Georgia Swarm to bring professional lacrosse to Athens in January

The Georgia Swarm are set to bring professional lacrosse to Athens in January, giving local fans a chance to experience the sport at Akins Ford Arena.

The Swarm, Georgia’s National Lacrosse League team since 2016, will play a “Home Away From Home” game Saturday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m. The game is part of the team’s effort to introduce professional lacrosse to communities outside the Atlanta area.

The event will include pregame activities, giveaways and in-arena entertainment designed to give fans an introduction to the league. The Swarm also plans to bring the music, goal celebrations and family-friendly atmosphere featured at its regular home games at Gas South Arena.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Georgia Swarm to Akins Ford Arena this January,” Paul Cramer, president and CEO of The Classic Center Authority, said. “We're excited to experience the energy that professional lacrosse will bring to the arena during this special home game.”

The Athens game marks the Swarm’s second “Home Away From Home” event, following last year’s game in Edmonton, according to the team’s announcement.

The event adds to Athens’ growing lineup of professional sports, including the Athens Rock Lobsters professional hockey team and the Athens Crush professional indoor football team debuting in the spring.

“The Athens community will love experiencing the best lacrosse players in the world competing in a fast-paced, physical game that showcases incredible skill and athleticism,” owner of the Georgia Swarm John Arlotta said. “Combined with the energy of the arena, music and the Swarm’s signature goal celebration, it’s an exciting, family-friendly experience that we believe will create new lacrosse fans of all ages.”