Atlanta’s vibrant sports scene just got a major upgrade with the opening of the newly renovated Clayton County Convocation Center at Southlake Mall. What makes this venue unique? It’s built within the repurposed shell of former department stores, breathing new life into a long-dormant section of Morrow’s prominent shopping destination.
On opening night, fans packed the arena for its debut event: the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) State Wrestling Championships. While the championships are a familiar tradition, this year’s setting was anything but ordinary.
The GHSA had been searching for a new home for the wrestling finals, and the transformation of Southlake Mall’s unused retail space proved to be the perfect fit. As Morrow Mayor John Lampl explained, the event marks a significant economic and cultural win for the city. “We’re looking forward to it,” Lampl said, expressing excitement for the arena’s potential to revitalize the area.
Tournament Director Bud Hennebaul echoed the sentiment, calling the new location a “really good fit” for the championships and a positive step for Georgia’s wrestling community…