On time and on budget.
The Bell Auditorium revitalization project did just that.
“I’m proud, proud that we delivered on the promise we made to citizen of Augusta-Richmond County a year ago,” said Brad Usry, longtime member of the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority and chairman of the new arena committee at the May 28 ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bell Auditorium revitalization project.
The $17.5 million upgrade project added a grand lobby that will connect the auditorium to the new arena, improved dressing room spaces, added a new VIP area and speakeasy and the one the drew audience applause – supplied additional bathrooms.
Read more: Ben Folds bring his Paper Airplane Tour to the Bell May 31
“I’m excited we were able to preserve the Bell’s original character while modernizing the venue for optimal use. I’m ready for the community to experience a show in the new Bell, ready for you to see the beauty and functionality of this world-class venue and ready for friends and neighbors and visitors from near and far to make memories that will last a lifetime,” he said.
Usry also gave kudos to Cedric Johnson, the coliseum authority board chairman, who pushed to have the Bell project done before construction on a new arena. Under original plans, both venues would have been under construction at the same time.
As the project moves ahead, Usry reiterated the commitment to similar results.
“We made a lot of promises, and we intend on keeping every single one of them. Get ready the best is yet to come,” he said.
“We look forward to breaking ground with the new arena. We think this is first class, but just wait until we have the ribbon cutting of the new arena. You will see what first class is about,” Johnson said.
To learn more about the new arena, go here.
The Bell reopens on Friday with artist Ben Folds. Other upcoming shows include An Epic Night of Hits starring Jeezy on June 22; Blippi, the Wonderful World Tour on June 25. For other shows and ticket information, go to aectix.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
