Hockey and possibly a new name are coming to the downtown arena project that is simply being referred to as the New Augusta Arena.
Razing of the former facility, named in honor of James Brown, who called Augusta home, began in 2024 and site work is underway for the new 10,000-seat, 10-story tall facility.
At a Tuesday press conference, Katie Berube, Oak View Group’s director of partnerships, rolled out sponsorship opportunities and when asked if there was a chance that the arena would be renamed for an advertising partner, responded by saying “those are some large investments that we are very excited to secure for the community, Those are opportunities that we may be coming out with in a couple of months.”
She added that businesses have inquired about the opportunity.
Deanna Brown Thomas took to social media to denounce the move.
“My, My… The disrespect. I guess his name don’t mean nothing to some people. God bless the ones that it do matter to,” the Godfather of Soul’s daughter wrote on Facebook.
The former arena was originally named the Augusta Richmond County Civic Center and opened in 1979. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the arena was renamed for James Brown in August 2006 only four months before the singer’s death.
See More: James Brown Arena torn down to make way for new facility
Brad Usry, the Augusta Coliseum Authority Vice Chair, said hockey is definitely coming back and to expect specific information on that at a later date.
Talks are underway to secure a team, but he deferred those questions to the Oak View Group.
The new arena offers more seating than the James Brown Arena did.
Usry said they obtained more parking for the arena crowds by buying a nearby truck parking lot which would add about 250 spaces.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s a Georgia Press Association winner and the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
