Forsyth County leaders to decide if developers can build new arena

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — It’s now up to leaders in Forsyth County to decide if developers can build a new arena.

If approved, The Gathering arena will be located off Georgia 400 between Cumming and Alpharetta.

Channel 2 Action News was the first to tell you about the 100-acre site in south Forsyth announced back in April.

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A panel of developers for the Atlanta Regional Commission has now reviewed plans and determined they are up to standards for growth, parking, and the environment.

The $1 billion mixed-use project would be larger than The Battery.

“We are pleased with the report’s findings, and we believe they underscore the potential transformative and positive impact of The Gathering at South Forsyth on the region,” said Frank Ferrara, senior project executive for the development. “We are eager to continue working with the County to move the project forward.”

Channel 2 Action News sports director Zach Klein spoke with a county commissioner in April.

“Is the Gathering at South Forsyth preparing to be the home for a new National Hockey League team in our state?” Klein asked.

“That’s not something that I can guarantee at this point. What I can say about it is that you know, we are positioning this development to be able to host something of that nature, as well as, you know, all of the other things that you might go down to the Benz for,” Forsyth County commissioner Laura Semanson told Klein.

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The Gathering at South Forsyth spaces will combine for 2.4 million square feet compared to the Battery’s 2.25 million square feet. The figure includes 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space, a 7,500-square-foot fire station, a 100,000-square-foot community center, two different hotels and residential units.

It will also have a 750,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art indoor arena that is bigger than State Farm Arena and will have a capacity of more than 18,000 seats.

“It will have every amenity that you would expect from a modern arena. It will be built to be very fan-friendly. The guest amenities will be second to none. And it’ll be a very interactive space with a plaza out in front and just very welcoming kind of area,” said Carl Hirsch, managing partner of Stafford Sports.

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