Akins Ford Arena – Athens Rock Lobsters

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71

Akins Ford Arena 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601

Athens Rock Lobsters website Akins Ford Arena website

Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 5,500

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Woooooo, Rock Lobster!

When thinking of Athens, Georgia, college football and the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs quickly come to mind, but not hockey. In a town where college athletics dominate the spotlight, hockey can feel like an unlikely fit. With so much already happening in a college town, it can be difficult for professional sports to gain traction.

When hockey was first announced for Athens, the original plan was to land an ECHL team. However, with a franchise already located just 50 miles away in Gwinnett County, those plans never materialized. Instead, Athens joined the independent Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) for the 2024–25 season.

Food & Beverage   4

Simply calling the food at Akins Ford Arena “concessions” hardly does justice to the range of options available. Of course, there are the standard arena fare hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and candy, but the menu here goes beyond the basics with some well thought out offerings.

Large, soft pretzels stay fresh throughout the night, and house-made chips are served with a Southern-style pimento cheese dip. The arena also offers chicken wings, tenders, chicken quesadillas, and barbecue options: smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches; add-ons include seasoned fries and even side salads.

A drawback of the main concession stands is that much of the food there is left under heating lamps, impacting the freshness.

Drinks come from the Coca-Cola lineup, while alcohol options rival those at Athens’ local bars. Beyond the usual domestic beers, Akins Ford Arena features selections from Athens-based brewery Terrapin, including Los Bravos, Hopsecutioner IPA, and Luau Krunkles IPA. White Claw seltzers and Good Day pre-mixed cocktails are also widely available. In addition, for those seeking more variety, full-service bars are spread throughout the venue.

Atmosphere   4

Akins Ford Arena combines modern design with an industrial edge, featuring large glass panels, geometric support columns, and an elevated walkway. Upon entering, fans are greeted by a stunning mural showcasing some of Georgia’s most iconic musicians, including James Brown, Ray Charles, Duane Allman, Cindy Wilson (B-52s), OutKast, and Gladys Knight, as a prelude to the theme of the rest of the arena’s décor.

The second level houses mostly suites, but also a bit of drink rail seating, while the main level features individual chairback seating, with exclusive clubs and suites at center ice on both sides. A sizable scoreboard hangs over center ice, showing a live video feed, shots on goal, and penalty updates.

During stoppages in play, fans are engaged with impromptu dance cams as music blasts over the speakers. The in-game host engages fans with games on the concourse and on-ice contests during intermissions. The late season addition of Claudius, the Rock Lobster mascot, has brought a new dimension of fan engagement, particularly for younger fans.

Neighborhood   5

Few arenas can boast a better location than Akins Ford Arena – just steps from the iconic University of Georgia Arch, the arena sits a block away from the heart of Athens’ restaurant and nightlife scene. This city has long been a hub for live music, having produced nationally renowned acts like R.E.M., the B-52s, and Widespread Panic. Also, after the game fans can easily catch a late-night show at one of Athens’ many live music venues.

Beer lovers will also appreciate the arena’s proximity to Creature Comforts Brewing Co., one of Georgia’s most acclaimed craft breweries, located just a mile from the arena.

The Rock Lobsters schedule also spans all three major sports seasons on the UGA campus, making a visit to Akins Ford Arena a great addition to a full day of sports in Athens.

Fans   3

Hockey has had a presence in metro Atlanta since 1972, but in a town where college football is king, the sport is still working to establish a foothold. Many fans, while passionate, are still learning the game’s finer nuances, and occasionally still try to relate hockey rules to football.

That said, Rock Lobsters fans bring plenty of energy, especially when it comes to goal celebrations. An emerging tradition sees both players and fans raising their hands like a pinching lobster claw after a goal, a fun gesture that has quickly caught on and is even reciprocated by the players.

Attendance has been strong, with the Rock Lobsters averaging over 3,600 fans per game, ranking them in the top three for the Federal Professional Hockey League, just behind Monroe and Binghamton.

Access   3

Getting to Athens from the Atlanta metro area can be a challenge, especially on weekdays. What should be a 60-to-90-minute drive via State Route 316 can easily extend to two hours in heavy traffic.

Akins Ford Arena is located next to the Athens-Clarke County Multi-Modal Center, making public transit an option for those in Athens or surrounding Clark County. However, postgame logistics can be tricky, as the last bus typically departs before the hockey game ends.

Once in Athens, traffic around the facility typically is slow-moving before and after games; arriving early and not being in a hurry after the final horn can make for a much smoother experience. Exiting through the neighboring Classic Center can especially get backed up during postgame, so patience is key.

Return on Investment   3

Tickets start at $28 (after fees), which is a fair price given the quality of the venue and the entertainment. However, with no NHL affiliation, the Federal Professional Hockey League is essentially the hockey equivalent of independent league baseball. When you factor in $20 parking and concession prices that do seem a touch high, the cost can feel a bit inflated.

That said, given the limited hockey options in the area, all of this is not entirely surprising.

Extras   4

The concourse at Akins Ford Arena feels more like a museum of Georgia’s musical history than it feels like a typical sports venue – displays highlight the careers of legendary musicians, interactive exhibits test fans’ knowledge of Georgia music, and artifacts showcase the state’s deep-rooted musical heritage.

One of the venue’s best photo ops is the elevated overlook at one end of the rink, providing a unique vantage point for fans. In addition, the Athens on Ice outdoor skating rink, just outside the facility, is open during the winter months, and offers fans a chance to hit the ice before heading inside for the game.

The Rock Lobster mascot, Claudius, was a midseason addition and has quickly become a fan favorite.

Final Thoughts

New teams and arenas often generate excitement, but the Athens Rock Lobsters and Akins Ford Arena have exceeded expectations, delivering a highly entertaining hockey experience

While ticket prices and concessions are on the higher side, the venue’s electric atmosphere, strong fan engagement, and prime location in Athens’ vibrant downtown make it a must-visit destination for hockey fans in Georgia.