08/25/2026
SUMMER 2026 RECAP:
First, I'm going to apologize for being gone for the last few months. Life happens sometimes and you have to deal with it. With that being said, there's plenty to catch up on as we look at where Atlanta's NHL efforts stand heading out of the summer.
NORTH POINT MALL: New York Life's redevelopment plan cleared a major hurdle when Alpharetta City Council approved the project 4-3 following more than six hours of debate.
There are still some important questions. Based on what was said publicly, NY Life does not appear to have a controlling owner in place to fund an NHL expansion franchise. The proposed pedestrian bridge connecting the development to MARTA's planned BRT station also does not currently have funding secured.
THE GATHERING: Things have been quieter in South Forsyth, but the project continues moving forward. From what I've read and have been told, Vernon Krause has maintained contact with the NHL behind the scenes and appears confident in his group's position. The biggest tangible development this summer came in June, when land-disturbance permits were issued for the planned practice facility on McGinnis Ferry Road.
ATLANTA GLADIATORS: Atlanta hockey got another dose of nostalgia this summer as the Gladiators brought back their classic colors with a modern update. Maroon, black and white are back, replacing the navy-and-gold identity and returning the team to a look longtime Gladiators fans will immediately recognize.
SO WHERE DO WE STAND?
Atlanta now has two prospective arena developments that have cleared major zoning hurdles as the NHL moves closer to determining what comes next with expansion.
There are still plenty of questions to answer, and one site appears to have an easier barrier to entry than the other. For now, both projects remain worth watching.
Time will tell what happens next.