The Alpharetta City Council has approved a proposal to redevelop the North Point Mall site into a mixed-use entertainment district, a development that includes a 20,000-seat arena capable of hosting a National Hockey League team. The 4-3 vote marks a significant advancement for groups seeking to establish an NHL franchise in the Atlanta region.
The project, led by real estate firm Jamestown in partnership with Machete Group, aims to transform the mall into a year-round destination. The approved plans feature not only the NHL-sized arena but also a 4,000-seat music hall, a 2,000-seat community hockey rink, a 1,100-seat movie theater, a hotel conference center, and two hotel buildings.
Jamestown's Chief Investment Officer, Tim Perry, expressed gratitude for the city's support, stating that the approval reflects confidence in their vision and ability to execute the project, which is expected to bring substantial investment and economic benefits to the region.
This development is one of at least two proposals for an NHL venue in the greater Atlanta area. Another project is reportedly being considered in Forsyth County, approximately seven miles away.
Atlanta has a history with the NHL, having previously hosted the Atlanta Flames from 1972 to 1980 and the Atlanta Thrashers from 1999 to 2011. The Flames relocated to Calgary, and the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg, becoming the current Jets.
Currently, the ECHL's Atlanta Gladiators, an affiliate of the Nashville Predators, play in Duluth, Georgia.