Classic Center Arena announces official name for hockey and concert venue

The $151 million Classic Center Arena has a name attached to it, and its a familiar one to Athens hockey lovers.

Akins Ford will sponsor the Classic Center addition, with the name officially being Akins Ford Arena. Akins Ford, located in Winder, sponsored the arena in the Classic Center's Grand Hall where the University of Georgia's Ice Dawgs previously played.

About the Classic Center Arena

The nearly concluded venue — funded by a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax approved in 2020 — can seat 5,500 for hockey and concerts and has a total capacity of 8,500.

The arena’s first scheduled event will be on Friday, Dec. 6 as the Rock Lobsters host the Blue Ridge Bobcats in a Federal Prospects Hockey League game. The Rock Lobsters will play 11 road games before their home opener, the first of 28 pro hockey games at the arena. After hosting the Bobcats on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, the Rock Lobsters will play 11 of their next 12 games at home.

The B-52s will play the first concert on Dec. 14 .

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Classic Center Arena announces official name for hockey and concert venue