The return of the NHL’s lovable loser continues, as Atlanta is still adamant about getting a team. The NHL Rumours Southern expansion has been an ongoing discussion. On April 16th, documents that showed a proposal for a massive new entertainment complex, including an arena within a gigantic entertainment complex in the South Forsyth area, were leaked to the public.
Trying to Fill The Void
**Keep an eye 👁️ on**
Tomorrow’s news for an announcement regarding a forthcoming Arena development project in Georgia large enough to house Hockey Team. If you build it, will they come ? @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/Oeue1SExg6— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) April 16, 2023
The NHL has been out of Atlanta since 2011 and has been looking to fill that void in the South. The ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators have tried, but the problem is that it’s not exactly the talent hockey fans want.
This isn’t the only minor league to try taking in fans from the ill-fated Thrashers, but the problem is that the level of hockey isn’t comparable to the sheer size of the market itself.
The same problem is affecting Houston, Texas. The IHL/AHL’s Houston Aeros didn’t have the same success as their predecessor, the WHA’s Houston Aeros. The newer Aeros moved to Iowa, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of hockey fans in the area.
The New Project, and Issues with State Farm Arena
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Per my discussions with sources, here are 3 Questions I asked re The Gathering at South Forsyth Project in Georgia ;
#3 Tho 👀. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork @TSNHockey @DKSportsbook #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/0viVwGZfkV— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) April 17, 2023
With the NHL Rumours Southern expansion talks ongoing, there has been traction. The South Forsyth project should allow for a serious bid for Atlanta and eliminates some of the serious issues regarding a bid, which was the arena issues.
The obvious question is; why can’t the new Thrashers play at State Farm Arena, where they used to play?
The NHL doesn’t want anything to do with them. The previous Thrashers essentially got kicked out of then-Phillips Arena, which forced the team north to Winnipeg.
With a new building to themselves outside of downtown like the Braves have, the team can properly thrive on their own and not worry about a co-tenant to worry about.
They also could not play at Gas South Arena because it is too small, and the NHL wants to avoid another temporary solution like what the Arizona Coyotes are currently in.
For now, however, it is still all speculation and rumours until a plan is in place.
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