The Akins Ford Arena in Athens is facing delays before it can host its first events due to strict safety inspections. The Athens Rock Lobsters, the city's new professional hockey team, have had several opening games postponed as a result. Fans were hopeful for a home starting whistle on Dec. 6, but according to FOX5 Atlanta, that's been rescheduled for tomorrow, hoping for approval from Athens-Clarke County.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding," the team and arena jointly stated, promising “Together, we will celebrate our passion for hockey and create a home-ice experience in Athens like no other,” as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Supporters are excited to cheer on the Rock Lobsters at home, but are waiting uncertainly, hoping for a confirmed date.
The anticipation isn't just felt by hockey fans, but also followers of the B-52s – the namesake band for the Rock Lobsters – set to perform on Saturday in the arena. With no official word on the concert yet, its fate depends on the granting of a certificate of occupancy, which hinges on the arena's fire alarm system passing inspection by the local fire marshal.
Co-owners Barry Cohen and Nancy Peters have expressed their frustration with the delays, remarking, "To see this delay impact our ability to deliver on our vision for hockey in Athens is incredibly disheartening," in a statement obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Their team has had to rehearse their game plans over an hour away, awaiting the day they can finally play on home ice. Yet hopes are not all dashed; progress on the alarm system has been noted, and Athens fire marshal Richard Vaughn told the Journal-Constitution that "progress is being made," and “We’re going to do everything we can to be able to open for events safely this weekend.”
Ticket holders for the Rock Lobsters and B-52s events are advised to keep their tickets. The team will honor tickets for rescheduled games, and the Classic City Night celebration is still planned, pending approval. Refunds are available upon request by the team’s deadline. The B-52s concert remains on the schedule with no changes announced, as fans eagerly await both hockey and live music in Athens this December.
