre site benefits from three distinct
ingress and egress points — two exits directly off 400 — a new exit at McGinnis Ferry, which is also
being widened from two to four lanes and exit 12 McFarland Parkway. The most exciting addition is the
planned managed lane interchange at Union Hill Road. The Union Hill interchange will be delivered in
Phase One of the $11 billion Georgia 400 Express Lanes project breaking ground this spring. That
level of direct access is unmatched and essential for any major entertainment or professional sports
destination.
“Equally important, Forsyth County has built a strong public-private partnership with The Gathering
development team and SR 400 Peach Partners, both of whom believe in this site and its long-term
viability. The Union Hill interchange is one of only two exits on the planned GA 400 Express Lanes
that will feature direct managed-lane ingress and egress. The only other location with that distinction
is Holcomb Bridge Road. We believe that matters when evaluating regional access, traffic flow and the
overall fan and visitor experience.
“The Georgia 400 Express Lanes project represents the largest public-private infrastructure investment in
Georgia’s history, and Forsyth County is positioned at the forefront of its benefits. By aligning
transportation infrastructure with smart development, we are creating more predictable travel times,
reduced congestion and direct access that supports both daily commuters and large-scale events – be it
professional hockey or a top-tier concert.
“Forsyth County is competing on location, infrastructure, access and execution, and not speculation.
This site delivers on all four, and that is why it stands apart as the ideal location for not only an NHL
franchise, but also one of America’s premier dining and retail venues.”
