News Summary
Augusta, Georgia, is set to welcome back professional hockey with a new team, Augusta Pro Hockey, scheduled to start its inaugural season in October. This comes after a 12-year absence in the sport, spurred by ECHL expansion approval. The ownership group includes notable figures aiming to reinvigorate local sports and engage the community. The team will play in the upcoming New Augusta Arena, enhancing fan experiences. A community-involved naming contest for the team is underway, reflecting a broader initiative to boost the city’s entertainment and economic landscape.
Augusta Welcomes Back Professional Hockey in 2027
Augusta, Georgia, is gearing up for the return of professional hockey after a 12-year hiatus. A new team, tentatively named Augusta Pro Hockey, is scheduled to begin its inaugural season in October 2027. This exciting revival follows the expansion approval from the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), signaling a positive direction for both the sport and the city.
The ownership group behind Augusta Pro Hockey features celebrated former Florida Gator quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, alongside prominent business leader David Hodges. Their collaborative effort is aimed at revitalizing the local sports scene and engaging the community in new ways.
New Arena on the Horizon
Augusta Pro Hockey will play its home games in the New Augusta Arena, a state-of-the-art facility currently under construction. The arena is designed to accommodate over 10,500 fans and will boast amenities such as 14 luxury suites, 25 loge boxes, eight open suites, party suites, and center ice club seating. This modern venue is intended to enhance the fan experience and attract a diverse audience to the games.
Community Involvement and Economic Impact
As part of the team’s launch, the ownership group is conducting a “Name the Team” contest, allowing local residents to submit their ideas for an official name via the website AugustaProHockey.com. This initiative is one of several efforts designed to promote community involvement and engagement surrounding the new franchise.
City officials, including Mayor Garnett Johnson, have expressed enthusiasm about the hockey team’s contribution to Augusta’s growth and the revitalization of the community. Economic development assessments are underway, led by the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority, to evaluate the potential financial impact of professional hockey’s return.
Hockey’s Legacy in Augusta
Augusta has a history of professional hockey, having previously hosted the ECHL’s Augusta Lynx from 1998 to 2008, and the SPHL’s Augusta RiverHawks from 2010 to 2013. The new franchise aims to build upon this legacy while integrating itself into the fabric of local sports culture. ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin believes the combination of high-quality management and a modern venue will lead the team towards success.
A Broader Entertainment Initiative
The return of professional hockey is not just a sports-related event; it is part of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing community entertainment options in Augusta. This initiative includes ongoing developments in housing and retail to improve the overall quality of life in the area and provide residents with more diverse recreational and social opportunities.
Tim Tebow’s partnership with Augusta Pro Hockey aims to create a family-friendly environment that fosters positive experiences for all attendees while leaving a lasting impact on the Augusta community. As the countdown to October 2027 begins, both local hockey fans and newcomers alike are looking forward to the excitement that professional hockey will bring back to the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Augusta, Georgia Welcomes New ECHL Expansion Team
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augusta Takes Big Step Bringing Back Pro Hockey
- Wikipedia: Professional hockey
- WJBF: Hockey Set to Return to Augusta in 2027
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
- ECHL: Expansion Membership for Augusta
- Google Search: Augusta Pro Hockey
- Augusta Chronicle: Tim Tebow Anchors Ownership Group
- Google News: Augusta Pro Hockey
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.
