In 2027, metro Augusta could see the return of two very different, but equally popular, venues. Both have been closed since 2024, one by design, the other following Hurricane Helene.
JBA subheader
In December 2024, demolition began on the James Brown Arena, clearing the way for a new, three-story, 10,500-seat venue.
Last week, members of the Coliseum Authority learned that the construction work remains on schedule and on budget.
“Everything is moving on schedule with the steel erection,” Jon Rawlins, Senior Project Manager with Legends Global, updated authority members. “The actual structure itself will be done sometime in May, and then they’ll start flying in roof trusses, which is the highest and last piece of steel.”
Rawlins told ABD that it will be celebrated with what is called a “topping off” ceremony, marking completion of the highest level.
“Sometime in the really early September. It could be earlier than that. It all depends on the progression of steel,” he said.
Savannah Rapids Pavilion (sub-header)
In September 2024, the hurricane caused major damage to the Savannah Rapids Pavilion, including a tree limb that pierced the building and triggered the fire suppression system, flooding the structure.
In Columbia County, commissioners on April 21st approved an $11.5 million contract with Duckworth Development, LLC of Martinez to repair the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. The bulk of that will be $8 million in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds previously approved for a planned upgrade of the facility.
The contract covers repairs and previously approved renovations, such as new lighting, installation of an elevator, new kitchen equipment, updated HVAC, and additions to the building.
Facilities Director Steven Prather said they are scheduling the date to proceed for Duckworth to begin work, likely in early May.
Completion Dates
The contract for Savannah Rapids calls for completion in 485 days. That could mean the pavilion reopens in late 2027.
Target completion for the new arena in Augusta is September 2027.
Coliseum Authority Chairman Cedric Johnson said having both reopened will benefit the region with two popular venues back in business.
“We’re so happy, because one of the things, if we could bring entertainment to this region, then that makes it easier for employers to bring people in who look for those life issues, those places that make life better, that they can go and have a good time, see a good show,” he said. “Even the new hotels that we’re hearing about that are going to open downtown. It is fantastic. We’re just thankful that we can be a part of it.”
By the numbers at the $250 million arena project, there have been 273,097 work hours with 13,210 cubic yards of concrete poured. Rawlins said the work is focused on the exterior of the structure.
“It’s about building in all the exterior elements so you can dry in the arena. Once you dry in the arena, that’s when you can actually start to frame walls interiors,” he explained. “Interior work is really masonry walls, metal frame walls, and then overhead MEP, which is your mechanical for all your air systems, and plumbing for the water systems or the drainage systems that will go throughout the building, and then electrical work as well.”
Follow the progress of the arena construction at https://newaugustaarena.com/.
