News Summary
Augusta, Georgia, will introduce a new team to the East Coast Hockey League for the upcoming season, marking a significant milestone in the city’s sports history. With a new 10,500-seat arena under construction, the franchise, operated by Hodges Management Group, aims to bolster community engagement and economic growth. Fans can participate in a naming contest for the team, and deposits for season tickets are now being accepted. Despite budgetary challenges, local officials are hopeful about the potential positive impact of professional hockey on Augusta’s economy.
Augusta, Georgia is set to welcome a new expansion team in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), which will make its debut during the 2027-28 season. This expansion marks the league’s fourth consecutive year of adding new teams, with Augusta bringing the total number of franchises to 32, aligning the ECHL’s structure with that of the NHL and AHL.
The new franchise will be operated by Tim Tebow and David Hodges of Hodges Management Group. In anticipation of the team’s arrival, season ticket deposits are currently being accepted. Additionally, the organization has launched a contest to allow fans to participate in naming the new team, with more details available through AugustaProHockey.com.
A 10,500-seat arena is currently under construction in Augusta, which will serve as the home for the incoming ECHL team. While this venue is expected to enhance community engagement through sports, concerns have been raised about the arena’s name. Even though it was initially referenced as “the new James Brown Arena,” officials are considering selling the naming rights, leading to apprehension among residents who wish to retain the association with the city’s legendary artist.
This marks a notable return for professional hockey in Augusta, which previously hosted the Augusta Lynx, an ECHL franchise that operated from 1998 to 2008. After the Lynx’s departure, hockey returned to the city with a team in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), though that endeavor was short-lived.
The addition of the Augusta team brings Georgia’s representation in the ECHL to three franchises, joining the Atlanta Gladiators and the Savannah Ghost Pirates. The ECHL serves as an important developmental league, producing over 700 players who have progressed to the NHL. Many ECHL alumni have been part of Stanley Cup champion rosters for the past 24 years, demonstrating the league’s significance in nurturing hockey talent.
Local officials and community leaders are optimistic about the economic benefits the new hockey team could bring to Augusta. The new franchise aims not only to attract visitors and generate revenue but also to foster a sense of community pride among residents. Mayor Garnett Johnson has emphasized the potential of professional hockey to energize the local economy and create lasting connections in the community.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the new team, the Augusta Commission is currently grappling with a budget deficit of nearly $11 million. The financial challenges the city faces might influence future initiatives and how local resources are allocated in support of the new arena and team.
In summary, Augusta’s forthcoming ECHL franchise represents another chapter in the city’s sports legacy, one that seeks to enrich the local culture while also addressing fiscal hurdles. As excitement builds in the area for professional hockey’s return, both the team and arena are poised to become central features in Augusta’s landscape come the 2027-28 season.
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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.
