Central Georgia
VisitAthensGA.com; @VisitAthensGA—Renowned for its thriving music scene, diverse culinary offerings, and unique attractions, the “Classic City” of Athens adds a distinctive flair to every occasion.
“Our mantra, ‘We’re Always Open,’ reflects our commitment to embracing fresh ideas and perspectives in event planning,” says Elyse Harris, director of sales for Visit Athens.
“From elegant banquets and dynamic convention centers to historic theaters, galleries, and outdoor spaces, Athens can transform any space seamlessly to suit events.”
The Classic Center contains more than 300,000 square feet across several spaces, including the 440 Foundry Pavilion, which has 22,000 square feet of event space for banquets of 1,100 people. Other event spaces include a 2,122-seat theater and an 18,000-square-foot ballroom for receptions of up to 1,900.
The much-anticipated new Akins Ford Arena, part of The Classic Center, is scheduled to open at the end of this year. Home to Athens’ new professional hockey team, the Rock Lobsters, the arena will seat 8,500 people and offer flexible space for trade shows, conferences, and other events.
Hotels with event space include the 190-room Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown, which contains 3,997 square feet of event space for up to 200 people. Hotel Abacus, formerly known as Graduate Athens, features 122 guest rooms and five flexible event spaces for up to 225 guests. The new 50-room Rivet House, opened recently in Athens’ historic Southern Mill development, offers six unique indoor and outdoor event spaces for groups of 11 to 125 people. The luxury hotel also features a spa and an onsite Italian restaurant, Osteria Olio, which offers a seasonal, local ingredient-driven menu. Other restaurants, bars, and coffee shops at Southern Mill include Creature Comforts Downtown Taproom and Brewery and Puma Yu’s, home to James Beard Award semifinalist chef Pete Amadhanirundr. The area has quaint and cozy coffee shops, like Buvez and Sunroof Coffee, and vibey bars, like Nighthawks Lounge.
