Clayton County is preparing for one of the most significant educational and community developments in its history — a 7,000-seat arena and convention center led by Clayton County Public Schools and located just steps away from 404 Sports Bar & Grill at Southlake Mall in Morrow, Georgia.
This future-focused facility will sit on the former Sears department store property, a massive 15-acre site that was purchased by the school system in 2021 for $4.4 million. What was once a traditional retail anchor is now being reimagined as a regional hub for graduations, education, career readiness, and large-scale events — signaling a bold shift in how Clayton County invests in its students and its future.
From Sears to Signature Landmark: A Strategic Redevelopment
For decades, the Sears building at Southlake Mall served as a retail cornerstone. As consumer habits changed and anchor stores declined nationwide, Clayton County Public Schools recognized an opportunity to repurpose underutilized commercial space into a long-term educational and economic asset.
The district’s acquisition of the property laid the foundation for a project that goes far beyond a single building. The vision is a multi-use arena and convention complex that strengthens:
- Student achievement
- Workforce readiness
- Community pride
- Regional economic activity
Rather than demolishing and abandoning space, CCPS chose to reinvest locally, keeping the site active, accessible, and relevant.
A 7,000-Seat Arena Designed for Students and the Community
At the heart of the project is a 7,000-seat arena, purpose-built to host:
- High school and district-wide graduations
- Educational conferences and assemblies
- Athletic and academic celebrations
- Community and civic events
This arena will finally give Clayton County Public Schools a centralized, district-controlled venue capable of accommodating large audiences without relying on off-county facilities. For families, students, and educators, that means fewer logistical challenges and more memorable milestone moments — right here at home.
College & Career Academy: Preparing Students for Life Beyond Graduation
Beyond ceremonies and events, the facility will also house the College and Career Academy, reinforcing CCPS’s commitment to preparing students for real-world success.
This component focuses on:
- Career pathways aligned with workforce demand
- Technical and professional skill development
- Exposure to post-secondary education options
- Hands-on learning environments
By placing the academy within this larger complex, CCPS creates an environment where education, aspiration, and opportunity intersect — not just for students, but for the broader community.
Expansion Plans: Suites and a Discovery Center
In 2022, CCPS announced a major expansion of the original plan to include:
- Premium suites within the arena
- A Discovery Center modeled after the nationally recognized center at the Georgia World Congress Center, operated by Junior Achievement of Georgia
What the Discovery Center Means for Students
The Discovery Center concept is a proven model that delivers immersive, real-world learning experiences. Students participate in:
- Financial literacy education
- Career readiness simulations
- Entrepreneurship and workforce training
- Decision-making exercises that mirror adult life
This addition transforms the arena complex into more than an event venue — it becomes a year-round educational engine that equips students with practical skills they’ll carry into adulthood.
Funding the Vision: A $65 Million Public Investment
This project represents a substantial and deliberate investment in Clayton County’s future.
- Clayton County Public Schools: $55 million committed
- Clayton County Government: $10 million through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds
Together, this $65 million investment underscores a shared belief that education, infrastructure, and community spaces are worth funding — and worth doing right.
Economic & Community Impact for Southlake Mall and Morrow, GA
The ripple effects of this development will extend well beyond the school system.
Increased Foot Traffic & Local Spending
With graduations, conferences, and events drawing thousands of visitors, nearby businesses — including restaurants, retail, and services — will see increased activity.
Located just steps away, 404 Sports Bar & Grill is uniquely positioned as:
- A pre-event dining destination
- A post-graduation celebration spot
- A gathering place for families, educators, and visitors
Revitalizing Southlake Mall
The arena and convention center will help reposition Southlake Mall as:
- A community destination
- A mixed-use hub combining retail, dining, and education
- A central anchor for South Metro Atlanta activity
A New Chapter for Clayton County
This project represents more than bricks and seats. It reflects a forward-thinking approach to education, redevelopment, and community investment.
By transforming a former retail anchor into a dynamic arena, convention center, and learning hub, Clayton County Public Schools is:
- Honoring its students
- Strengthening its workforce pipeline
- Reinforcing pride across the county
And with the facility located just steps from 404 Sports Bar & Grill, it further solidifies this area of Morrow, Georgia as a growing center of culture, education, and community life.
Why This Matters for the Community
Projects like this redefine how public spaces serve people. They create places where:
- Students graduate
- Futures are shaped
- Families gather
- Local businesses thrive
Clayton County’s arena and convention center stands as a bold statement: education is the foundation, and community is the force multiplier.
Explore More Near the Clayton County Arena at 404 Sports Bar & Grill
Planning a visit to the future Clayton County Public Schools Arena or attending a graduation, convention, or special event nearby? Make your experience complete with great food, drinks, and game-day energy at 404 Sports Bar & Grill — located just steps away inside Southlake Mall in Morrow, Georgia.
🔗 Internal Links
👉 View Our Full Menu
👉 Make a Reservation
📍 Location & Local Dining
Conveniently located inside Southlake Mall, 404 Sports Bar & Grill is the perfect stop before or after arena events, graduations, shopping trips, or family outings.
🌐 Learn more about Southlake Mall
🏟️ Learn more about the new Clayton County Arena & Convention Center
Whether you’re stopping in for flatbreads, wings, burgers, or drinks with friends, 404 Sports Bar & Grill is your go-to sports bar in South Metro Atlanta.
📍 Location: 1000 Southlake Cir, Morrow, GA 30260
🍽️ Dine-in • Drinks • Game-Day Vibes
No Comments