The James Brown Arena is being demolished to make way for a new larger, state-of-the-art facility. Photo by Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman

In pictures: Demolition of James Brown Arena is gettin’ down to it

December 14, 2024·Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman·No Comments

The demolition of the James Brown Arena will make room for a new state-of-the art complex. Read more here.

Waylon Jennings played the first concert at the arena on Dec. 14, 1979.

The demolition of the 45-year-old James Brown Arena is underway. Photo by Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman

Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the James Brown Arena was originally named the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center. It was renamed for James Brown in August 2006 only four months before the singer’s death. Photo by Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman

Waylon Jennings played the first concert at the arena in December 1979. Photo by Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman

A litany of musicians played the arena including Prince, Tina Turner, James Brown, Bon Jovi, Alabama and the Beach Boys. Photo by Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman

Not only did musicians take the arena stage, but it was used for sports and sports entertainment. It was home to minor league hockey and the annual cutting horse futurity as well as multiple Harlem Globetrotters’ games and the site of WWE WrestleMania. Photo by Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman

The arena saw many Richmond County high school graduates walk the stage, was the site of the James Brown Family Foundation toy giveaway and many other civic events. James Brown’s funeral was also held at the arena. Photo by Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman

Artist Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman is known for his many murals in downtown Augusta, his graphic art talent at Wier/Stewart and of course, his Happy robot campaign with its buttons and stickers. To learn more, go here.

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In pictures: Demolition of James Brown Arena is gettin’ down to it

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