Athens Rock Lobsters Joined Southern Hockey League
The team moved to the SPHL after clinching the 2025-26 Continental Division regular-season championship title.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Football
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The Athens Rock Lobsters have officially moved to the Southern Professional Hockey League to elevate their level of competition. The organization also recently unveiled the name for its new Indoor Football League team, the Crush.
Why it matters
The move to the SPHL marks a significant step up in competition for the franchise following their successful run in the Federal Prospects Hockey League. Simultaneously, the launch of an indoor football team provides Athens sports fans with a new year-round entertainment option.
The Rock Lobsters recorded an attendance increase of 1,500 fans per game between their first and second seasons, reaching a total of 104,513 regular-season attendees. The team also secured the 2025-26 Continental Division title.
The players
Scott Burt
He is the current head coach and general manager for the Rock Lobsters.
Rob Keefe
He serves as the head coach of the newly established Crush football team.
David Pollack
He is a member of the ownership group for the Athens Crush football team.
Jerome Bettis
The Pro Football Hall of Famer is part of the ownership group for the Crush.
Brian Jordan
He is an owner of the Athens Crush alongside his partners in the group.
The details
The Rock Lobsters play at Akins Ford Arena and have confirmed the return of key players including forwards Jesse Lowell, Daniil Glukharev and Joe Mack, along with center Gleb Bandurkin and defenseman Devyn Mayea. Meanwhile, the Crush, whose name was chosen via a fan vote, will be led by head coach Rob Keefe.
Timeline
The 2025-26 season saw the team win the Continental Division championship.
The Crush team name was revealed at The Classic Center in August 2026.
The Rock Lobsters play the Macon Mayhem on October 16, 2026.
The Crush football team begins play in March 2027.
Season Trajectory
The move to the SPHL positions the Rock Lobsters to compete at a higher level, potentially altering the competitive balance of the division. This shift, paired with the introduction of the Crush, significantly expands the profile of professional sports offerings in Athens.
Fans can look forward to higher-level SPHL competition at Akins Ford Arena beginning October 16, 2026. The launch of the Crush in March 2027 provides a new spectator opportunity for the local community.
The takeaway
The addition of new professional teams reflects a growing demand for year-round athletic events in the city. Residents should prepare for increased traffic and activity at Akins Ford Arena throughout the upcoming seasons.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Football at Akins Ford Arena.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Red and Black.
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