News Summary
Construction has commenced on a new 10-story arena in Augusta, designed to replace the aging James Brown Arena. Slated to open in 2027, the arena will host approximately 100 events annually, including concerts and sports games. With a seating capacity of 10,000, the venue aims to enhance local entertainment and stimulate the economy, along with creating around 300 job opportunities during construction. The project is funded by a voter-approved sales tax and incorporates sustainable practices by recycling materials from the old arena.
Augusta, GA – Construction has officially begun on a new 10-story arena in Augusta, set to replace the aging James Brown Arena. The development, projected to open its doors in 2027, aims to enhance the local entertainment landscape by accommodating approximately 100 events annually, including concerts, family productions, and hockey games. The facility is expected to not only transform the city’s event offerings but also stimulate the local economy significantly.
The new arena will feature a seating capacity of 10,000, determined to be the ideal size for the Augusta market based on studies conducted by two consulting firms. It will also introduce various premium seating options, such as private suites, box seating, and party facilities, enhancing the overall spectator experience. In a nod to the local culinary scene, concessions at the venue will showcase dishes from some of Augusta’s most popular restaurants, making it a hub for both entertainment and dining.
Currently, the construction site is in the backfill and settlement phase as contractors prepare the foundation. Project managers indicate that structural work is scheduled to start after this initial period, which will last approximately 30 to 45 days. Additionally, the design of the new arena includes plans for a connection to the nearby Bell Auditorium, offering shared resources like a box office and kitchen facilities, thereby optimizing operational efficiency.
The development’s funding comes from a voter-approved sales tax, which municipal leaders believe will keep the project on time and within budget. Officials from the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority have confirmed that the construction remains on track, and they anticipate around 300 jobs will be generated during the building phase, with many workers requiring local accommodations for meals and lodging.
In an environmentally conscious move, materials from the old James Brown Arena, including seats and scoreboards, have been either sold or recycled as part of sustainability efforts associated with the new venue.
The planned name for the new facility is currently referred to as the “new Augusta arena,” with ongoing negotiations regarding formal naming rights.
Meanwhile, in a related development, DeKalb County, GA, officials have commenced construction on two new schools aimed at addressing significant overcrowding issues in the area. A groundbreaking ceremony for these campuses took place on May 13, 2025, marking a pivotal step toward improving educational facilities for the community. The new schools will replace the outdated Sequoyah Middle School, which currently serves over 1,700 students and is over 60 years old.
The constructed facilities will encompass a combined total area of 485,446 square feet and carry an estimated cost of around $228.7 million, funded through a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). These new educational establishments will feature dedicated classrooms, science laboratories, fine arts rooms, gymnasiums, career technology labs, media centers, and a shared kitchen with designated cafeterias.
The anticipated timeline for the schools projects the middle school to open in 2027 and the high school in 2029. School board representatives underscore the importance of delivering high-quality education and the commitment to supporting families within the local community through these new facilities.
The construction of both the new arena in Augusta and the schools in DeKalb County demonstrates a significant investment in regional infrastructure, aiming to uplift community engagement through enhanced entertainment and improved education.
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Additional Resources
- Construction Equipment Guide
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
- WJBF News
- Google Search: Augusta arena construction
- WFXG News
- Google Scholar: James Brown Arena
- Augusta Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta Georgia
- WRDW News
- Google News: James Brown Arena renovation
