ATHENS, Ga. – The wait is over. The Athens Rock Lobsters have officially released the complete 2026–27 SPHL schedule, giving Crustacean Nation its first look at another action-packed season featuring 30 home games inside Akins Ford Arena. The season begins on Friday, October 16, when the Rock Lobsters welcome the Macon Mayhem for Opening Night before another home matchup with Macon just one week later on October 23. From October through March, fans will have 30 opportunities to experience the speed, physicality, and excitement of Rock Lobsters hockey without leaving Athens.
Following one of the most successful inaugural seasons in SPHL history, the Rock Lobsters return with a schedule filled with weekend hockey, holiday games, marquee opponents, and home stands that promise to make The Tank one of the toughest environments in professional hockey once again.
30 Chances to Pack The Tank
The 2026–27 home schedule features 30 games, with the majority taking place on Friday and Saturday evenings, giving fans plenty of opportunities to enjoy hockey with friends, family, coworkers, and fellow members of Crustacean Nation.
Throughout the season, Athens will host league rivals including:
- Macon Mayhem
- Birmingham Bulls
- Fayetteville Marksmen
- Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
- Quad City Storm
- Evansville Thunderbolts
- Pee Dee IceCats
- Knoxville Ice Bears
- Peoria Rivermen
- Huntsville Havoc
Fans can also look forward to several Sunday afternoon contests, a Thanksgiving week home game, a New Year’s Eve celebration, and the annual Education Day game, creating entertainment options for every type of fan throughout the season.
A Schedule Built for Rivalries
The Rock Lobsters will face many of the SPHL’s top contenders multiple times throughout the season, creating intense rivalries that continue to grow each year. Matchups against Macon, Huntsville, Birmingham, Knoxville, Fayetteville, and Roanoke highlight a schedule designed to deliver meaningful hockey from Opening Night through the final weeks of the regular season.
Several extended home stands throughout the year will allow fans to see multiple opponents in consecutive weekends, while road trips across the Southeast will challenge the Rock Lobsters as they battle for playoff positioning.
The Best Entertainment Value in Athens
Every home game offers more than just hockey. From the opening puck drop to the final horn, fans can expect a complete game-day experience featuring high-energy introductions, interactive entertainment, fan contests, specialty promotions, giveaways, great food, and the electric atmosphere that has quickly become synonymous with Rock Lobsters hockey.
Whether it’s your first game or your thirtieth, every night at The Tank delivers a unique experience both on and off the ice.
Secure Your Seats Today
Season Ticket Memberships for the 2026–27 season are on sale now and remain the best way to guarantee your seat for all 30 home games while receiving exclusive member benefits, discounts, and priority access throughout the season.
Fans looking for flexibility can also purchase the popular 10-Ticket Flex Book, allowing ticket vouchers to be redeemed in any combination throughout the regular season. Whether you’re planning family outings, entertaining clients, or attending your favorite rivalry games, the Flex Book provides the freedom to build your own schedule.
Single-game tickets will be released at a later date.
The countdown to Opening Night is officially underway. With 30 home games, returning rivalries, exciting new matchups, and one of the most passionate fan bases in the SPHL, the 2026–27 season is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter for the Athens Rock Lobsters.
View the full 2026–27 schedule, secure your Season Tickets, and get ready to Pack The Tank all season long.