Nearly 100 Media, Influencers, and Industry Leaders Attend Powerful Preview of The Arena at Southlake

Close to 100 journalists, radio executives, influencers, entertainment managers, agents, recording artists, political dignitaries, and industry tastemakers gathered in Morrow this week for an exclusive preview of The Arena at Southlake, denoting strong regional and industry anticipation for what is ready to become Metro Atlanta’s next major venue.

The 8,000-seat, state-of-the-art arena, developed and owned by Clayton County Public Schools, is changing what a public-school-led facility can be. Designed to serve students by day and the global marketplace by night, the Arena constitutes a bold investment in education, workforce development, and economic growth.

Superintendent Dr. Douglas Hendrix, Sr., and TRP, Now Inc. President & CEO Shahida Mausi, who outlined the game-changing vision behind the project. Superintendent Hendrix also delivered closing remarks.

A dynamic leadership panel featured:

Shahida Mausi, President & CEO, TRP, Now Inc.
Dr. Ralph Simpson, Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services, Clayton County Public Schools
Dr. Monika Wiley, Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Improvement, Clayton County Public Schools
Benjamin Straker, Clayton County Board Chairman, District 9
Jessie Goree, Former Clayton County Board Chairman, Current Board Member, District 3

Discussion topics included:

The Arena as a national model for public-private collaboration
Creating real-world career pipelines through the JA Delta Discovery Center of Clayton County and the CCPS Student Creative Studio
Expanding access to live entertainment and sports in South Metro Atlanta
Generating measurable economic impact for Clayton County
Positioning the facility to compete in the mid-size venue market across the Southeast

The preview also piqued the interest of Georgia State Senator Gail Davenport, underscoring the Arena’s growing visibility at the state level, as well as platinum-recording star Kem.

Guests toured the Arena Bowl, Back of House, Green Room, Dressing Rooms, Catering areas, Junior Achievement space, Career Academy, and Broadcast Lab before gathering for remarks and Q&A.

The overwhelming turnout, spanning traditional media, digital creators, booking agents, and live entertainment executives, signals strong industry confidence in the Arena’s potential to attract major concerts, sporting events, graduations, and regional programming.

As construction moves toward completion, The Arena at Southlake is already generating momentum far beyond Clayton County.

About The Arena at Southlake

The Arena at Southlake is a premier, multi-purpose venue owned by Clayton County Public Schools and overseen by the Clayton County Board of Education. Built to host graduations, school athletics, and milestone moments for Clayton County students and families, the Arena also serves as a destination for concerts, professional sports, conventions, expos, and large-scale community events. With seating for more than 8,000 guests, the facility features flexible event spaces, premium seating, luxury suites, a rooftop terrace, and ample parking, delivering a true no-bad-seat experience. Located minutes from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Arena is positioned to support economic growth, job creation, and tourism across the region.

The Arena at Southlake is a Clayton County school board-owned property, professionally managed by TRP Now, Inc.

Rooted in Clayton. Built for the World.