Athens pro hockey team name to be tribute to city's music scene. Here's what you chose

A pair of names related to Athens music royalty made the final cut for the Classic City's soon-to-be hockey team, but it was ultimately new wave winning out over those jamming in the streets.

The B-52s hit song was the inspiration behind 'Rock Lobsters' being voted as the team's name revealed in a Wednesday announcement.

'Rock Lobsters' beat out 'Classic City Panic' by just 565 votes from more than 8,000 submitted by the community.

The art pop band founded in Athens in 1976 and its record label Malibu Music gave its blessing to the team's name and worked closely with Ghost Brands, the team's marketing agency, to 'pay homage to their legacy,' the agency said.

"From the start, we knew we wanted a name that encapsulates the unique energy and spirit of Athens," said Britton Briley, director of marketing for the Rock Lobsters. "The response from the community was incredible. The name 'Rock Lobsters' struck a chord with our fans, blending music, creativity, and a touch of humor. It's the perfect identity for our hockey team."

The team's logo is still in its design phase, but creators say they're working on the idea of a lobster holding an electric guitar that transforms into a hockey stick. It will also infuse other elements that encapsulate the 'exciting spirit of Athens and its music heritage.'

What the B-52s think of Athens Hockey team name Rock Lobsters

"Athens, Georgia is our birthplace and where we started our journey 'down the Atlanta Highway' to spread our home grown groove out to the universe," The B-52s said in the statement. "‘Rock Lobster’ was one of our very first songs and we can testify that millions in the galaxy have gone wild to this deep sea surf anthem. We are truly honored to have our hometown hockey team named the Rock Lobsters. As the song declares, 'Let’s rock!’“

Classic City Panic, a nod to the jam band Widespread Panic, was joined by Athenians and Athens Owls as other options during a fan vote that lasted a little more than a week in early April.

The Rock Lobsters open their inaugural season in October and play in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, an 11-team alliance along the East Coast.

They'll play their first home game in the new Classic Center Arena on Oct. 26.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens pro hockey team name to be tribute to city's music scene. Here's what you chose