Vote to name Athens’ new pro team asks age-old question: Football or music?
ATHENS — How ‘bout them Frawgs?
Athens’ new professional indoor football team is asking fans to choose its name, and the four finalists lean heavily on the Classic City’s two biggest cultural exports: Georgia football and its legendary music scene.
Bullfrogs, Crush, Hedgehawgs and Panic are on the ballot, with fan voting open through Wednesday.
The formula isn’t new. It’s the same playbook that helped turn the Athens Rock Lobsters into one of minor league hockey’s breakout brands.
The Rock Lobsters became a surprise success story after fans chose a name inspired by the B-52s’ hit song. The team embraced the concept, unveiling a guitar-playing lobster logo, blasting “Rock Lobster” after goals and building a brand that quickly spread beyond the arena onto jerseys and hats throughout downtown Athens.
The B-52s, who got their start in Athens, even attended the inaugural home game.
“Their endorsement solidified that what we were doing was right for Athens,” said Britton Briley, the hockey team’s chief marketing officer. “The community was already rallying behind it, but that put the cherry on top of our sundae.”
Now the indoor football franchise is looking for lightning to strike twice.
Two finalists draw from Georgia football. Bullfrogs plays off the University of Georgia’s Bulldogs, while Hedgehawgs references the famous hedges surrounding Sanford Stadium’s playing field.
The other two celebrate Athens’ music legacy. Crush references R.E.M.’s “Orange Crush,” while Panic honors hometown jam band Widespread Panic.
The expansion team’s ownership group includes former Georgia All-American David Pollack, NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis and former Atlanta Braves, and Falcons standout Brian Jordan.
Organizers said early voting has drawn thousands of responses, though they aren’t revealing which names are leading. The winning name and logo will be unveiled in August. The franchise begins play next spring at Akins Ford Arena.
“Merchandise and sales go hand in hand with the brand and logo,” said Briley, who also oversees marketing for the Athens indoor football team. “We have to be meticulous in how we do it, but also make sure it’s something people can love on and wear around proudly.”