Potential Atlanta NHL Expansion Team Thread

[nhlfan79]

I missed that. What did he say?

 

[Reaser]

I missed that. What did he say?

They talked about the proposal, showed Daly's statement, Anson hyped up Alpharetta and the transportation aspect, MARTA.

 

[TheLegend]

I see this news as both good and bad (mostly good). Most of which has been mentioned.

Bad: Competing ownership groups could definitely give a bad look. Especially if they end up trying to trash-talk one another. Would be great if they end up trying to help each other with the goal of bringing the NHL to Atlanta no matter what, but it doesn't look like we're headed in that direction.

Side note: About 14 years of no NHL/Atlanta news and all the sudden TWO ownership groups emerge...Really?!

Good: Having multiple groups showing interest and cash will help force the NHL to make a decision sooner rather than later. With loans hinging on an arena/team anchor, the NHL can't drag its feet forever.

One thing that I find really interesting is that BOTH groups have apparently met with Bettman and the NHL. Makes me wonder what was said in terms of picking the winning group. I also hope Bettman gave these guys a warning about being competitive against each other.

This has the makings of pre-OVG Seattle all over again.

 

[nhlfan79]

 

[BKIslandersFan]

They talked about the proposal, showed Daly's statement, Anson hyped up Alpharetta and the transportation aspect, MARTA.

I don't recall Alpharetta being served by MARTA trains.

 

[nhlfan79]

I don't recall Alpharetta being served by MARTA trains.

Heavy rail doesn't go that far north. It stops just outside of 285 at North Springs, about five miles or so south. However, MARTA bus service could provide a public transportation bridge, if needed.

 

[Headshot77]

You've now got two competing bids for expansion in ATL. That plus SLC, San Diego, and Houston. I could see a timeline go something like this:

2024-2025: Coyotes relocate to Houston, NHL formally announces an expansion process.

2025-2026: SLC expansion team plays in temp arena. 17/16 alignment.

2027-2028: ATL expansion. 17/17 alignment.

2029-2030: San Diego expansion. 18/17 alignment.

Maybe in 2032 you could get Hamilton or Quebec? 8 years out is a bit too far out to predict. But you would have an opening in the east for the first time since Columbus came in.

Six divisions of six:
NW: SEA, VAN, EDM, CGY, WPG, MIN
SW: SJ, LA, ANA, *SD*, *SLC*, LV
Central: COL, CHI, DAL, *HOU*, STL, NSH

NE: BOS, TOR, MON, OTT, BUF, *TOR2/QC*
Metro: NYI, NYR, NJ, PHI, WSH, PIT
SE: DET, CBJ, CAR, *ATL*, TB, FLA

The only thing suboptimal about this setup is that the northwest division spans 3 time zones but that's kinda impossible to work around given how sprawled our the American west is. I could also see WSH and DET swapping spots but it wouldn't matter much either way.

 

[GreenHornet]

Heavy rail doesn't go that far north. It stops just outside of 285 at North Springs, about five miles or so south. However, MARTA bus service could provide a public transportation bridge, if needed.

To be specific, there is a bus park and ride station right off Ga. Highway 400 at the Mansell Road exit. I'm pretty sure it's a transfer point for multiple bus lines running in all directions, including at least one that runs right past NPM. And I'm almost positive there are multiple lines that have stops at (or originates at) the North Springs station that also run through the park and ride.

 

[dj4aces]

I posted a flyover video in a tweet earlier in this thread. The video was recorded shortly after The Gathering was announced. Google Satellite and Street View photos now show the site in the grading phase with construction trailers and equipment on site.

Street view where The Gathering would be still says Jan 2021 on it. However, where they're adding an exit ramp on 400 shows Dec 2023. The satellite view does tell the story though, and it's pretty cool to see there's something being done on the site. Looking at that image, it's hard to believe anything more dense than a farm will be on that land in two years or so.

I hope Krause doesn't do this. The Gladiators have been a disaster on and off the ice this season. Anson may be a great hockey player and broadcaster, but an effective owner he is not. Ticket sales are down and STHs are fleeing in droves. The Gladiators have done everything they can to spurn the faithful. Anson and Alex are essentially the minor league ASG at this point in this city.

I wouldn't solely blame the minority owner for any ills with the franchise. The rest of ownership arguably has more say. But I also know nothing about the Gladiators organization at this point.

Heavy rail doesn't go that far north. It stops just outside of 285 at North Springs, about five miles or so south. However, MARTA bus service could provide a public transportation bridge, if needed.

There's also nothing anywhere that says the rail line couldn't be extended the five-ish miles from North Springs to North Point. MARTA is already a well-established entity within Fulton County, so it has far fewer hurdles to clear at North Point than it would in Forsyth County to get a stop at The Gathering, but that also makes a number of assumptions, chief among them that Alpharetta would welcome such an extension.

I'm a proponent of *rapid* mass transit access to any arena, whether it be North Point or The Gathering. Just because the overwhelming majority of season ticket holders live north of town doesn't mean that fans who live closer to the city, or even visitors to the city, wouldn't want to take in a game.

If you've ever waited for a shuttle bus in a cold rain before, you'll understand why this is a hill I'm more than prepared to die on. Rail access is a must.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

I swear to God if this hypothetical team gets sponsored by Waffle House they will immediately become my second favorite team

 

[GreenHornet]

I'm not surprised he didn't mention the Krause Group making a competing bid, though I kind of think that in the interest of full disclosure, maybe it should've been at least been brought up, even if Krause's name nor any of the particulars of the his bid were mentioned.

That said, I'm kind of glad he didn't. The last thing Atlanta's potential NHL future needs is for the two bids to turn into a pissing contest.

 

[dj4aces]

I swear to God if this hypothetical team gets sponsored by Waffle House they will immediately become my second favorite team

Are you John Buccigross? Because I never see you two in the same room together, and you're sounding an awful lot like him...

 

[TheGreenTBer]

Are you John Buccigross? Because I never see you two in the same room together, and you're sounding an awful lot like him...

OH MY GOD CHECK THIS OUT I HAVE TWO IDEAS

1) Coat the visitor's dressing room in syrup. Don't nobody f***ing tell me that's not a home-ice advantage.

2) When an Atlanta goaltender makes a huge save, show SMOTHERED AND COVERED on the jumbotron.

IF YOU TELL ME THESE ARE BAD IDEAS I WILL GO TO YOUR HOUSE AND LEAVE A POOP BAG ON YOUR FRONT STEP

 

[Babe Ruth]

I believe the NHL will repeatedly plant teams in Atlanta, until they have a friendly enough fan demographic. It was almost 20 years between the Flames leaving, and the Thrashers' experiment. Now it's a little less than 15 years for the new Atlanta test.
Atlanta's demographics are changing more rapidly, so the gaps between failed franchises are shortening. With more transplants & carpetbaggers the NHL feels the market is getting closer to being naturally receptive to hockey. If a new ATL team fails, the fourth try will only have to wait 5 years or less until it's launched.

 

[dj4aces]

I believe the NHL will repeatedly plant teams in Atlanta, until they have a friendly enough fan demographic. It was almost 20 years between the Flames leaving, and the Thrashers' experiment. Now it's a little less than 15 years for the new Atlanta test.
Atlanta's demographics are changing more rapidly, so the gaps between failed franchises are shortening. With more transplants & carpetbaggers the NHL feels the market is getting closer to being naturally receptive to hockey. If a new ATL team fails, the fourth try will only have to wait 5 years or less until it's launched.

The NBA expanded to Chicago three times, each attempt made only a few years apart, until the Bulls finally stuck around. They were desperate to see Chicago work.

The NHL isn't that desperate... but if anyone thinks the league hasn't been paying attention to the goingons in this city since 31 May 2011, they're sorely mistaken.

 

[The Hobgoblin]

I really tire of these random "Atlanta never should get another team!" posts/posters. It has been repeated and shown with facts that the situation in Atlanta is far, far different from when the Flames or Thrashers were here. The state is booming with minor league hockey teams and tons of adult and younger leagues all over the state.

And more importantly having an ownership that actually WANTS a team is what the Thrashers never had outside of the one year or so that Ted Turner owned the team. The Atlanta $pirit Group literally tried to move the team out of Atlanta one year into owning them and were only stopped by the clauses in the initial contract when they bought the arena, Hawks and Thrashers.

 

[dj4aces]

At best, it's trolling, because they know that those of us who supported the team and are still kicking around these boards are a bit sensitive to reading some of the same nonsense some folks foisted upon us as the team was reaching their final days in town.

At worst, it's sheer ignorance with a complete lack of understanding about how any of this actually works and what actually happened. I've posted a good bit of what I know, as have some of the other supporters and believers in Atlanta hockey, some of what actually happened here. The court cases, the STH townhalls, the disdain for hockey and the fans displayed by the ownership in and around the arena during games.

It's frustrating -- even maddening -- but it is a forum. As poorly written with no punctuation as the messages might be, they have a right to say what they do so long as it doesn't violate any rules. Just take heart and find solace in the fact that, when (not if) the league returns, and a franchise is awarded, we'll have plenty of opportunity to prove them wrong. A team built using the most recent expansion rules will go a very long way towards doing just that.

 

[AtlantaWhaler]

Krause appears to be way ahead at this point.

 

[dj4aces]

So, a written 32 Thoughts dropped, hot off the presses, where it makes mention of competing expansion bids by Krause and Carter. If expansion comes up in tomorrow's podcast, it ought to be interesting.

Speaking of podcasts, Ben Wright (former Thrashers writer and social media guy) will be a guest on the Jeff Marek Show today.



All in all, this might be the most Atlanta has been discussed in hockey circles since the Thrashers left, and I'm happy that I'm here for it.

 

[GKJ]

You've now got two competing bids for expansion in ATL. That plus SLC, San Diego, and Houston. I could see a timeline go something like this:

2024-2025: Coyotes relocate to Houston, NHL formally announces an expansion process.

2025-2026: SLC expansion team plays in temp arena. 17/16 alignment.

2027-2028: ATL expansion. 17/17 alignment.

2029-2030: San Diego expansion. 18/17 alignment.

Maybe in 2032 you could get Hamilton or Quebec? 8 years out is a bit too far out to predict. But you would have an opening in the east for the first time since Columbus came in.

Six divisions of six:
NW: SEA, VAN, EDM, CGY, WPG, MIN
SW: SJ, LA, ANA, *SD*, *SLC*, LV
Central: COL, CHI, DAL, *HOU*, STL, NSH

NE: BOS, TOR, MON, OTT, BUF, *TOR2/QC*
Metro: NYI, NYR, NJ, PHI, WSH, PIT
SE: DET, CBJ, CAR, *ATL*, TB, FLA

The only thing suboptimal about this setup is that the northwest division spans 3 time zones but that's kinda impossible to work around given how sprawled our the American west is. I could also see WSH and DET swapping spots but it wouldn't matter much either way.

I feel like it’s pretty clear Utah is first in line unless Things Happen.

At best, it's trolling, because they know that those of us who supported the team and are still kicking around these boards are a bit sensitive to reading some of the same nonsense some folks foisted upon us as the team was reaching their final days in town.

At worst, it's sheer ignorance with a complete lack of understanding about how any of this actually works and what actually happened. I've posted a good bit of what I know, as have some of the other supporters and believers in Atlanta hockey, some of what actually happened here. The court cases, the STH townhalls, the disdain for hockey and the fans displayed by the ownership in and around the arena during games.

It's frustrating -- even maddening -- but it is a forum. As poorly written with no punctuation as the messages might be, they have a right to say what they do so long as it doesn't violate any rules. Just take heart and find solace in the fact that, when (not if) the league returns, and a franchise is awarded, we'll have plenty of opportunity to prove them wrong. A team built using the most recent expansion rules will go a very long way towards doing just that.

That’s why you’re in on the business side of it, lol. Definitely not restricted to this board, I’ve seen it everywhere, and from some who should know better.

 

[dj4aces]

That’s why you’re in on the business side of it, lol. Definitely not restricted to this board, I’ve seen it everywhere, and from some who should know better.

Yeah... I've kinda responded to that nonsense with a little nonsense of my own before, and I'm certainly one who should know better. Oops.

 

[nhlfan79]

At best, it's trolling, because they know that those of us who supported the team and are still kicking around these boards are a bit sensitive to reading some of the same nonsense some folks foisted upon us as the team was reaching their final days in town.

At worst, it's sheer ignorance with a complete lack of understanding about how any of this actually works and what actually happened. I've posted a good bit of what I know, as have some of the other supporters and believers in Atlanta hockey, some of what actually happened here. The court cases, the STH townhalls, the disdain for hockey and the fans displayed by the ownership in and around the arena during games.

It's frustrating -- even maddening -- but it is a forum. As poorly written with no punctuation as the messages might be, they have a right to say what they do so long as it doesn't violate any rules. Just take heart and find solace in the fact that, when (not if) the league returns, and a franchise is awarded, we'll have plenty of opportunity to prove them wrong. A team built using the most recent expansion rules will go a very long way towards doing just that.

When the time comes, I'll be blissfully hanging out in our own Atlanta Whatevers team subforum, talking about actual games, our struggling PK, Big Boi sightings, and such, and it will GLORIOUS.

 

[sneakytitz]

Krause appears to be way ahead at this point.

Call me crazy, but the need to even negotiate this, formalize an agreement, and announce it means Krause must be pretty damn far into this and pretty confident he's getting a team. This may not seem like a big detail/revelation, but it is.

 

[dj4aces]

Call me crazy, but the need to even negotiate this, formalize an agreement, and announce it means Krause must be pretty damn far into this and pretty confident he's getting a team. This may not seem like a big detail/revelation, but it is.

Like I said in the other thread, I wish there was an actual press release, not a hype man account posting the image with no text to really read through... but if this is true, it seems that maybe Carter's announcement may even simply be to further along the process rather than issue a competing bid. I suppose time really will tell.

 

[sneakytitz]

Like I said in the other thread, I wish there was an actual press release, not a hype man account posting the image with no text to really read through... but if this is true, it seems that maybe Carter's announcement may even simply be to further along the process rather than issue a competing bid. I suppose time really will tell.

Here is the press release: Krause Sports and Entertainment Selects ASM Global to Operate Proposed Forsyth County Arena in Pursuit of the NHL – The Gathering at South Forsyth