Potential Atlanta NHL Expansion Team Thread

[dj4aces]

Carter is also an analyst for TNT. Is it possibe that he was at the meetings in that role and not as a rep for his Atlanta expansion group?

That would be my question. Seeing as how I don't have HBO Max streaming + sports package, I was unable to watch the recent game (Rangers v Sabres) that was on the network... so have no idea if they even discussed the BoG meeting on-air.

My *gut* says that, even if he was attending the meeting as a TNT analyst, there's nothing that says he wouldn't also be there as a party interested in bringing the league back to Atlanta. While it might seem Krause's group is ahead in this race, we also don't really know what Carter's up to. From a business standpoint, just because one is quiet doesn't mean they're not up to something.

 

[aqib]

Carter is also an analyst for TNT. Is it possibe that he was at the meetings in that role and not as a rep for his Atlanta expansion group?

Two questions:
1) Since he isn't a beat reporter/insider so would he really be at a BOG meeting as part of his analyst duties?
2) Is there a strong preference in Atlanta over one site over the other?

 

[GreenHornet]

Two questions:
1) Since he isn't a beat reporter/insider so would he really be at a BOG meeting as part of his analyst duties?
2) Is there a strong preference in Atlanta over one site over the other?

1. The NHL To Atlanta Twitter account speculates thusly, though I have to believe that if he did speak with any owners, the subject of his bid had to have come up in any conversation.



2. The only ones who might know the answer to this question with any degree of certainty are probably all members of the BoG (or perhaps Bettman and/or Daly). One thing is for sure, whatever Carter is up to with regard to his bid (which features building a new arena at the North Point Mall in Alpharetta just six miles south of Krause's proposed Gathering arena), he has held his cards VERY close to the vest throughout this whole process -- far closer than Krause, whatever that means.

 

[aqib]

1. The NHL To Atlanta Twitter account speculates thusly, though I have to believe that if he did speak with any owners, the subject of his bid had to have come up in any conversation.



2. The only ones who might know the answer to this question with any degree of certainty are probably all members of the BoG (or perhaps Bettman and/or Daly). One thing is for sure, whatever Carter is up to with regard to his bid (which features building a new arena at the North Point Mall in Alpharetta just six miles south of Krause's proposed Gathering arena), he has held his cards VERY close to the vest throughout this whole process -- far closer than Krause, whatever that means.

But among Atlanta fans, is one location more popular than the other? Like in LA it seemed like Hollywood Park was more popular than Carson as a location before you even factored in the Rams being more popular by far than the Chargers.

 

[GreenHornet]

But among Atlanta fans, is one location more popular than the other? Like in LA it seemed like Hollywood Park was more popular than Carson as a location before you even factored in the Rams being more popular by far than the Chargers.

Honestly, I'm not sure. Since the sites are only about six miles apart, I don't know that there's going to be an intense preference one way or the other for a lot of folks in the metro area.

Now, the the folks on the Forsyth side of the county line will probably overwhelmingly favor The Gathering, while the folks on the Fulton side would almost certainly favor North Point. That's not including the NIMBY types, but I think that's the general rule.

At the end of the day, I can only really speak for myself that I'd prefer North Point, only because it's a little closer to where I live (and in metro ATL, an extra six miles could mean about 30-45 minutes during rush hour).

 

[nhlfan79]

But among Atlanta fans, is one location more popular than the other? Like in LA it seemed like Hollywood Park was more popular than Carson as a location before you even factored in the Rams being more popular by far than the Chargers.

Geographically, Anson's location would be much more desirable. The current land is a mostly dying suburban mall in a very affluent area that is straddled by two established highway exits, so all of the traffic infrastructure is already in place. In addition, it is six miles closer in than Krause's development up the same highway in Forsyth County.

 

[FlyguyOX]

That would be my question. Seeing as how I don't have HBO Max streaming + sports package, I was unable to watch the recent game (Rangers v Sabres) that was on the network... so have no idea if they even discussed the BoG meeting on-air.

My *gut* says that, even if he was attending the meeting as a TNT analyst, there's nothing that says he wouldn't also be there as a party interested in bringing the league back to Atlanta. While it might seem Krause's group is ahead in this race, we also don't really know what Carter's up to. From a business standpoint, just because one is quiet doesn't mean they're not up to something.

So, the people in the know that play men's hockey here in Atlanta that initially tipped me off to Carter and his atlanta ownership group years ago way before anyone knew there was any Atlanta expansion interest have told me recently that they still think Carter and his group that plan to put the arena at a renovated northpoint mall are the still the group that end up with it.

I'm extremely skeptical of that. Krause group is just sooo far down the road in terms of local bureaucracy headway and red tape cutting that I cannot fathom a world where the new team is NOT at the arena at The Gathering development. I just recently voted in the last election last month to grant special local powers so that the development could proceed. That measure passed.

But among Atlanta fans, is one location more popular than the other? Like in LA it seemed like Hollywood Park was more popular than Carson as a location before you even factored in the Rams being more popular by far than the Chargers.

I'm in favor of the The Gathering development with Krause. Personally, it's much closer for me. There is next to no information to go on for the northpoint location and development. Hard to believe they'll be able to get that deal done and arena built before Krause has his ready.

Also, Krause's local county bond was only approved from local government with the stipulation that it would house an NHL team. He had to have received a wink and nod from the league.

Everything is ready, just needs NHL approval which could come as soon as next summer after new CBA is signed.

Compared to Carter's bid there really doesn't seem to be any competition on who is most prepared for a team.

Forsyth County voters approve tax allocation to pay for new arena

The approval is seen as the last barrier to building an NHL arena in the event of the NHL’s return.

www.atlantanewsfirst.com

 

[FlyguyOX]

Geographically, Anson's location would be much more desirable. The current land is a mostly dying suburban mall in a very affluent area that is straddled by two established highway exits, so all of the traffic infrastructure is already in place. In addition, it is six miles closer in than Krause's development up the same highway in Forsyth County.

Disagree. I think traffic will be much worse in that location than Krause's. Extremely residential so you'll be fighting half of Atlanta just trying to get home from work. But, again, I selfishly want the closer location. It's also along the Big Creek Greenway so people between Roswell and Cumming could bike to the game.

 

[FlyguyOX]

People who live 30 miles outside Atlanta say that they live in Atlanta. I’d be fine with Atlanta or Georgia, but keep the Thrashers name. I see those damn birds every day & it represents the state well. Plus, I like how all of our teams are birds (except for the Braves).

It really is insane how many thrashers are always outside my bird feeder (usually on the ground).

 

[FlyguyOX]

Anyone here in the metro area willing to teach me how to skate?? I’ll pay of course..

How much? lol

 

[GreenHornet]

Geographically, Anson's location would be much more desirable. The current land is a mostly dying suburban mall in a very affluent area that is straddled by two established highway exits, so all of the traffic infrastructure is already in place. In addition, it is six miles closer in than Krause's development up the same highway in Forsyth County.

I'll also point out that there are at least some public transportation options in place somewhat nearby. There's the North Springs MARTA station only a couple miles down Georgia Hwy. 400, and there's a MARTA park and ride that could probably serve as a base for arena shuttles less than a mile down the road right off the Mansell Road exit at Ga. 400.

 

[dj4aces]

But among Atlanta fans, is one location more popular than the other? Like in LA it seemed like Hollywood Park was more popular than Carson as a location before you even factored in the Rams being more popular by far than the Chargers.

I think "it depends" is really the best way to put it. Alpharetta is closer to already-existing mass transit lines (even if many consider said options inadequate). If demand for it exists, transit options from here in Gwinnett County could be added more easily. It would also renovate what is widely considered to be the remnants of a dead shopping mall. However, the biggest complaint I hear is that it's not "in a central location" ...which, the reason for has already been stated ad nauseam, so needs no further stating.

On the other hand, having the team and venue located six miles north in Forsyth County has the potential to provide an economic boost to a county that's already growing at an exponential rate. The downside is that Forsyth is outside the immediate "Atlanta area", as many of us still remember when "metro Atlanta" was only five counties -- Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton. It's only six miles north, sure, but ... it's also six miles farther away from downtown and there's no existing transit option to get there. Even Uber to and from the area is spotty at times, though that undoubtedly would change if a franchise is awarded to the Krause group.

So, the people in the know that play men's hockey here in Atlanta that initially tipped me off to Carter and his atlanta ownership group years ago way before anyone knew there was any Atlanta expansion interest have told me recently that they still think Carter and his group that plan to put the arena at a renovated northpoint mall are the still the group that end up with it.

I'm extremely skeptical of that. Krause group is just sooo far down the road in terms of local bureaucracy headway and red tape cutting that I cannot fathom a world where the new team is NOT at the arena at The Gathering development. I just recently voted in the last election last month to grant special local powers so that the development could proceed. That measure passed.

Sometimes, it's all about actions being reported on. Krause's name has been out there since mid-2023, and if I recall correctly, met with Bettman sometime in 2021. Meanwhile, I first heard rumors of Carter seeking financial backing for a bid as far back as 2014, when I still lived in Jonesboro.

To me, I think Carter has a very solid foundation to build on, but it's difficult to believe that when we don't hear any news at all from him or his camp... hence why Krause is the perceived frontrunner. Everything he's talked about appears to be falling into place, right where it belongs. This makes Carter dangerous to him, because Carter is the wild card. Right now, his cards are so close to his vest, they might as well be under his skin.

Whether it's in business specifically or life in general, the scariest opponent one can have is one who remains unseen.

 

[FlyguyOX]

I think "it depends" is really the best way to put it. Alpharetta is closer to already-existing mass transit lines (even if many consider said options inadequate). If demand for it exists, transit options from here in Gwinnett County could be added more easily. It would also renovate what is widely considered to be the remnants of a dead shopping mall. However, the biggest complaint I hear is that it's not "in a central location" ...which, the reason for has already been stated ad nauseam, so needs no further stating.

On the other hand, having the team and venue located six miles north in Forsyth County has the potential to provide an economic boost to a county that's already growing at an exponential rate. The downside is that Forsyth is outside the immediate "Atlanta area", as many of us still remember when "metro Atlanta" was only five counties -- Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton. It's only six miles north, sure, but ... it's also six miles farther away from downtown and there's no existing transit option to get there. Even Uber to and from the area is spotty at times, though that undoubtedly would change if a franchise is awarded to the Krause group.



Sometimes, it's all about actions being reported on. Krause's name has been out there since mid-2023, and if I recall correctly, met with Bettman sometime in 2021. Meanwhile, I first heard rumors of Carter seeking financial backing for a bid as far back as 2014, when I still lived in Jonesboro.

To me, I think Carter has a very solid foundation to build on, but it's difficult to believe that when we don't hear any news at all from him or his camp... hence why Krause is the perceived frontrunner. Everything he's talked about appears to be falling into place, right where it belongs. This makes Carter dangerous to him, because Carter is the wild card. Right now, his cards are so close to his vest, they might as well be under his skin.

Whether it's in business specifically or life in general, the scariest opponent one can have is one who remains unseen.

Why is proximity to downtown seen as a valuable thing? I think the people more likely to attend a hockey game are further from downtown.

What is the foundation for Carter besides his position on TNT and hockey connection? I asked my source on this too and they didn't have a good answer.

The thing is that Carter's pieces can't be this close to his chest unless he's having his arena 100% privately funded (pretty uncommon), even then I would think there's got to be some sort of zoning and public approvals process.

There's a reason Carter was so mad when the Krause group announced their bid.

Tried researching some more about Carter's group. Apparently includes New York Life which could be big for $$$:

Alpharetta to National Hockey League: Come here instead

North Point Mall could be replaced with arena by architect legend Frank Gehry, supporters say

atlanta.urbanize.city

 

[dj4aces]

What is the foundation for Carter besides his position on TNT and hockey connection? I asked my source on this too and they didn't have a good answer.

Time. Rapport with the league (being a former player, and part of the NHL Players Inclusion Coalition). His financial backers are also big money folks, which can illustrate how much others believe in Atlanta as a hockey market. Krause is *believed* to be self-funding everything, but there were also reports that said funding to purchase a team would come from the sale of residential spaces at the mixed-use site.

The thing is that Carter's pieces can't be this close to his chest unless he's having his arena 100% privately funded (pretty uncommon), even then I would think there's got to be some sort of zoning and public approvals process.

According to the press release from earlier this year, New York Life (the owner of the North Point Mall site) is paying 100% of the cost. Uncommon, sure, but stranger things have happened.

There's a reason Carter was so mad when the Krause group announced their bid.

Yeah, there was. It was the first day of the playoffs, a day which many in hockey circles hold sacred. He further explained that in a tweet that one of us (might've been me, but I honestly can't recall -- 2024 has been a rollercoaster of a year) linked a while back.

 

[FlyguyOX]

Yeah, there was. It was the first day of the playoffs, a day which many in hockey circles hold sacred. He further explained that in a tweet that one of us (might've been me, but I honestly can't recall -- 2024 has been a rollercoaster of a year) linked a while back.

Oh c'mon man that was in no way believable lol.

On funding, I hadn't seen in any reports of the "100% funding by New York Life", just saw them as a partner - which, it's in their interest since they're the ones who own the dilapidated mall.

 

[dj4aces]

Oh c'mon man that was in no way believable lol.

On funding, I hadn't seen in any reports of the "100% funding by New York Life", just saw them as a partner - which, it's in their interest since they're the ones who own the dilapidated mall.

I'm not gonna try to change your mind, only point out what was already stated. You can choose to believe what you wish, but your belief differs from what he said. I choose to take him at his word unless it can be proven (or has already been proven) to be incorrect. To my knowledge, no proof exists.

As for the funding, it's in the press release. Whether outlets chose to report it is another matter, but that release was also linked some time back.

 

[MMC]

 

[MMC]

 

[dj4aces]

For the Krause group, I think zoning approval was the final hurdle that needed to be crossed. If this is true, it means the onus is now on the league to take action.

 

[BKIslandersFan]

For the Krause group, I think zoning approval was the final hurdle that needed to be crossed. If this is true, it means the onus is now on the league to take action.

Reckon they need to find them a tag team partner.