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“Clawshank Redemption” to move forward: Akins Ford Arena set to open Friday

Athens Rock Lobsters

The Akins Ford Arena has received a temporary Certificate of Occupancy Permit, allowing the Rock Lobster hockey team’s first home game to move forward.

The Rock Lobsters are ready to hit the ice Friday in a game against the Mississippi Sea Wolves, according to a statement released Wednesday. The Akins Ford Arena also announced that the venue will open Friday for the game after receiving a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy permit.

Late last week, the Akins Ford Arena, which was built with Special Local Option Sales Tax dollars, failed to obtain the proper permitting from the Athens-Clarke County Fire Marshal. Thousands of excited hockey fans were left disappointed by the postponement of the Rock Lobster’s first home game.

However, the team has named this Friday’s game the “Clawshank Redemption,” and Athens’ celebrated band The B-52s will be onsite for a ceremonial puck drop at 7 pm. The B-52s will perform on Saturday, and a Community Grand Opening complete with open skating hours will be held on Sunday.

The Akins Ford Arena can accommodate up to 8,500 attendees.

Akins Ford Arena is a financial supporter of WUGA.