Georgia vs. Georgia Tech hockey game, April 9, 2014 at The Classic Center, Athens, GA
ATHENS, GA. – UGA Hockey is excited to announce their grand opening hockey game at The Classic Center in downtown Athens on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. as the Ice Dogs take on rival Ga Tech.
Tickets for this game will go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 14 at 12 noon at The Classic Center box office or online at www.ClassicCenter.com. Tickets are $10 for reserved seating or $15 for premium section seating near center ice. Group seating is available – contact Beth Turner with The Classic Center ticket office at 706.357.4521.
A pre-game “Meet the Ice Dogs” player autograph session will be held prior to the game. This will be a great chance for fans of all ages to meet the players and coaches and enjoy some exclusive pre-game activities and entertainment.
Excitement surrounds first hockey game in Athens 
With the announcement of the April 9th opening game and tickets for UGA Hockey in Athens, the anticipation in the Athens area to see the Ice Dogs is swelling.
“It so exciting to be a part of bringing hockey to the Athens community,” said UGA Hockey Foundation president and local business owner David Brooks. "We have been hearing so much enthusiasm and anticipation for UGA Hockey games…I can’t wait for the first game. Fans better plan to get their tickets early.”
Families and young fans who have been hearing about the ice rink at The Classic Center and future Georgia Hockey games are ready to see the action on the ice. Over 5,000 skaters took to the ice in just 9 days during the Christmas festival in the Classic Center, many whom had a chance to skate with Ice Dogs players.
Christina Smith of Athens, who is planning to get her tickets the day they go on sale. “My husband and I have been hockey fans for years. We are so exited to be able to see a UGA Hockey Game here in Athens”
Team founder Larry Hall commented on his excitement for the first UGA Hockey game in Athens – “I know my nephew’s entire hockey team from Atlanta will be coming to the first game!I just couldn’t be more excited and proud of where this program has come. And now 27 years later to be a part of hockey coming to Athens is a thrill I just could not have imagined. It’s going to be great!”
The Classic Center Arena located in the recently expanded grand hall will boast seating that surrounds the ice rink on all sides with capacity that will exceed 2,000 with planned additional VIP and other spectator areas. Noise levels are expected to be very high in the acoustic friendly grand hall.
UGA Hockey 15-year head coach John Hoos commented on the atmosphere and expected noise level in the arena. “April 9th will be a great day for Georgia Hockey, the Athens community, our players, and the UGA student body. It is going to be incredible to have Bulldog fans rocking the roof off at The Classic Center at our first game. I have a feeling it is going to be loud!”
Local groups in Athens plan to be part of the loud cheering crowd as well. In fact plans are in progress for the Athens Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association to host a tailgate party prior to most home hockey games at the Classic Center, including the April 9 game. President Carol Williams says that the area alumni are looking forward to having a local venue for Georgia Hockey games.
“Coach Hoos spoke at our December chapter event and everyone demonstrated that they were ready to cheer on the Ice Dogs in Athens!”
Students at UGA are also preparing their support for the Ice Dogs now that they will be close enough to easily come to games. Leaders from the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and Kappa Delta sorority already have plans to buy large group ticket blocks for the April 9 game.
The Classic Center Executive Director Paul Cramer noted that many Athens residents had a chance to get to know the hockey team in December when players and staff volunteered during the public ice skating sessions that were held during the first Classic Center Christmas festival.
“They really are a first-class organization, and we are proud to be partnering with them and eager for all of Athens to get to know them better over this next year,” he said. “Hosting events like hockey, roller derby and youth sports events allow us to serve a broader spectrum of our community, fill our facility and attract a significant increase in economic impact for Athens-Clarke County.”
The Classic Center in downtown Athens is the new home of the UGA Ice Dogs hockey team. The team will play home games in their 2014-15 season between September and February at The Classic Center Arena. Season tickets will go on sale this spring.
Visit www.www.ugahockey.com for additional information on the team.
The Classic Center and UGA Hockey Media Release:
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Located in Athens, Georgia, The Classic Center is a multi-use conference center and 2,100 seat theatre hosting conventions, conferences, meetings, weddings, concerts and special events.
