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Augusta Begins Construction on New Arena for Economic Growth

Construction activities underway for the new Augusta Arena, promising enhanced entertainment and economic growth.

News Summary

Augusta has started construction on the new Augusta Arena, replacing the outdated James Brown Arena. The project aims to foster economic growth by hosting around 100 events annually, creating over 300 jobs and offering premium amenities. This new venue will also resolve flooding issues of the old site, featuring an 800-foot covered concourse for better accessibility. As local businesses advocate for parking preservation, the arena promises to enhance the entertainment experience in downtown Augusta, slated to open in 2027.

Augusta Starts Construction on New Arena Promising Economic Growth and Enhanced Entertainment

Augusta has officially begun construction on the new Augusta Arena, marking a significant transition from the old James Brown Arena, which has already been demolished. This ambitious project aims to boost the local economy and offer an upgraded entertainment experience with various events planned once it opens in 2027.

The new arena will be a 10-story structure designed to host approximately 100 events annually, including musical performances, family productions, and hockey games. A hardhat tour of the site showcased heavy construction equipment over smooth sand, signaling the start of this long-anticipated initiative.

The construction phase currently involves backfilling and settling, ensuring a solid foundation before vertical construction can commence in the upcoming months. The project manager indicates that there will be considerable activity ramping up by the end of this year into 2026, as the project progresses. Construction is anticipated to support over 300 jobs, providing a boost to local businesses, such as nearby restaurants and accommodations.

Premium Amenities and Facilities

The new arena promises various premium seating options, including suites and box seating, designed to enhance the visitor experience. The arena will also feature a wide array of concessions, incorporating popular local restaurants, further enriching the entertainment offerings.

This new arena is strategically designed to resolve previous flooding problems experienced in the old venue. By elevating the event floor to ground level, the need for pumps has been eliminated, ensuring a more stable environment for all events. Additionally, an 800-foot covered concourse will connect the new arena with the nearby Bell Auditorium, improving accessibility for guests and operational efficiency.

Community Impact and Development

While construction is underway, a petition gathering 1,500 signatures from local businesses is advocating for the preservation of downtown Augusta parking spaces, highlighting the community’s concerns amidst the changes. Plans are also in motion for a new shopping center on the site of the former First Baptist Church of Evans, aimed at complementing the arena with retail shops, restaurants, and a bank branch.

The new arena, which received its funding through a voter-approved sales tax, is considered by experts to be optimally designed with 10,000 seats. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential hockey team announcements for the venue, but no confirmations have yet been made.

Environmental and Operational Considerations

In addition to enhancing entertainment options, the project emphasizes sustainability by recycling components from the old arena. Seats, scoreboards, and other fixtures have either been sold or donated, and materials like concrete have been repurposed for use in the new foundation.

The Georgia Public Service Commission and Georgia Power have recently reached an agreement to freeze base rates for three years, potentially benefiting residents and businesses during this extensive redevelopment process.

Overall, the new Augusta Arena is a key part of a larger initiative to revitalize downtown Augusta, attracting larger entertainment events and promoting economic prosperity. Community officials confirm that the arena’s construction schedule remains on track and within budget, promising a bright future for the city and its residents.