Photo by M. Michael Farr

Form meets function at the recently renovated and award-winning Gwinnett Center. Located just five minutes south of Suwanee down Satellite Boulevard, the center can accommodate large conferences and small meetings while the new Arena at Gwinnett Center is home to the Georgia Force arena football team and Gwinnett Gladiators hockey team as well as a great venue for concerts.

The Arena, opened in February 2003, can accommodate more than 12,000 people. The facility serves as a regional entertainment hub for concerts, shows, exhibitions, touring acts, and sports, providing an opportunity to attract many special entertainment events, such as the 2004 U.S. Novice and Junior Figure Skating Championships, to Gwinnett County for the first time.

The Gwinnett Center, located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway has a 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 11 versatile and adaptable meeting rooms, and a 6,000-square-foot ballroom. For more information about the center, call 800/224-6422 or go to www.gwinnettcenter.com. For information about Gwinnett County's special events facilities and hotel accommodations, check out the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.gcvb.org.

Also housed at the Gwinnett Center is the Hudgens Center for the Arts, which offers a children's art museum, art classes and studio space, exhibits, and a gift shop. For exhibit hours or more information about the Hudgens Center, call 770/623-6002.