The Rock Lobsters organization canceled the hockey team’s highly-anticipated home game in Athens on Friday. According to a press release, the Akins Ford Arena’s certificate of occupancy was not approved, forcing the cancellation.
On Friday afternoon, the Classic Center pointed to a failed Fire Marshal inspection:
“Unfortunately, despite successfully completing approvals from the planning department, the state elevator inspector, and local health inspectors and passing the smoke control test, the contractors were unable to deliver a fully operational fire panel. Without this critical element, the Fire Marshal could not issue a certificate of occupancy, and we are unable to open the facility safely.”
Team co-owners Barry Cohen and Nancy Peters of Athens said in the press release: “This is an enormous disappointment for our organization, our players, and most importantly, our fans. We placed our trust in the promises made regarding the completion of Akins Ford Arena. To see this delay impact our ability to deliver on our vision for hockey in Athens is incredibly disheartening. We were ready to make history tonight, and instead, we are left with unanswered questions and unfulfilled promises.”
Team officials said that the arena was originally slated to open on October 26th and that Friday’s denial of the certificate of occupancy is the latest in a series of “incremental delays.”
The organization also implied that its relationship with the Akins Ford Arena will be strained by the cancellation: “The continued postponement raises concerns about Akins Ford Arena’s ability to fulfill its lease agreement with the Athens Rock Lobsters, placing a shadow of uncertainty over the remainder of the season.”
This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with WUGA News
