The first step to bringing G-League basketball to the Atlanta metro area happened this week. The Atlanta Hawks, College Park, and Georgia International Convention Center shoveled the first dirt on what will be the “Gateway Center @ College Park.”
It will be a multi-purpose arena that is schedule to be completed in the fall of 2019 and will be home to the Hawks G-League affiliate.
The Gateway center will seat up to 3,500 for G-League games and up to 5,000 for concerts and other events.
Mayor John Longino is highly optimistic about the new arena saying, “The multi-purpose arena will bring a much needed venue for sporting events, concerts, graduation ceremonies and more to the city, broadening the entertainment for the south metro area.”
LOOK: Renderings of our new @nbagleague facility in @CollegePark_Ga https://t.co/X61YT0mx6h pic.twitter.com/hNO8OoXKvA
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 13, 2018
For those in Erie, PA it’s the beginning of the end once again as the BayHawks will be relocated for a second time. Previously the team moved to Lakeland, FL after being purchased by the Orlando Magic.
In a season where the BayHawks are holding a slim lead on first place in the Southeast Division, Erie will have to prepare for life without the BayHawks — even after a special night in March when the team will be given one of the greatest names in sports history. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, take a look.
This multi-purpose facility will be a boon to both the College Park community and will, more importantly, hope to increase interest and awareness in a Hawks team that is rebuilding after 10 straight years of playoff appearances — and nothing to show for it.
Some details on the G-League arena coming to the Hawks franchise in 2019: the Gateway Center @ College Park #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/9E4Up0tIil
— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) February 14, 2018
After this offseason’s draft, when Atlanta will have 4 picks in the top 35 slots, the Hawks will have a supremely youthful team bursting with upside, athleticism and excitement.
Many of those draft picks will have to spend considerable amounts of time in the G-League for development purposes and this new mixed-use arena will be a terrific way to watch these promising young players grow before your eyes — all at a discount in comparison to watching the “big club” play downtown.
For the latest on the BayHawks season, check out our Erie BayHawks Flyover.