The first puck won’t drop in Augusta’s new arena for more than a year.
Area businesses and general hockey fans are already jumping aboard the hockey bandwagon.
The recent buzz started with the selection of the branding and name.
The Augusta Lynx is a tip of the helmet to an era of hockey that began in the mid to late 1990’s.
“We already have a couple of sponsors that have signed on, and we’ve got a couple of conversations for some exclusive sponsorships,” co-owner David Hodges said.
CSRA companies and hockey fans can also secure a place in line when season ticket sales begin. Hodges said they already have more than 2,000 people signed up, which is part of their marketing strategy.
“Those are the three prongs that make this team sustainable: it’s ticket sales, merchandise sales, and then sponsorships.”
Announced in August 2025, co-owners David Hodges and Tim Tebow are bringing back both the sport and the legacy of hockey to the CSRA.
“We’re so excited to be able to bring the Lynx back to Augusta,” Hodges told ABD. “What an amazing community, and hopefully we can steward it well and provide this great family fun for all the fans, and also be able to make a positive impact off the ice, that’s kind of what our state mission is.
The new arena under construction just off Telfair Street will be home to the team. The $250 million project was financed by a Construction Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (C-SPLOST) bond. However, Oakview Group (OVG), which manages the Augusta Entertainment Complex, which also includes the Bell Auditorium, sweetened the pot. It committed $10 million to pay for the arena’s ice floor.
“Our friends at OVG, who were managing the arena, were very instrumental. And then Andy Kaufman from Zawyer Sports was really a key piece in making sure it got here. Then the local community, the political leaders, and those folks have been really great to work with, so it’s a, it’s a team effort,” said Hodges.
Kaufmann is no newcomer to hockey. He was a driving force behind the Savannah Ghost Pirates, which has consistently drawn crowds to its games.
“Savannah certainly proved that the South is a place for hockey, and we are excited about Augusta hopefully being able to run past some of the records that Savannah has set,” said Hodges. “We’re just thrilled with what we’ve seen so far, and hopefully we’ll continue to see the support of the community and the business leaders.”
The first incarnation of the Augusta Lynx played in the 7,000-seat James Brown Arena. It soon gained a reputation as the “loudest house” in the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League). Hodges anticipates that same level of enthusiasm in the new, larger arena.
“Home ice advantage is a real thing, and we’re expecting 10,500 every night of our 36 home games,” he said. “Our stated goal is to sell out every game. When people see the new arena, it lends itself to a very loud environment, and we want it to be tough, the toughest place to play in all the ECHL for the away teams.”
Hodges and Tebow also know the Augusta Lynx is more than simply a sports team. It is part of the local community, and that will be at the heart of the operation.
“It’s our honor to serve, and we’re going to look for ways that we can continue to give back to the community,” he explained. “We do a teddy bear toss night, and give them to kids’ organizations, or even law enforcement that are helping displaced children. Certainly, our affiliation with the Tebow Foundation, we’re going to do our part to fight human trafficking in Augusta and the CSRA.
Still to come will be finalizing an affiliation with an NHL or AHL team. Then begins the search for the coaching staff and recruiting players. Hodges anticipates that it will get underway by next June.
First up? Earning support from the community.
“So, if you own a business, run a business, we’d love to talk to you,” added Hodges.
Information on sponsorships and ticket sales at: www.augustalynx.com/
