The Athens Arena has a new name! At a naming ceremony on August 20 in Athens, Georgia, The Classic Center, in association with Oak View Group, announced the official name of the arena “Akins Ford Arena”.
The Classic Center and Akins Ford have been working to form a partnership driven by entertainment through a ten-year naming rights deal. The Classic Center’s partnership with Akins Ford goes back to when their ice rink transformed The Classic Center’s Grand Hall into Akins Ford Arena starting in 2014 for public ice skating and UGA Club Hockey.
“We are so thrilled to continue this partnership with Brad Akins and Akins Ford as we gear up for the arena’s grand opening,” said Paul Cramer, President/CEO of The Classic Center. “I am excited to see how Akins Ford Arena accelerates our community with new entertainment offerings.”
Akins Ford has been a cornerstone of Barrow County and Northeast Georgia since 1966, and it is dedicated to providing unparalleled automotive experiences. As The Classic Center steps into this exciting new chapter with the arena, Akins Ford will have the opportunity to celebrate its rich history and continue supporting Athens and surrounding communities.
“My wife Vanessa and I, along with our family and over 400 employees at Akins Ford, are excited to broaden our already ten-year partnership with The Classic Center, said Brad Akins, owner of Akins Ford dealership. “The Classic Center’s commitment to the community aligns with our company’s mission for deep community roots, hospitality, and green energy initiatives. We are excited to be part of the journey as they continue to lead with excellence in entertainment at the new Akins Ford Arena.”
Akins Ford Arena is set to open this year and will be home to the Athens Rock Lobsters hockey team, geared to play their first game in the arena on Friday, December 6, against the Blue Ridge Bobcats. The opening concert will take place on Saturday, December 14, with a local favorite, The B-52s.
