The Classic Center Revs Up a Deal for The New Arena Name

ATHENS, GA – August 21, 2024—The Classic Center, in association with Oak View Group, is excited to announce that the new arena will officially be named Akins Ford Arena.

The Classic Center and Akins Ford have been working to form a partnership driven by entertainment through a ten-year naming rights deal. The Classic Center’s partnership with Akins Ford goes back to when their ice rink transformed The Classic Center’s Grand Hall into Akins Ford Arena starting in 2014 for public ice skating and UGA Club Hockey.

“We are so thrilled to continue this partnership with Brad Akins and Akins Ford as we gear up for the arena’s grand opening,” said Paul Cramer, President/CEO of The Classic Center. “I am excited to see how Akins Ford Arena accelerates our community with new entertainment offerings.”

Akins Ford has been a cornerstone of Barrow County and Northeast Georgia since 1966, dedicated to providing unparalleled automotive experiences. As The Classic Center steps into this exciting new chapter with the arena, Akins Ford will have the opportunity to celebrate its rich history and continue its support of Athens and surrounding communities.

“My wife Vanessa and I, along with our family and over 400 employees at Akins Ford, are excited to broaden our already ten-year partnership with The Classic Center, said Brad Akins, owner of Akins Ford dealership. “The Classic Center’s commitment to the community aligns with our company’s mission for deep community roots, hospitality, and green energy initiatives. We are excited to be part of the journey as they continue to lead with excellence in entertainment at the new Akins Ford Arena.”

Akins Ford Arena is set to open this year and will be home to the Athens Rock Lobsters hockey team, geared to play their first game in the arena on Friday, December 6, against the Blue Ridge Bobcats. The opening concert will take place on Saturday, December 14, with a local favorite, The B-52s.

###

About The Classic Center:

Located in Athens, Georgia, The Classic Center is a premier multi-use conference center, performing arts theatre, and covered outdoor pavilion. We host a wide range of events, including conventions, conferences, meetings, weddings, concerts, sporting tournaments, and special events, accommodating up to 6,000 people. In addition to our existing facilities, we are currently constructing a new arena, Akins Ford Arena, which will further enhance our ability to bolster the economic, entertainment, and cultural well-being of Athens

About Akins Ford:

Akins Ford is a full-service Ford sales, service, repair and body shop in one location. We have been in operation and are family owned since 1966. Our Wild Willies accessories business started in 1995. We employ over 400 employees. We are Georgia's only Ford Triple Crown dealer and multiple President's Award Winner.

About Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X