Atlanta-Area Forsyth County Approves $3B Development, Includes NHL-Ready Arena

The NHL could be one step closer to returning to Atlanta for the first time since 2011.

Front Office Sports revealed that Atlanta's suburban Forsyth County recently approved a $3 billion development that will include "an 18,000-seat, NHL-ready arena for a new franchise." TSN added that the development is being dubbed "The Gathering at South Forsyth" and the arena is "designed to attract an NHL team back to the area."

This would mark the third attempt to sustain an NHL franchise in Atlanta. The Atlanta Flames played from 1972 to 1980 before relocating to Calgary, while the Atlanta Thrashers played from 1999 to 2011 before relocating to Winnipeg and becoming the Jets.

Christopher King of Fox 5 Atlanta reported that the arena is "targeted to open in time for the 2027 NHL season if approved."

It's not yet clear if any NHL franchise is looking to move, but Atlanta is preparing to be a viable landing spot if anything develops within the next two years.