Is Atlanta Getting a Hockey Team? What Fans in the City Need to Know

If you live in Atlanta—or you’re moving here and love hockey—it’s natural to wonder: Is Atlanta getting an NHL team again? The short answer is: there is no confirmed new NHL team for Atlanta right now, but the idea is very much alive, and professional and high-level hockey are still active in and around the city.

This guide walks through where things stand, why Atlanta keeps coming up in hockey expansion talks, and what hockey options you already have in the metro area.

Where Things Stand: Is the NHL Coming Back to Atlanta?

As of now:

• No official NHL expansion or relocation to Atlanta has been announced.
• Atlanta is frequently mentioned in national conversations about possible future NHL expansion cities.
• Local developers and sports groups have publicly floated ideas for a new arena and team, especially in growing suburbs north of the city.

In other words, if you’re hoping to buy tickets for an Atlanta NHL franchise next season, that’s not possible yet. But if you’re wondering whether the topic is dead—it isn’t.

Atlanta’s Hockey History: Why This Question Keeps Coming Up

Atlanta is unusual because it has already had two NHL teams:

Atlanta Flames (1972–1980)

• The Atlanta Flames were the city’s first NHL team.
• They played at The Omni, a downtown arena where State Farm Arena now stands.
• The team eventually relocated to Calgary, becoming the Calgary Flames.

Atlanta Thrashers (1999–2011)

• The Atlanta Thrashers brought the NHL back to the city in 1999.
• They played at what is now State Farm Arena.
• In 2011, the franchise moved to Winnipeg and became the Winnipeg Jets.

Because Atlanta has already hosted the NHL twice, many fans—and some league observers—see the metro area as a “sleeping giant” market: large population, strong corporate base, but with past challenges in arena location, ownership stability, and consistent on-ice success.

This history is a big reason national media and fans keep asking if Atlanta will get a third try.

Why Atlanta Keeps Showing Up in NHL Expansion Talk

Even without a confirmed plan, Atlanta continues to be discussed as a possible future NHL city. If you’re in the metro area, these are the main reasons you keep hearing about it:

1. Rapid Growth in the Metro Area

The Atlanta metro area is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the Southeast. For a league like the NHL, that means:

• A large potential fan base
• More corporate sponsors and suites
• Stronger TV and streaming market potential

For someone living in places like Alpharetta, Duluth, Lawrenceville, or Sandy Springs, it’s increasingly clear that the population and income base north of the city is especially attractive for a new arena and team.

2. The Rise of the Northern Suburbs

A big difference from the old Thrashers era is how much activity has moved north of downtown:

• Infinite Energy Center (now Gas South Arena) in Duluth brought more events to Gwinnett County.
• Mixed-use developments like Avalon (Alpharetta) and The Battery Atlanta (Cumberland area, near Truist Park) showed how entertainment districts can thrive in the suburbs.

Because of this, much of the current hockey buzz focuses not so much on downtown Atlanta, but on Gwinnett County and surrounding areas, where there’s available land, growing income levels, and plenty of families.

3. Local Development Proposals and Interest

From time to time, developers and local officials openly discuss the possibility of:

• A new arena built with hockey in mind
• A larger mixed-use development that could host a major professional team
• Tying in youth and amateur hockey facilities to grow the sport locally

While these conversations do not equal a signed NHL deal, they signal local willingness and interest, which is essential if an expansion opportunity opens up.

What an NHL Return Would Likely Look Like for Atlanta Residents

If Atlanta eventually gets another NHL team, the experience for you as a fan would likely look different from the Thrashers era.

While nothing is final, common expectations include:

• Location: A strong chance any new team would play north of downtown, in or near rapidly growing areas like Gwinnett County, rather than in the city center.
• Arena Design: A modern, hockey-first arena, likely part of a larger mixed-use district with restaurants, hotels, and residential space.
• Game-Day Experience: More of a “live, work, play” environment similar to The Battery Atlanta near Truist Park, encouraging fans to arrive early and stay late.

For an Atlanta resident, that could mean:

• Easier access if you live in north Fulton, Gwinnett, or Forsyth County
• A longer commute from Intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or East Atlanta
• More integrated shopping, dining, and entertainment options tied to game nights

What You Can Expect in the Near Future

Even though there’s no confirmed NHL return, there are some realistic things to expect and watch for as an Atlanta resident:

Signs That Atlanta Is Seriously in the Mix

If you’re tracking this closely, these are the types of developments that would signal a major step forward:

• Publicly announced arena project in the metro area with hockey capacity and design clearly mentioned.
• Formal statements from NHL leadership naming Atlanta as an active expansion candidate.
• Local government involvement—for example, county or city-level discussions of infrastructure, zoning, or public–private partnerships tied to a new arena.

These types of steps tend to show up in the news well before any team hits the ice, so keeping an eye on local coverage is often the best way to stay informed.

Hockey You Can Watch in Atlanta Right Now

While you wait on NHL news, there is still plenty of live hockey in and around Atlanta.

Professional Minor League Hockey

The metro area has hosted several minor league and semi-pro hockey teams over the years. Even as names and leagues change, it’s common to find:

• Professional or semi-professional teams playing at Gas South Arena in Duluth or other regional venues
• Seasonal schedules that run through the fall and winter
• Affordable tickets and a more relaxed, family-friendly game atmosphere

If you’re near Gwinnett, Duluth, or the northside suburbs, checking local arena schedules can be a practical way to get a live hockey fix without an NHL franchise.

College and Club Hockey

Several colleges and universities in and around Atlanta have club or non-varsity hockey programs, often playing competitive schedules in regional leagues. These games are:

• Usually held at local ice rinks
• Often low-cost or free to attend
• A good option if you’re an Atlanta resident wanting to see decent-level hockey without driving out of state

Playing Hockey in Atlanta: Local Rinks and Programs

If your main question is really, “Can I play or get my kids into hockey in Atlanta?” the answer is yes—even without an NHL team.

Ice Rinks in the Metro Area

While specific names and operators can change over time, the north and northeast suburbs are the main centers for ice sports. Common offerings include:

• Public skating sessions
• Youth hockey leagues
• Adult recreational leagues
• Figure skating and learn-to-skate programs

You’ll typically find permanent ice facilities in or near:

• Duluth / Gwinnett County
• Alpharetta / Johns Creek
• Cumming / Forsyth County
• Marietta / Cobb County

If you live intown, you may need to drive 20–45 minutes depending on traffic, but many Atlanta families do this regularly for youth hockey and figure skating.

Youth and Adult Leagues

Most rinks in the Atlanta metro area support:

• Youth programs from beginner to travel-level competition
• Adult leagues ranging from beginners to more advanced recreational players
• Intro-to-hockey classes that provide equipment rentals and basic skills training

For Atlanta parents, this means your child can:

• Try hockey with minimal upfront gear investment
• Progress into local leagues if they enjoy it
• Travel regionally for tournaments as they advance

How Atlanta Hockey Fans Can Stay Involved While Waiting

If you’re hoping for an NHL team but don’t want to just sit and wait, there are several ways to stay connected to hockey locally.

1. Support Local and Regional Teams

Attending games at nearby arenas does more than just entertain you:

• It shows that there’s real, paying interest in hockey in the Atlanta area.
• It encourages facilities to continue investing in ice, training, and youth programs.

For many fans north of the city, minor league and junior games are affordable and convenient alternatives to NHL travel.

2. Join Local Hockey Communities

Many rinks and leagues in the Atlanta area have:

• Adult beginner nights and skate-and-learn events
• Local hockey clubs and rec leagues with regular seasons
• Social communities of players and fans who organize watch parties and pick-up games

If you live in neighborhoods like Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Roswell, you’ll often find teammates or carpools headed to rinks in Gwinnett, Forsyth, or Cobb.

3. Follow Local News and Arena Developments

To stay on top of any real movement toward an Atlanta NHL team, focus on:

• Local news outlets that cover sports and development
• County and city government discussions around new arena projects, especially in Gwinnett and other fast-growing areas
• Announcements from major local developers tied to large mixed-use projects that include an arena or major event venue

These are often the first signs that something more concrete is happening.

Quick Reference: Atlanta and NHL Hockey at a Glance

For now, Atlanta does not have a new NHL team on the way, but the market remains a regular part of expansion conversations. If you live in or around the city and love the sport, you can still watch, play, and support hockey locally—and be ready if the NHL ever decides Atlanta deserves a third shot.