Olivia Sayer
Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz speaks with Reporting I students on Dec. 1 in the Fine Arts Building, following his news conference regarding The Classic Center Arena. Girtz spoke about all the opportunities that the project will provide for the city. The Mayor said he feels “reasonably confident” about the venue being completed by its projected deadline of August 2024. (Photo/Olivia Sayer)
The Classic Center Arena will present more opportunities for entertainment in Athens, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said Friday.
“Whether you’re into sports, whether you’re into music, whether you want to bring your younger siblings or cousins, it’s going to be a great place to enjoy life in Athens,” Girtz said.
The project includes 5,500 permanent seats, three basketball courts and an ice hockey floor. According to the mayor, the final cost will be between $145 and $150 million.
Girtz said the arena is “purpose built for music” and hopes to garner the attention of revered artists looking for their next place to perform. The mayor said the goal is to have at least 25 concerts on an annual basis. This month, The Classic Center is set to host a variety of performances, including ones by Athens Symphony Concert and John Berry.
“Whether you’re Stevie Wonder, or Carrie Underwood, or The Weeknd, or Billy Strings, this is a room that’s going to be built for you to come and provide for Athens,” Girtz said.
The construction of The Classic Center Arena also provides the city of Athens the opportunity to play host to Disney on Ice, which will take place in the first quarter of 2025.
“As parents of an 11-year-old fifth grader, I’m really excited that I won’t have to go to Gwinnett, and I won’t have to go to the State Farm to go to these kinds of shows,” Girtz said.
The city has also already signed a professional hockey team. Although he was unwilling to announce its name, Girtz said the team will be a part of the venue’s annual programming.
The development will also improve the quality of life for The University of Georgia’s Ice Dawgs. According to a video produced by The Classic Center Arena, the new development will allow the team to have a permanent facility, making it easier to bring in talent.
Ice Dawg Josh Mesaros shared the thing he is most excited for is not having to drive to Duluth every week for practice.
While the mayor admitted it will be a logistical challenge to balance these new programs and the preexisting ones, he said he has a strong belief it will be manageable.
“I would be hopeful that it would just remain consistent,” Bravo Dance Competition owner Brendan Buchanan said of his 19-year partnership with the venue.
The Classic Center Arena is expected to be finished by August 2024. Girtz said he is “reasonably confident” this deadline will be met.
Why I Wrote the Story:
I chose to write this story because it shows Athens residents what they have to gain from The Classic Center Arena. It gives them a set of activities to look forward to, while also providing a couple of key updates about the project. Whether you are into sports, music, musicals, etc., this article demonstrates how The Classic Center Arena will truly have something for everyone. While working on this story, I learned how to efficiently take notes during a news conference and gained experience posting updates on social media.