Latest news with #VernonKrause
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Atlanta could be hot stuff for third try at NHL expansion with new arena deal
Three times could be the charm for the National Hockey League to put another team in Atlanta. Failed history won't be a deterrent, listening to backers of a proposed new arena in Forsyth County. After the Flames and Thrashers failed to draw consistently at two downtown facilities — the Omni and Philips Arena, respectively — the county, about a 45-minute drive northeast of Atlanta and business partners went through numerous procedural hoops this week to clear a $3 billion US project called The Gathering, which would feature an 18,500-seat rink. The deal only commits to using taxpayer funds if the NHL grants an expansion team. The NHL has been coy on expansion, but has carried a torch for the highly populated, TV-ratings-rich region since the Flames first arrived in 1972. If this project makes the rink the crown jewel of a new entertainment district, where the other two didn't, it will be worth the trip out of town. In Atlanta's favour, despite calls in Canada to give Quebec City or a second Toronto franchise a shot, is the impressive winning streak that two Deep South teams have been on. The Florida Panthers are chasing a second straight Stanley Cup in their third appearance in the final after the Tampa Bay Lightning won back-to-back in 2020 and 2021. The league's two most-recent additions, Las Vegas and Seattle, have been a success with the Golden Knights bringing the Cup to the desert in 2023. Vernon Krause, who owns a chain of car dealerships and fronts The Gathering, told local media he spoke with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Monday and they'll meet again in the early summer. Former Maple Leafs GM reveals why team passed on drafting Joe Sakic Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar wins second Norris Trophy as NHL's top defenceman Atlanta, or another entry, would alter the balance of the 32-team league's two conferences, thus another would eventually be needed in the West. A city long thought to be an expansion favourite is Houston, with its natural sports rivalry with Dallas and a long hockey history with minor pro teams and the World Hockey Association's Aeros. The league already has met with a group headed by Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin, who owns a share of the English Premier League club Everton. The Toyota Center in Houston, home of the NBA Rockets, can seat 17,800 for hockey. lhornby@ X: @sunhornby
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Atlanta could be hot stuff for third try at NHL expansion with new arena deal
Article content Atlanta's suburban Forsyth County has approved a $3B development featuring an 18,000-seat, NHL-ready arena for a new franchise. Both of Atlanta's previous NHL franchises left for Canada. — Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 12, 2025 In Atlanta's favour, despite calls in Canada to give Quebec City or a second Toronto franchise a shot, is the impressive winning streak that two Deep South teams have been on. The Florida Panthers are chasing a second straight Stanley Cup in their third appearance in the final after the Tampa Bay Lightning won back-to-back in 2020 and 2021. The league's two most-recent additions, Las Vegas and Seattle, have been a success with the Golden Knights bringing the Cup to the desert in 2023. Vernon Krause, who owns a chain of car dealerships and fronts The Gathering, told local media he spoke with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on Monday and they'll meet again in the early summer. Atlanta, or another entry, would alter the balance of the 32-team league's two conferences, thus another would eventually be needed in the West. A city long thought to be an expansion favourite is Houston, with its natural sports rivalry with Dallas and a long hockey history with minor pro teams and the World Hockey Association's Aeros. The league already has met with a group headed by Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin, who owns a share of the English Premier League club Everton. The Toyota Center in Houston, home of the NBA Rockets, can seat 17,800 for hockey.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Forsyth County makes significant move toward addressing Georgia's lack of NHL team with $3B arena-led project
NHL (via Getty Images) The drive to return NHL hockey to Georgia just took some serious momentum. Forsyth County has formally approved final deals for "The Gathering at South Forsyth," a colossal $3 billion mixed-use complex that is anchored by a proposed NHL-ready arena. Developer Vernon Krause and local authorities are now ready to make their case to the league officially, bringing back professional hockey to the state for the first time since 2011. The Gathering at South Forsyth puts Forsyth County in the running as a serious expansion contender for the NHL By a unanimous vote, the Forsyth County Commission overcame a key hurdle for the years-in-the-making "Gathering at South Forsyth" development—a 102-acre, $3 billion complex which will convert the area into a hub for sports, entertainment, and economic development. At its center is an 18,000-seat arena slated to be home to an eventual NHL franchise. According to Krause Sports and Entertainment CEO Vernon Krause, the arena will only move forward if the National Hockey League awards a new franchise to the county. "This is a monumental period for Forsyth County and passionate hockey fans in the area," said Forsyth County Commission Chairman Alfred John. "The dream of an NHL team in the region is one step closer to being realized." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Forsyth County approves plan for $3B mixed-use development with arena meant to attract NHL team A drawing of The Gathering at South Forsyth, which will include an 18,000-seat NHL-ready arena. Although the NHL has not indicated any near-future expansion, the county is moving ahead of possible competition. "I have a very positive outlook. I believe we're going to land a team," said Forsyth County Commissioner Laura Semanson. "If a team comes to Georgia, it's going to be here in Forsyth County." The project will feature residential communities, hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and public areas. Strategically situated off Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road—just one mile from Georgia 400—the site is being touted as perfect for both tourists and locals. Taxpayers will not bear the financial burden, Forsyth County officials noted. Instead, the project will be funded by tax allocation districts and proceeds from on-site real estate development. Also read: Justin Carbonneau faces crucial decision ahead of NHL Draft, balancing NCAA opportunities and Junior Hockey ties With approvals now on the books, the spotlight is on NHL decision-makers. Krause and his staff are putting finishing touches on a proposal they believe will revive professional hockey in Georgia. If things go as expected, Forsyth County's arena might be open in time for the 2027 NHL season. Although the puck has not yet dropped on an official franchise, this latest vote draws the dream much closer to life.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'We're getting expressions of interest': Gary Bettman hints NHL's keen interest in coming back to Atlanta as expansion negotiations intensify
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman (via Getty Images) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has stoked new rumors surrounding the league's plans for expansion, affirming current talks with prospective groups of ownership looking to pursue a third time to bring pro hockey to Atlanta. With investor Vernon Krause closing in on presenting a complete expansion bid in Forsyth County, Georgia, the NHL is monitoring closely what may become the league's 33rd franchise—if all key factors fall into place. Operation Sindoor 'Common sense prevailed': Trump on India-Pak ceasefire on Truth Social 'Pakistan initiated call; both nations agreed to stop military action after direct talks', says India Ceasefire took effect at 5pm; top India, Pak military officials to talk again on May 12 Vernon Krause-led ownership group makes case for NHL franchise in Forsyth County while league awaits full expansion proposal NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's exclusive one-on-one interview with Sara Orlesky The National Hockey League soon could add another chapter to its complicated history with Atlanta, as there is increasing momentum behind a bid to bring a franchise to Forsyth County. Commissioner Gary Bettman admitted Friday that the city is highly on the radar of the league as a future expansion possibility. 'It's a different place than when the Flames and the Thrashers left, in terms of how big the city is, how robust it is, the sporting interest,' Bettman said. 'I don't think the prior two visits have any bearing on whether or not we would go back—if all the other pieces that are referred to were put together.' The most popular bid is being led by Vernon Krause, an Atlanta-area entrepreneur who recently informed 11 Alive News that his group is in the 'homestretch' of finalizing a detailed expansion package. That package includes municipal support, financial backing, land acquisition, and zoning approvals—essential ingredients for NHL consideration. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo 'The next step is for us to go up to New York and meet with the commissioner of the NHL and show them what we have in place with the county in hopes that they vote for expansion,' Krause said. 'There's certain criterion that we have to meet to even apply for an expansion franchise. And that was purchasing land, getting the zoning that we needed. Both of those have been accomplished. Once we got the county vote, getting definitive documents done, which our lawyers are working on, that we can present to the NHL, talking with our investors that we've been talking with over the last couple of years, being able to present what I would call a completed package to the NHL.' Vernon Krause is confident thanks to a palpable head start—his team already holds land zoned for an NHL-sized arena and has county-level support. In contrast, another competing bid, headed by former NHL player and broadcaster Anson Carter on behalf of the Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group, is also under construction but is not as transparent about land or local commitments. Though no formal NHL expansion timeline has been released, Bettman affirmed that his office is actively engaging with parties interested in launching teams. 'We're getting expressions of interest. We've talked to a couple of groups,' Bettman confirmed Friday. 'There have been some civic leaders that have been in with people who are expressing an interest in owning a team and creating a facility.' Also read: Hockey fans demand '4 Nations' return as Gary Bettman rethinks NHL all-star plans ahead of Olympics For Atlanta, however, the ultimate decision again depends on execution. Ownership fortitude, financial health, a new world-class arena, and league-wide strategic alignment continue to be non-negotiable standards. But following two unsuccessful attempts, Bettman's willingness and Krause's readiness imply that the third time could be the charm for hockey in Atlanta.
New York Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Gary Bettman says there's ‘interest' in potential NHL expansion to Atlanta, but no timetable
SUNRISE, Fla. — Gary Bettman says the NHL's two failed attempts at housing a team in Atlanta won't prevent the league from considering the growing push to bring another expansion franchise to that market. The NHL commissioner made those comments just days after prospective Atlanta owner Vernon Krause told 11 Alive that his group was on the 'home stretch' of completing its formal expansion pitch. Advertisement The NHL twice brought teams to Atlanta and saw them relocated. The Flames had an eight-year run there before moving to Calgary in 1980, while the Thrashers lasted 12 years before becoming the Winnipeg Jets in 2011. But those failed franchises won't be held against a city that now features a metropolitan population exceeding 6 million. 'I think it's a different place than when the Flames and the Thrashers left, in terms of how big the city is, how robust it is and the sporting interest,' Bettman said Friday. 'I don't think the prior two visits have any bearing on whether or not we would go back, if all of the other pieces that I referred to are put together.' BREAKING – In a recent interview with @Ria_Martin on 11 Alive, Vernon Krause discussed where The Gathering is now and what the next steps are. Here's the breakdown: -Krause Sports & Entertainment team has approved zoning and land ownership.-Lawyers are working on final step… — NHL to Atlanta (@NHLtoAtlanta) May 9, 2025 Krause Sports and Entertainment is one of two potential ownership groups hoping to put down NHL roots in Atlanta. During his recent interview with the Georgia-based TV station, Krause said that his group has purchased land in Forsyth County and secured the necessary zoning approvals to build an NHL-quality arena and a surrounding district called 'The Gathering,' which will feature restaurants, shops and residential units. 'I think now the next step is for us to go up to New York and meet with the commissioner of the NHL and show him what we have in place with the county in hopes that they vote for expansion,' said Krause. That meeting is expected to happen following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Speaking before Game 3 of the Florida Panthers-Toronto Maple Leafs series, Bettman told reporters that the league isn't planning to launch a formal expansion process. But he made it clear that the door is open to those with interest to make their best pitch. Advertisement 'We're getting expressions of interest,' said Bettman. 'We've talked to a couple groups. There have been some civic leaders that have been in with people who are expressing interest in owning a team and creating a facility. … We start with the four basic criteria: Ownership, market, arena and what it would do to enhance the league and make it stronger. 'When somebody wants to make the case and come in and puts together all of the pieces, we'll listen to it. If it makes sense, I'll take it to the executive committee and then the board.' Bettman added that the NHL isn't operating on any timetable to expand beyond its current reach of 32 teams.
