AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Progress continues on 7th and 8th Street on a new arena in downtown Augusta.
Demolition of the old James Brown Arena is done, and now engineers are getting ready to start building the new one.
The Augusta Coliseum Authority and engineers are giving updates on the biggest project in Augusta’s history.
Engineers are now working on getting sediment ready to build the new structure—but not before a lengthy process to tear down the old JBA.
“We first needed to complete an abatement process to address any hazardous materials. After discovering such materials in the old arena, it was essential to undergo a thorough procedure to prevent their release and ensure proper disposal,” explained Project Manager Jon Rawlins.
The design calls for a connector to join the new arena to the Bell Auditorium.
“The connecting structure will feature a loading dock serving both the Bell and the new arena,” Rawlins mentioned. “This area will include a board room and ticketing services. Upon entry, you can choose to proceed to either the Bell or the new arena.”
Augusta Coliseum Authority Vice-Chair Brad Usry expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress, recognizing the anticipated economic benefits the new arena is expected to provide.
“I’m very pleased because we’re on time and on budget,” said Usry. “We’ve never had an arena that’s seated 10,000 people and sold out—and we’re going to sell it out.”
Plans also call for hockey to come back to Augusta.
It’s a hot topic for the Coliseum Authority, who’s showing optimism despite two failed hockey teams in the past.
“It’s all about the ownership and the league. If you have a good owner and a good league, it’ll succeed. Savannah is showing that, Charleston is showing that, and Jacksonville is showing that,” said Usry.
Another conversation for the Coliseum Authority is potentially changing the name of the new arena.
James Brown’s name was on the old arena for 18 years before closing last May.
Consultants say they are still planning to honor him, but as conversations continue, they’re calling the old JBA “the new Augusta arena”.
“There are conversations about who’s name is going to be on the side of the building,” said Ryan Mahoney. “James Brown’s legacy will be honored, and will always be honored here and at the new arena. Those conversations will go forward, and it’ll be really fun. Just like hockey, it’ll be fun to roll out which business is going to be on the side of the building, it’ll be fun to roll out the name of the hockey team, etc. So, stay tuned.”
Like Usry, Mahoney is also sharing optimism for a hockey team to come back to the Garden City.
“Consultants came in and said that the landscape has changed dramatically since the Augusta Lynx. With new people moving in, and hockey growing in popularity with other like regions having incredible economic development opportunities, that decision was made,” Mahoney said. “The only missing part is who the team is going to be, but those conversations have been moving at the appropriate speed.”
Engineers are expecting to start “going vertical” with the new arena in November or December.
The Coliseum Authority is aiming for Richmond County High schools to host graduation in the new arena with an anticipated opening in May 2027.
