Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Classic Center Arena gets new name

An exterior rendering of Akins Ford Arena in Athens.
An exterior rendering of Akins Ford Arena in Athens.

The Classic Center has named its new arena - the Akins Ford Arena, part of a ten-year naming rights deal.

The new arena is expected to open later this year-- housing concerts. as well as the new Athens Rock Lobsters hockey team. The first concert will be in mid-December with the B-52s. Hockey starts on Friday, December 6, when the Rock Lobsters square off against the Blue Ridge Bobcats.

“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.

According to a media release, Akins Ford has worked with the Classic Center since 2014. The Ford car dealership has been partners with the Classic Center since an ice rink was first introduced, mainly being used for public ice skating and the University of Georgia Club Hockey team.