Vernon Krause Interview: The Gathering at South Forsyth and Plans to Lure an NHL Team
For years, a question has echoed throughout our community: Will the NHL ever return to Atlanta? Now, Krause Sports and Entertainment is looking to make this a reality with The Gathering at South Forsyth.
This is far more than a proposal; it is a game-changing destination that has delivered the most compelling bid yet if the NHL decides to expand. The 100-acre site will feature an 18,000-seat arena as its centerpiece, while also forging a vibrant, connected community with 2,400 residential units, 500 hotel rooms, and 1.6 million square feet of retail and office space.
The visionary behind this $3 billion mixed-use development is Vernon Krause, owner of Krause Auto Group. His company owns 29 car dealerships across Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina, including several dealerships in the Alpharetta area, like Angela Krause Ford.
Leveraging a lifetime of business success, Vernon Krause is now channeling his focus into creating a lasting landmark designed to serve the region for generations to come. To bring this ambitious project to life, Krause has assembled a powerhouse team and received support from NHL legend Bobby Orr.
The Alpharetta.com team had the opportunity to speak with Vernon Krause to learn about his inspiration for The Gathering, his long-term vision for the project, and his plan to finally bring professional hockey back to Atlanta.
You’ve achieved immense success in the automotive world with Krause Auto Group. What was the specific moment or realization that inspired you to take on a monumental, community-shaping project like The Gathering?
“I’ve been incredibly blessed with success in the automotive industry and I’m proud of my family, team and the relationships that have made that possible. My passion for creating The Gathering at South Forsyth really came from something deeper – a passion to bring hockey back to Georgia to the community where I spent 35 years raising my family and building my business.
I looked around Forsyth County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation and saw a need for a destination that could bring people together. A place where families could spend the day, where businesses could thrive, where our youth could be inspired by sports, music and innovation. I knew that if we didn’t create that kind of visionary space now, we’d miss a rare opportunity to help shape the future of this area in a meaningful, lasting way.
So, The Gathering was born out of a sense of responsibility. I wanted to create a destination that reflects the energy and potential of this community, something we could all be proud of for generations to come.”
Beyond being a home for a potential NHL team, how do you envision The Gathering at South Forsyth functioning as the true “heart” of the community?
“We’re not just building an arena for a potential NHL team, The Gathering at South Forsyth is designed to be the entertainment hub for North Georgia – and the heartbeat of the Forsyth community. The Gathering will be a place where people can connect, celebrate and thrive. Whether it’s families enjoying the outdoor spaces, kids seeing a world-class sporting event for the first time, neighbors meeting at local restaurants, or entrepreneurs collaborating in innovative workspaces, The Gathering at South Forsyth will be the heart and soul of the community and truly a place where people can gather – right in their backyard without the hassle of traveling to downtown Atlanta.”
What do you believe makes The Gathering the most compelling and definitive bid to successfully bring the NHL back to Atlanta?
“The Gathering at South Forsyth is a vision for the future of professional sports in the Southeast. What makes this development truly compelling is that it will be built from the ground up with the NHL in mind. We own the land. We have the support of the local government and the community. We’re designing a purpose-built, state-of-the-art arena in a thriving, high-growth corridor that already supports youth and adult hockey at a high level (and not retrofitting a pre-existing space to fit a team).
Forsyth County is not only one the fastest-growing counties in Georgia and among the top in the nation, but also one of the healthiest and wealthiest counties. The community wants a destination they can visit and The Gathering at South Forsyth will be that year-round destination. It’s an ecosystem of entertainment, retail, residential and office space, all anchored by a team that fans can support and grow with.
This isn’t a revival of past efforts. It’s a completely new playbook. And I believe it’s the one that finally gets it right for Georgia, for the NHL and for generations of fans to come.”
Can you speak on the residential and retail opportunities that will be available in The Gathering?
“Absolutely. One of the most exciting aspects of The Gathering is how it blends lifestyle and community. On the residential side, we’re planning a mix of living options from single family homes to luxury apartments, all designed to offer walkability, convenience and access to amenities right outside your door. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or empty nesters looking to downsize without sacrificing quality, there will be a place for you at The Gathering at South Forsyth.
Our retail offerings will provide a dynamic mix of local boutiques, national brands and chef-driven restaurants. The vibrant environment will serve those who live, work and visit from across the region and nation.”
What are your long-term goals for The Gathering at South Forsyth after its development?
“My long-term goals center around creating an entertainment hub for North Georgia that becomes the heart of the community for generations to come. We envision a place where families can gather, where businesses can thrive and where world-class sports, entertainment and hospitality come together to enrich Forsyth County’s cultural and economic landscape. I want The Gathering to be a source of pride, and a development that defines this part of Georgia in a positive, lasting way.”
After receiving the Forsyth County commissioners’ approval to proceed with The Gathering, what are your team’s immediate next steps?
“With the Forsyth County commissioners’ approval in hand, our team is moving into the next phase. We have assembled our package to present to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, which includes our vision of bringing an NHL expansion team to Georgia. We believe this project, with its built-in infrastructure, entertainment district, strong community and passionate fan base, is the ideal location to grow the league in the Southeast. The ultimate decision rests with the NHL.”
What is the expected completion date for The Gathering at South Forsyth, and what are some final words for the community about the project?
“We anticipate The Gathering at South Forsyth to open in phases, with the first major phase projected for completion in 2028, depending on permitting and construction timelines. To the community of Forsyth County: thank you. Your support, engagement and vision have helped shape The Gathering at South Forsyth into a destination that will not only bring entertainment and economic growth, but also a sense of pride and place for everyone who lives, works and visits here. We’re excited about what’s ahead and can’t wait to welcome you when the doors open.”
Sneak Peek of The Gathering
All renderings courtesy of The Gathering at South Forsyth.
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