What Happened to the Atlanta Thrashers? A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Lost NHL Team

If you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard the question: “What happened to the Atlanta Thrashers?” For longtime residents, the answer is tied to memories of Philips Arena, “Blueland,” and two different eras of NHL hockey that came and went.

This guide walks through how the Thrashers came to Atlanta, why they left, what’s in their place now, and what it all means for hockey fans in the city today.

Quick Answer: Where Did the Thrashers Go?

The Atlanta Thrashers were an NHL team based in Atlanta from 1999 to 2011. They played their home games at Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena) in downtown Atlanta.

• In 2011, the team was sold and relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
• After the move, the team became the Winnipeg Jets.
• Since 2011, Atlanta has not had an NHL franchise, making it one of the largest U.S. metro areas without a team.

If you’re in Atlanta today, you can’t go to an NHL game in town—but the story of how we got here is worth understanding, especially if you’re a hockey fan hoping for a future return.

How the Atlanta Thrashers Came to Be

Atlanta’s second shot at NHL hockey

Atlanta has actually had two NHL teams:

1. Atlanta Flames – played from 1972 to 1980, then moved to Calgary.
2. Atlanta Thrashers – played from 1999 to 2011, then moved to Winnipeg.

The Thrashers were part of the NHL’s late-1990s expansion. The league awarded Atlanta a new franchise in 1997, and the team began play in the 1999–2000 season.

Why “Thrashers”?

The name “Thrashers” came from Georgia’s state bird, the brown thrasher. The branding was heavily tied to Georgia and the Southeast, with the team often referring to the home ice as “Blueland.”

Where They Played: Philips Arena in Downtown Atlanta

The Thrashers played at Philips Arena, now called State Farm Arena, located in the heart of downtown:

• Location: State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and near Centennial Olympic Park
• Accessible via MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center Station

If you walk into State Farm Arena today for a Hawks game or a concert, you’re in the same building where the Thrashers played their home games. Some longtime Atlantans still remember the old Thrashers banners and game-night atmosphere in that building.

On-Ice Performance and Fan Experience

Playoff success was limited

From a local fan’s standpoint, one of the biggest challenges was that the Thrashers struggled on the ice for most of their existence.

• They made the NHL playoffs only once, in the 2006–2007 season.
• They won the Southeast Division that year but were swept in the first round.

For many Atlantans, this single playoff run is the standout memory—Philips Arena packed, downtown buzzing, and hockey briefly feeling like it might stick.

Fan base and local engagement

People who went to games often describe:

• A fun, family-friendly game-night atmosphere
• Reasonable access from around the metro area via I-75/85 and MARTA
• Strong support from a core group of dedicated hockey fans, but inconsistent attendance overall

Compared to the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and college football, the Thrashers never fully broke through into the mainstream Atlanta sports hierarchy, especially outside the I-285 perimeter and in areas where football dominates.

Why Did the Atlanta Thrashers Leave?

There isn’t a single reason, but several key factors are commonly cited by fans, analysts, and local observers.

1. Ownership issues

The team was owned by Atlanta Spirit LLC, the same group that owned the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena. Over time:

• There were legal disputes and internal conflicts within the ownership group.
• Hockey operations often appeared to be a lower priority compared to the Hawks and arena business.
• This instability made it difficult to invest consistently in building a long-term contender.

2. Financial losses and attendance

The Thrashers reportedly lost money over the years, a pattern many fans tie to:

• Inconsistent on-ice success
• Limited playoff appearances
• Growing perception that the team wasn’t being built to win long-term

Attendance had strong nights—especially for big matchups and giveaways—but struggled to remain high across an 82-game season. For a region centered on football, college sports, and long-established teams, the NHL faced a steeper climb.

3. Market competition in Atlanta

Atlanta sports fans already had:

• NFL: Atlanta Falcons
• NBA: Atlanta Hawks
• MLB: Atlanta Braves
• College football: Georgia, Georgia Tech, and others
• Plus Atlanta United FC arriving a few years later, which quickly built a huge following

The Thrashers were fighting for time, money, and attention in a crowded sports market. For some Atlantans, going downtown for hockey never became a regular tradition the way football Saturdays or Braves games did.

4. Opportunity in Winnipeg

Around 2010–2011, Winnipeg—which had lost its original Jets team in the 1990s—was openly seeking a new NHL franchise.

From a league and ownership perspective, moving the team to a city that:

• Already had a strong, established hockey culture
• Had an arena ready to go
• Promised consistent sellouts and strong TV interest

made relocation increasingly attractive.

The Move: From Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg Jets

In 2011, the Atlanta Thrashers were sold to True North Sports & Entertainment, a group based in Winnipeg.

• The NHL approved the relocation.
• The team moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba for the 2011–2012 season.
• The franchise was rebranded as the Winnipeg Jets (reviving the name of Winnipeg’s previous team).

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective, this meant:

• No more NHL games in downtown Atlanta.
• Local hockey fans either shifted to following other NHL teams on TV or focused more on college, minor league, and youth hockey around the metro area.

Did Atlanta Lose Two NHL Teams?

Yes. For many people in Atlanta, part of the frustration is that this wasn’t the first time.

The Atlanta Flames

• Played at The Omni in downtown Atlanta from 1972–1980.
• Relocated to Calgary, Alberta, becoming the Calgary Flames.
• The Omni was eventually demolished, and Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena) was built on or near the same general downtown footprint.

A quick timeline

Many Atlantans look at this sequence and see a pattern: two NHL teams, both relocated to Canadian cities.

What Filled the Void After the Thrashers Left?

State Farm Arena today

The former home of the Thrashers is now:

• State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• A major venue for concerts, events, and family shows

If you’re exploring downtown, it’s still a key stop for sports and entertainment, even if the hockey lines are long gone from the ice.

Rise of other Atlanta teams

After the Thrashers left:

• Atlanta United FC (MLS) launched in 2017 and built a huge fanbase.
• The Braves moved to Truist Park in Cobb County and won another World Series.
• The Falcons and Hawks remain prominent anchors in the city’s sports landscape.

Some local sports fans feel that Atlanta United filled much of the emotional and event-going space the Thrashers once occupied.

Is There Any Hockey in Atlanta Now?

While there is no NHL franchise, hockey did not disappear from Atlanta. If you’re a resident or visitor and want to stay connected to the sport, you have options.

College and club hockey

Atlanta has college and club teams that play at local rinks and regional arenas, including:

• Georgia Tech club hockey (often plays at area ice rinks)
• Other regional college club teams occasionally playing in or near metro Atlanta

These games are more low-key but can be a fun, affordable way to experience live hockey.

Youth and adult recreational hockey

If you’re interested in playing hockey in or around Atlanta, several rinks support youth and adult leagues, such as:

• The Cooler in Alpharetta
• Atlanta IceForum in Duluth (frequent home base for youth and adult leagues)
• Center Ice Arena in Sandy Springs

Each of these facilities typically offers:

• Youth development programs
• Adult recreational leagues
• Public skating and stick-and-puck sessions

Local residents often find that, while NHL hockey is gone, the grassroots hockey community is still active and passionate.

Will the NHL Ever Return to Atlanta?

There is ongoing speculation among fans and media about a potential third try for NHL hockey in Atlanta.

Why a return is sometimes discussed

People who see Atlanta as a future NHL city often point to:

• The size of the Atlanta metro area (one of the largest in the U.S.)
• A growing transplant population from northern and Canadian cities who already love hockey
• The success of Atlanta United, showing the city can support a newer sports brand with the right investment and on-field success

Why it’s still uncertain

At the same time, there are open questions:

• Would the NHL prioritize Atlanta over other possible markets?
• Is there an ownership group ready to invest heavily and patiently?
• Where would a new team play—downtown, or in a suburban arena closer to certain fan bases?

As of now, there is no official NHL plan to return to Atlanta. For residents, it’s mostly a “wait and see” topic that resurfaces whenever the league talks about expansion or relocation.

If You’re an Atlanta Hockey Fan Today

If you live in or visit Atlanta and still love hockey, here are realistic options:

• Follow the NHL from afar:
  Many local fans continue to follow the Winnipeg Jets, or adopt teams like the Predators (Nashville), Hurricanes (Raleigh), or their original hometown teams.

• Attend local games and leagues:
  Check out youth tournaments, adult leagues, or local college club games at rinks like The Cooler (Alpharetta), Atlanta IceForum (Duluth), or Center Ice Arena (Sandy Springs).

• Use downtown landmarks as “history tours”:
  When you’re at State Farm Arena for a Hawks game or concert, remember you’re standing where the Thrashers once played. Longtime fans sometimes refer to it as a little piece of Atlanta hockey history.

In simple terms, the Atlanta Thrashers left because of ownership instability, financial challenges, limited on-ice success, and the opportunity to move to a more traditional hockey market in Winnipeg. Atlanta lost its second NHL team in 2011 and has not had a franchise since, but the city’s hockey community and memories of “Blueland” still live on across rinks and conversations around metro Atlanta.