Augusta’s new downtown arena is slowly taking shape, and while residents are largely being kept to a distance for safety, the coliseum authority will soon offer press members a walk-through to see inside.
In the meantime, we were invited to see the progress up close Wednesday, during which project leaders provided some updates on the arena. In short, it continues to be on time and on budget, with project superintendent Branden Stephen detailing how all of the concrete and the super structure are complete, the underground stuff is mostly finished. They will be working on the roof this month. The interior framing as well as the parking lot work, electrical and mechanical systems are well underway.
Events at new Augusta arena
One of the big reasons for tearing down the old James Brown Arena and building a new one was because it didn’t have the infrastructure necessary to host some major names in entertainment due to weight restrictions. Coliseum authority vice chairman Brad Usry said that won’t be a problem with the new arena and that managers at Oak View Group are already talking to some promoters and artists. He didn’t give names, but believes “The community will be very excited.”
The new arena will also be NCAA eligible, meaning various sporting events are possible. One that’s guaranteed to be coming is pro hockey, with the announcement that a revamped Augusta Lynx will be hitting the ice soon. Usry also said the ice will allow for more than just hockey, though. There are multiple “on-ice” shows that could come to Augusta, and there have even been discussions about opening the arena to public recreational ice skating…