News Summary
The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority reported significant progress on the construction of the new Augusta arena, which will replace the former James Brown Arena. With about 80 workers on-site, foundation work is nearing completion, and vertical construction is expected to start later this year. The new arena will enhance flood management and improve fan experiences with features like suites and premium seating. This development is part of broader plans to revitalize downtown Augusta and boost the local economy.
Augusta – The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority provided an update on the construction of the new Augusta arena during a meeting held on Tuesday. This new facility is set to replace the recently demolished James Brown Arena and is designed to accommodate over 10,000 attendees, nearly four times the capacity of the Bell Auditorium.
The construction of the new arena is gearing up, with a crew of approximately 80 workers currently on-site focusing on the foundation of the second-floor structure, which will include several suites. Vertical construction is anticipated to commence later this year, following the arrival of steel expected in March or April. The current utility work for the facility has been successfully completed.
The project manager indicates that the foundation work is nearing completion, and adjustments are being made, including the closure of the VIP entrance to the Bell while connector foundation work progresses. The new arena is projected to be finished by 2027.
One significant improvement in the new design is its approach to flood management. It addresses flooding problems experienced by the previous arena by elevating the event floor to the ground level, which reduces the need for pumps and eliminates basement access. In addition to this, an 800-foot covered concourse is being constructed to connect the new arena with the Bell Auditorium, improving accessibility for visitors.
Enhancements for fans are a priority in the new arena’s design. The facility will include upgraded viewing experiences through the addition of suites, loge boxes, party boxes, and a premium club area situated at center ice, ensuring a more engaging environment during events.
The development of the new arena is a strategic component of broader efforts aimed at revitalizing downtown Augusta. City officials highlight that the construction project is expected to stimulate the local economy before the arena even opens by increasing demand for nearby services such as dining and lodging. This initiative aims to attract more large-scale entertainment options to the region.
Additionally, plans for the construction of a proposed hotel on Broad Street are under consideration. The proposed site is located next to the Augusta Candle Co. and across from Garden City Social, pending approval from relevant authorities.
As construction progresses, the regions surrounding the new arena are likely to see an uptick in activity and investment, further enhancing the local economy. The establishment of new entertainment options is expected to draw visitors in not just from Augusta but from surrounding areas as well.
In related news for the region, Amazon Prime Video is set to make its debut as a domestic broadcaster for the Masters Tournament in April, which is expected to add to the region’s growing profile as a center for significant events and entertainment.
Overall, the new Augusta arena represents a significant investment in the community’s future, promising both improved facilities for hosting large events and economic benefits for local businesses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Macon-Bibb County Announces New Arena Development Plans
Renovations Near Completion at Academy of Richmond County
Top Private K-12 Schools Identified in Augusta, GA
Augusta Reveals Plans for Riverfront Revitalization
Tanya Barnhill Turnley Sworn in as New Interim Commissioner for District 4
Hamilton Coleman Wins U.S. Junior Amateur Championship
Augusta’s Broad Street Transformation Begins Soon
Revitalization Efforts Transform Downtown Augusta
Augusta Coliseum Authority Names New Arena After James Brown
Augusta Proposes $426 Million SPLOST 9 Package for City Improvements
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Construction Update on New Downtown Augusta Arena
- Augusta Chronicle: New Augusta Arena Construction Update
- WFXG: New Arena Project in Augusta
- WJBF: Potential New Name for Future Augusta Arena
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
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.
