events, but the arena is going to take that impact to new heights,” Cramer shares. “It will solidify Athens as a destination city for the Southeast and drive long-term economic growth.” The ability to bring larger acts, conventions, and sports competitions to Athens is a giant leap forward for the community. Katie Williams, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Tourism for The Classic Center, explains the impact of the new venue. “The arena allows us to bring larger acts to Athens—acts that haven’t been able to come before because we didn’t have a venue big enough,” Williams shares. “We’re talking about major concerts, family shows, and professional sports. We’ve already sold out backto-back shows with Megan Moroney—6,500 tickets sold out in mere minutes for each show—and the response has been incredible.” WATERFRONT CONNECTION Akins Ford Arena is strategically located to enhance connectivity within Athens. Its downtown placement is a deliberate decision to foster deeper connections between the city’s businesses, cultural landmarks, and residents while encouraging growth and revitalization. The arena will also link downtown Athens with the Oconee River, sparking new opportunities for riverfront development and urban renewal. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 AKINS FORD ARENA, THE CLASSIC CENTER
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