Page 65 - Athens New Comers Guide 2022

That much will be true inside the arena community. The arena will serve as an
as well. The Classic Center is teaming with avenue for Piedmont University students
some of the best architects, contractors, to earn course credit through a work-
and vendors in the business to ensure study program that will help them
every event at the arena is memorable, work toward their goals of a degree in
Cramer said. hospitality management. It is one of
has watched as several community programs The Classic
downtown Athens Many of those events will be hockey Center operates in the region.
has grown as the hub games, played by both the UGA Ice
of cultural and culinary Dawgs and a professional team in the The arena will also provide a shot in the
experiences for the area. Hotels, ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) that arm for a hospitality sector of the local
apartments, shops, and high-quality is putting down roots in Athens. Cramer economy that has always been vitally
restaurants have emerged in the bustling said it may not look like it on the surface, important but took a hit during the
district thanks in large part to the but Athens is a hockey town. The Classic COVID-19 pandemic, said David Bradley,
combination of the university and the Center has hosted the Ice Dawgs for president of the Athens Area Chamber
injection of people there who come for years in a converted exhibit space. of Commerce.
events and conventions at The Classic Now, there will be a dedicated arena,
Center. The energy it has produced makes ready made for the best hockey viewing “We probably appreciate the importance
experience available.
downtown Athens the ideal location for an of hospitality now, more than ever,” he
arena hosting events regularly. said. “The Classic Center Arena is the
“We discovered Athens really does love
hockey,” Cramer said. “It provides an forward-thinking idea that takes our
“It’s about so much more than the outstanding entertainment source that is hospitality sector to another level. An
hour-and-a-half of the show,” Cramer affordable for everyone in Athens.” investment in this sector is more likely
said. “It’s about, ‘what am I going to do to have a long-lasting impact and direct
before and after the show?’ This will be a The arena will also allow The Classic return. Larger conferences, concerts and
true fan experience, not just a place to go Center to further one of its missions, events will add a tremendous amount to
see a show.” to give back to the Northeast Georgia the economic vitality of the community.”

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce • www.athensga.com • (706) 549-6800 Classic Center 61