News Summary
Augusta has announced the arrival of a new expansion ECHL hockey team set to debut in October 2027, marking a significant return of professional hockey to the city. The Augusta Commission has approved plans for the team, which will play at a newly constructed downtown arena, as part of a community effort to reinvigorate the local sports culture and economy. With a history of hosting hockey teams, the city aims to engage fans and local businesses while fostering community involvement through a naming contest for the team.
Augusta has officially welcomed the return of professional hockey with the announcement of a new expansion ECHL team expected to debut in October 2027. This development marks a significant moment for the city, which has a history of hosting hockey teams and aims to reignite the sports culture in the region.
The Augusta Commission has approved plans for the team, which will play at a yet-to-be-constructed downtown arena. The ownership group, which includes Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and businessman David Hodges, is currently accepting season ticket deposits. A contest to name the new team has also been launched on AugustaProHockey.com, inviting community involvement in this exciting endeavor.
Tim Tebow expressed his enthusiasm during the announcement, highlighting the positive impact of sports on the community, both on and off the ice. As the city grapples with a nearly $11 million budget deficit, city officials view the return of professional hockey as a way to energize the local economy and attract more visitors to the area.
Previously, Augusta had hosted ECHL hockey through the Augusta Lynx from 2002 to 2008 and the Augusta RiverHawks from 2010 to 2013. The new team will become the third in Georgia, joining the Atlanta Gladiators and Savannah Ghost Pirates. The team will be affiliated with an NHL team, which is anticipated but has yet to be announced.
Plans for the new arena involve creating a 10,000-seat facility funded by a sales tax. This new arena will replace the demolished James Brown Arena, but the lack of a official name for the new venue has sparked discussions about its identity. Many community members had hoped to retain the connection to James Brown’s legacy. However, the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority clarified that the old arena never officially bore his name, and concerns about naming rights remain a point of contention as the community moves forward. The authority had already secured a contract with the ECHL, laying the groundwork for the introduction of the new team.
As the ECHL prepares for its 38th season in 2025-26, the league’s reputation has been bolstered by its success in preparing players for the NHL. Over 700 players have progressed to the National Hockey League, with ECHL alumni having been represented on Stanley Cup champion rosters for 24 consecutive years. This high level of talent ensures fans can expect a competitive and thrilling experience when the new team takes to the ice.
Mayor Garnett Johnson expressed optimism that the return of professional hockey will not only energize the community but also create opportunities for local businesses. The intimate nature of hockey is expected to engage fans directly with the action, enhancing the allure of this beloved sport.
The generating excitement emphasizes how important this return of ECHL hockey is for Augusta. With the groundwork laid for the expansion team and the new arena, the city eagerly anticipates being part of the ECHL family once again, looking forward to the opportunity to foster a renewed hockey community in the coming years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Augusta Welcomes New ECHL Expansion Team
Augusta Prepares for the Return of Professional Hockey
Augusta, Georgia Welcomes New ECHL Expansion Team
Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle
- Wikipedia: ECHL
- Bleacher Report
- Google Search: Tim Tebow Augusta hockey
- OutKick
- Google Scholar: professional hockey in Augusta
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: history of hockey in Georgia
- WRDW
- Google News: Augusta hockey return
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
