A Blossoming Ode to Georgia’s Musical History

Georgia Music Collections from the University of Georgia Libraries at Akins Ford Arena

300 N. Thomas St., Athens, GA 30601
706.208.0900
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Interact with the Georgia Music Collections from the University of Georgia Libraries before watching acclaimed headliners at the new Akins Ford Arena!

The B-52s' Cindy Wilson greets visitors to the exhibits, which also feature more than 200 legendary artists, from Arrested Development to Whisperin’ Bill Anderson.

From James Brown’s red velvet cape to the megaphone used by Michael Stipe on stage with R.E.M., the exhibit displays 18 instruments, 11 t-shirts, 4 pairs of shoes or boots worn on stage, dozens of photos, and hundreds of concert posters and album covers.

The exhibit also features interactive elements, including Spotify playlists, trivia games, and a gigantic floor piano.

A multi-story mural, "A Blossoming Ode to Georgia’s Musical History," is the centerpiece of the permanent exhibition and was created by artist Steven Teller. According to the Teller, “Most of the artists that have had a profound impact on me, happen to have also made major contributions to shaping Georgia’s musical history. My mural design features iconic musicians such as Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Duane Allman and more. It was an absolute challenge to narrow down the list, as there are so many important Georgia musicians that have contributed to the evolution of music.”

Teller’s design was chosen in a blind selection by a community panel. The artist was one of 122 applicants who applied during the nationwide call for a Georgia music history-themed mural in early 2023. The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission approved the design, along with two other artworks for the arena, in September 2023.

Teller is a multidisciplinary artist based in Florida who has created large-scale murals in cities around the globe. His work is characterized by its vibrant colors and depictions of flora and fauna, which reflect his love of the natural world. In addition, he often creates portraits of notable figures. Teller recently completed a mural tribute to the founders of the H&H Diner in Macon, GA featuring the Allman Brothers.

Map

Amenities

Accommodations

Dining

Attractions

Shopping

Sports

General Accommodations

Bus Parking Available:

General

Catering Services:
Handicap Accessible:

General

EV Charging station:
Handicap Accessible:
Parking Available:

General

Handicap Accessible:
Parking Available:

Basketball

Total Number of Courts: 3

Sports Venue

Facility Layout: https://Athens.simpleviewcrm.com/sched/getfilebykey.cfm?filekey=d35d0888-1fa5-4cc6-8fda-1f8b139c3c6a
Lights:
Total SeatingCapacity: 5500

Volleyball

Number of Hardwood Courts: 4
Number of Volleyball Sport Courts: 4
Total Number of Courts: 4

Other Venues

Number of Hockey Rinks: 1

Meeting Facilities

Facility Info

Meeting Rooms

Exhibits Space
Description The Classic Center has 105,000 sq. ft. of convention space, including a 55,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall and 35 breakout rooms.
Floorplan File Floorplan File
Largest Room 55000
Total Sq. Ft. 105000
Theatre Capacity 6000
Banquet Capacity 3000
Number of Rooms 35
Booths 273

GRAND HALL `1-8 (total)

Total Sq. Ft.: 54025
Width: 145
Length: 367
Height: 16
Booth Capacity: 273
Theater Capacity: 6015
Classroom Capacity: 1764
Banquet Capacity: 2820
Reception Capacity: 4060

ATHENA BALLROOM (total)

Total Sq. Ft.: 17700
Width: 110
Length: 160
Height: 18
Booth Capacity: 100
Theater Capacity: 1600
Classroom Capacity: 860
Banquet Capacity: 1000
Reception Capacity: 1900

Athena Ballrooms A-D, G-J (each)

Total Sq. Ft.: 1000
Width: 27
Length: 36
Height: 18
Theater Capacity: 100
Classroom Capacity: 44
Banquet Capacity: 50
Reception Capacity: 75

Athena Ballrooms E & F (each)

Total Sq. Ft.: 4802
Width: 43
Length: 110
Height: 18
Booth Capacity: 20
Theater Capacity: 460
Classroom Capacity: 260
Banquet Capacity: 240
Reception Capacity: 400

Parthenon Room 2

Total Sq. Ft.: 1598
Width: 32
Length: 55
Height: 10
Theater Capacity: 185
Classroom Capacity: 100
Banquet Capacity: 80
Reception Capacity: 120

Parthenon Room 1

Total Sq. Ft.: 1790
Width: 33
Length: 55
Height: 10
Theater Capacity: 240
Classroom Capacity: 100
Banquet Capacity: 120
Reception Capacity: 150

Olympia Room 1

Total Sq. Ft.: 1459
Width: 30
Length: 55
Height: 10
Theater Capacity: 180
Classroom Capacity: 64
Banquet Capacity: 80
Reception Capacity: 110

Olympia Room 2

Total Sq. Ft.: 1790
Width: 35
Length: 55
Height: 10
Theater Capacity: 240
Classroom Capacity: 100
Banquet Capacity: 120
Reception Capacity: 150

THEATRE

Theater Capacity: 2100

EMPIRE ROOM (total)

Total Sq. Ft.: 3724
Width: 76
Length: 49
Height: 12
Booth Capacity: 24
Theater Capacity: 420
Classroom Capacity: 212
Banquet Capacity: 200
Reception Capacity: 300

WILLOW ROOM

Total Sq. Ft.: 1040
Width: 26
Length: 40
Height: 13
Booth Capacity: 7
Theater Capacity: 100
Classroom Capacity: 52
Banquet Capacity: 50
Reception Capacity: 75

OCONEE RIVER ROOM (total)

Total Sq. Ft.: 3871
Width: 79
Length: 49
Height: 12
Booth Capacity: 24
Theater Capacity: 420
Classroom Capacity: 220
Banquet Capacity: 210
Reception Capacity: 300

Oak Board Room 1

Total Sq. Ft.: 345
Width: 23
Length: 15
Height: 9
Classroom Capacity: 10

Oak Board Room 2

Total Sq. Ft.: 345
Width: 23
Length: 15
Height: 9
Theater Capacity: 48
Classroom Capacity: 10

CYPRESS ROOM (total)

Total Sq. Ft.: 2006
Width: 59
Length: 34
Height: 9
Theater Capacity: 230
Classroom Capacity: 104
Banquet Capacity: 130
Reception Capacity: 200

Cypress Room 1

Total Sq. Ft.: 1258
Width: 37
Length: 34
Height: 9
Theater Capacity: 150
Classroom Capacity: 60
Banquet Capacity: 80
Reception Capacity: 125

Cypress Room 2

Total Sq. Ft.: 748
Width: 22
Length: 34
Height: 9
Theater Capacity: 80
Classroom Capacity: 48
Banquet Capacity: 50
Reception Capacity: 70

HIGH SHOALS ROOM (total)

Total Sq. Ft.: 3337
Width: 71
Length: 47
Height: 8
Theater Capacity: 390
Classroom Capacity: 168
Banquet Capacity: 180
Reception Capacity: 250

FOUNDRY PLAZA

Total Sq. Ft.: 5000
Width: 68
Length: 74
Theater Capacity: 560
Banquet Capacity: 320
Reception Capacity: 500

Oconee River Room 1

Total Sq. Ft.: 1862
Width: 38
Length: 49
Height: 12
Booth Capacity: 12
Theater Capacity: 210
Classroom Capacity: 112
Banquet Capacity: 100
Reception Capacity: 150

High Shoals Room 1&2 (each)

Total Sq. Ft.: 1645
Width: 35
Length: 47
Height: 8
Theater Capacity: 190
Classroom Capacity: 84
Banquet Capacity: 90
Reception Capacity: 125

ATRIUM

Total Sq. Ft.: 8400
Width: 84
Length: 100
Height: 45
Booth Capacity: 36
Theater Capacity: 690
Classroom Capacity: 360
Banquet Capacity: 360
Reception Capacity: 520

Athena Ballroom A-E or F-J

Total Sq. Ft.: 9000
Width: 110
Length: 79
Height: 79
Booth Capacity: 45
Theater Capacity: 700
Classroom Capacity: 360
Banquet Capacity: 450
Reception Capacity: 650

OLYMPIA ROOM (total)

Total Sq. Ft.: 3249
Width: 66
Length: 55
Height: 10
Booth Capacity: 20
Theater Capacity: 420
Classroom Capacity: 164
Banquet Capacity: 180
Reception Capacity: 260

PARTHENON ROOM (total)

Total Sq. Ft.: 3388
Width: 68
Length: 55
Height: 10
Booth Capacity: 20
Theater Capacity: 425
Classroom Capacity: 200
Banquet Capacity: 180
Reception Capacity: 270

Empire Room 1 & 2 (each)

Total Sq. Ft.: 1813
Width: 37
Length: 49
Height: 12
Booth Capacity: 12
Theater Capacity: 210
Classroom Capacity: 120
Banquet Capacity: 100
Reception Capacity: 150

Oconee River Room 2

Total Sq. Ft.: 1862
Width: 38
Length: 49
Height: 12
Booth Capacity: 12
Theater Capacity: 210
Classroom Capacity: 92
Banquet Capacity: 100
Reception Capacity: 150

Grand Hall 1

Total Sq. Ft.: 1972
Width: 34
Length: 58
Height: 16
Booth Capacity: 10
Theater Capacity: 192
Classroom Capacity: 72
Banquet Capacity: 120
Reception Capacity: 150

Grand Hall 2-4 (each)

Total Sq. Ft.: 1450
Width: 25
Length: 58
Height: 16/18'
Booth Capacity: 10
Theater Capacity: 120
Classroom Capacity: 72
Banquet Capacity: 80
Reception Capacity: 110

Grand Hall 5

Total Sq. Ft.: 1972
Width: 34'
Length: 58'
Height: 16/18'
Booth Capacity: 10
Theater Capacity: 192
Classroom Capacity: 72
Banquet Capacity: 120
Reception Capacity: 150

Grand Hall 6

Total Sq. Ft.: 5727
Width: 145
Length: 39
Height: 16
Booth Capacity: 22
Banquet Capacity: 200
Reception Capacity: 290

Grand Hall 7

Total Sq. Ft.: 15225
Width: 145'
Length: 105'
Height: 35
Booth Capacity: 83
Theater Capacity: 1334
Classroom Capacity: 576
Banquet Capacity: 710
Reception Capacity: 1025

Grand Hall 8

Total Sq. Ft.: 24300
Width: 150'
Length: 162'
Height: 35'
Booth Capacity: 120
Theater Capacity: 2240
Classroom Capacity: 1080
Banquet Capacity: 1200
Reception Capacity: 1725

Grand Hall 1-5

Total Sq. Ft.: 8410
Width: 145
Length: 58
Height: 16
Booth Capacity: 48
Theater Capacity: 744
Classroom Capacity: 360
Banquet Capacity: 480
Reception Capacity: 690

Grand Hall 1-6

Total Sq. Ft.: 14210
Width: 145
Length: 98
Height: 16/18/35'
Booth Capacity: 69
Theater Capacity: 1186
Classroom Capacity: 480
Banquet Capacity: 600
Reception Capacity: 860

Grand Hall 1-7

Total Sq. Ft.: 29580
Width: 145'
Length: 204'
Height: 16/18/35'
Booth Capacity: 153
Theater Capacity: 2751
Classroom Capacity: 1056
Banquet Capacity: 1600
Reception Capacity: 2300

Grand Hall 6 & 7

Total Sq. Ft.: 21025
Width: 145'
Length: 145'
Height: 16/35'
Booth Capacity: 117
Theater Capacity: 1792
Classroom Capacity: 816
Banquet Capacity: 1100
Reception Capacity: 1580

Grand Hall 6-8

Total Sq. Ft.: 45397
Width: 145'
Length: 307'6"
Height: 16/35'
Booth Capacity: 227
Theater Capacity: 5144
Classroom Capacity: 1872
Banquet Capacity: 2200
Reception Capacity: 3180

Grand Hall 7-8

Total Sq. Ft.: 39670
Width: 145
Length: 268
Height: 35
Booth Capacity: 191
Theater Capacity: 4308
Classroom Capacity: 1536
Banquet Capacity: 2000
Reception Capacity: 2900

AKINS FORD ARENA

Width: 150
Length: 350
Height: 55
Booth Capacity: 150
Theater Capacity: 5500