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Alpharetta greenlights $150,000 arena study to lure NHL franchise By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Art of preservation Morgan Hayes works on a taxidermy duck at her home workshop in Johns Creek May 14. See story and more photos on page 10.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta is still waiting to see whether it will be chosen to host a National Hockey League team, but in the meantime, it’s doing its homework. At a May 2 special meeting, the Alpharetta Development Authority unanimously approved a $150,000 feasibility study by strategic consulting firm Creative Artists Agency. Alpharetta is in the running to attract a hockey team after Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group submitted in March 2024 a petition to attract an NHL franchise. If Alpharetta is selected, the team would most likely play at an arena in the North Point Mall area, City Administrator Chris Lagerbloom said. The site is competing with a mega mixed-use arena project proposed in Forsyth County. Although no project has formally been proposed in Alpharetta, the city has commissioned the Creative Artists Agency study to ensure its viability. “We wouldn’t go into something blind,” Lagerbloom said. “A good progressive city does this type of work in advance of these massive, massive types of projects.” The study, which is expected to take five to six months, will explore financial feasibility and economic impacts. Costs will be split between the Development Authority and Awesome Alpharetta, the city’s convention and visitors bureau.
See NHL, Page 20
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