Akins Ford Arena
Thursday, August, 21, 2025
Event Details
Guests should arrive by 6:15 p.m. and enter through Gate 1 for the tour!
Join us for a guided tour of the Georgia Music Collections from the University of Georgia Libraries, where you can explore displays of iconic memorabilia and historic artifacts spanning over eight decades. You’ll see guitars from legends like Duane Allman and Chet Atkins, performance outfits worn by Cindy Wilson and Bill Anderson, tour shirts, backstage passes, and so much more!
Be sure to visit Classic Galleries I and II inside The Classic Center during this Third Thursday as well.
Know Before You Go
Clear Bag Policy
All Akins Ford Arena ticketed performances and sporting events will require patrons to carry their personal items in a clear bag. Backpacks, camera bags, binocular bags, and computer bags are prohibited. Personal items must be secured in a clear bag no larger than 12”x 6” x 12”. Wallets smaller than 5” x 8” x 2” will be accepted at entry.
Exceptions will be made for medical and diaper bags, but proper inspection will be required for entry.
Reminder: When purchasing a clear bag, please ensure the bag is not tinted or covered with patterns or several logos (one logo or initial on the clear bag is acceptable). The purpose of a clear bag is to keep items visible and make your point of entry a smooth, quick, and easy process.
For a full list of prohibited items and entry procedures, visit our Fan Guidelines.
Parking
Parking is available in The Classic Center parking deck with entrances off North Thomas Street and East Broad Street. Limited reserved parking is available on an event-by-event basis. Visit our Event Parking Page for more details.
Rideshare and ADA Dropoff
Rideshare is Strongly Encouraged
Rideshare is strongly encouraged for guests attending events. Let Lyft be your ride to the action! As the Official Rideshare Partner of The Classic Center and Akins Ford Arena, we're here to make getting to and from the event easy.
New to Lyft? Use code LYFT2ATHENS for 50% off your first 2 rides (up to $10/ride). *Subject to Lyft Terms.
Drivers should drop off and pick up on Hickory Street. Guests can enter the Arena using Gate 4.
ADA Drop-Off
Guests with ADA requirements should drop off and picked up on Foundry Street. To access this zone, please enter Foundry Street from E Broad Street.
Smoke-Free Facility
Akins Ford Arena is committed to the health and safety of our guests and employees and is a smoke-free facility. Guests are not permitted to smoke inside or outside the building, and they are not allowed to exit and re-enter for the purpose of smoking. The policies outlined above apply to electronic cigarettes, smokeless cigarettes, and/or vapor cigarettes, as well as traditional cigarettes. Violators may be subject to removal from the facility and/or denied admittance into the facility.
FAQs
