Athens Sports Arena’s Founder Athens native Willie A. Green, Sr. earned a football scholarship to the University of Mississippi, where he set a school record for career receiving yards before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the eighth round. Willie played 9-years in the National Football League (NFL) as a wide receiver, with the Detroit Lions (90-93), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (94), the Carolina Panthers (95-96), and the back-to-back Super Bowl Champions Denver Broncos (1997 & 1998).
Green was active in his community as a teen, college player, and professional, contributing to community causes in his home of Athens, Georgia. His unusual civic involvement earned him the nickname “The Mayor of Shelby” during his time with the Carolina Panthers. He is part owner of Deerbrook Golf Club in Shelby, NC, and was the owner of 14 financial services stores in 4 states for 10 years, as well as a Vice President of Government Relations for the financial services industry for over 15 years. Now Willie has started Athens Sports Arena to continue to support his community and provide sports and a rental facility to his hometown of Athens, GA.
We provide many uses for our arena besides just sports. Tournaments, events, concerts, business meetings, and much more! Make sure to contact us today to book your event as space is limited!