Alpharetta City Council Approves Zoning for NHL Arena

The Alpharetta City Council has taken a significant step towards the NHL's possible return to the Atlanta area by approving zoning changes for a mall that may include an NHL-sized arena. The council voted 4-3 on this matter.

The proposed plan includes a 20,000-seat arena, a smaller music hall, offices, and a hotel. Although the NHL has not confirmed an expansion team for Atlanta, this vote facilitates further discussions regarding the project.

Alpharetta is one of two locations in the Atlanta area considering the attraction of an NHL team, with Forsyth County also showing interest and having previously voted in favor of a new arena in 2024. Historically, Atlanta has hosted two NHL teams, the Thrashers and the Flames, before they relocated.