They've got them an arena in Athens, Georgia, and it's got about 5,500 seats, so come on, bring your hockey money, right?
Georgia's sixth-largest city's new minor league hockey team is named after one of its favorite local bands, the B-52s.
The ownership group behind the Federal Prospects Hockey League franchise announced Wednesday, May 15, that the new team will be named the Athens Rock Lobsterers. This is an homage to one of the B-52's biggest hits. “Rock Lobster”
The name was decided by public vote. Her final two choices were both music-related. It was between Rock Lobsterz and the classic City Panic, which paid homage to another local band. widespread panic.
More than 8,000 people voted and Rock Lobsterz won by just 565 votes.
“From the beginning, we knew we wanted a name that captured the unique energy and spirit of Athens,” Rock Lobster's director of marketing Britton Briley said in a statement. “The response from the community has been incredible. The name 'Rock Lobsterz' combines music, creativity and humor, and it resonated with our fans.” It's the perfect identity for our hockey team. ”
The B-52s fully support the idea of naming the team Rock Lobster's and encouraged fans to vote on social media. And according to a statement from the band, they were thrilled to have won the vote.
“Athens, Georgia is our birthplace and where we began our journey 'down the Atlanta Highway' to share our homegrown grooves with the world. “Rock Lobster” was one of our first songs, and we can attest that millions of people across the galaxy went wild for this deep-sea surf anthem. We are truly honored to name our hometown hockey team the Rock Lobster's. As the song proclaims, “Let’s rock!”
— B-52 statement
“Athens is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and Rock Lobster's will be an extension of that,” added team vice president Scott Hull. We don't just build a hockey team. We're building community. The support from local artists, musicians and fans has been overwhelming and we can't wait to take to the ice in October. ”
The rest of Rock Lobster's visual identity will be revealed soon, according to Wednesday's announcement. “[The] The team is working on a concept in which a lively lobster character holding an electric guitar cleverly transforms into a hockey stick, symbolizing the unique fusion of music and sports that characterizes the team. The vibrant red-based color scheme of the upcoming design injects playful and energetic elements, encapsulating the exciting spirit of Athens and its musical heritage. ”
The Athens Rock Lobsterers will begin their first FPHL season in October 2024. They play in his 5,500-seat stadium. Classic Center Arena Still under construction in downtown Athens.
of FPHL It is a single-A minor professional hockey league with teams in Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia. The 2024-25 season will be the 15th year since its founding.
