FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The development team behind The Gathering at South Forsyth says it has secured financing for a potential NHL franchise and submitted what it described as a final packet for approval, according to an email sent to a nearby community.
The disclosure is the most concrete indication yet that the massive Forsyth County development is moving forward with professional hockey still central to its plans. However, the NHL has not announced or confirmed that Atlanta will receive a team.
Construction timeline begins
Developers also revealed that the first phase of site work began Sept. 1, 2026. A local contractor is expected to grade and level the property through Jan. 31, 2027.
Once the site work is completed, construction on the proposed arena and adjacent buildings is expected to take approximately 27 months. If that schedule holds, the arena could be completed around May 1, 2029, potentially allowing a team to begin playing during the 2029–30 NHL season.
The full development is expected to be constructed in phases over seven to 10 years.
Why NHL approval still matters
A key provision in the memorandum of understanding with Forsyth County ties the arena to NHL approval. Under the agreement, the arena cannot be constructed during the project’s first phase without approval from the league.
That provision makes the developers’ statements about financing and the final approval packet particularly significant. Still, the community update should not be interpreted as an official franchise announcement from the NHL.
Atlanta has been without an NHL team since the Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg in 2011. The Gathering at South Forsyth has emerged as one of the most closely watched potential sites for the league’s return to Georgia.
GA Followers will continue monitoring the project and provide updates if the NHL, Forsyth County or the development team releases additional information.