President’s Day Puck Drop: Atlanta Gladiators Headline Monday’s Sports Action

Matinee Magic: Atlanta Gladiators vs. Adirondack Thunder
As Atlanta celebrates President’s Day, the city’s professional hockey scene takes center stage with a rare Monday matinee. The Atlanta Gladiators are hosting the Adirondack Thunder for an afternoon showdown that promises high-intensity action for local fans. This matchup is a critical contest for the Gladiators as they look to defend home ice and climb the ECHL standings against a formidable North Division opponent.
- Venue: Gas South Arena (Duluth, GA)
- Time: 1:10 PM EST
- Special Event: President’s Day Matinee featuring $15 ticket deals for all sections.
The Gladiators, the professional "AA" affiliate for the NHL, have historically utilized these holiday matinees to draw large family crowds. Fans can expect a fast-paced game as Atlanta looks to bounce back from a recent stretch of tough outcomes against the Thunder. The atmosphere at Gas South Arena is expected to be electric, providing a perfect professional sports fix while the major leagues are on mid-season hiatus.
ACC Swimming & Diving Championships Continue
While the hockey puck drops in the suburbs, the heart of Midtown Atlanta remains the epicenter of collegiate excellence. The 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Swimming & Diving Championships continue today at the McAuley Aquatic Center on the campus of Georgia Tech. This event features some of the fastest semi-professional-caliber athletes in the world, many of whom are preparing for the upcoming Olympic trials.
- Venue: McAuley Aquatic Center (Georgia Tech)
- Preliminary Events: 12:00 PM EST
- Finals: 6:30 PM EST
Following a strong opening day, local favorite Max Fowler of Georgia Tech and other top performers like Miami’s Chiara Pellacani are expected to be in action. Today’s schedule includes high-stakes diving finals and relay events that will determine the mid-championship standings. For sports enthusiasts in the city limits, this is the premier event of the day, offering a glimpse at future world champions.
Major League Update
Fans looking for the "Big Five" leagues should note that today serves as a recovery period across the national sports landscape. The NBA is currently observing its All-Star break following yesterday's showcase in Los Angeles, meaning the Atlanta Hawks will not return to regular season action until later this week. Similarly, the NHL is on an extended break to accommodate the 2026 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, Atlanta United is in final preparations for their season opener on February 21, and the Atlanta Braves are currently gearing up for the start of Spring Training. Today’s Gladiators game and the ACC Championships represent the best opportunities to catch live, high-level sports action in the Atlanta metro area.