The demolition of the 45-year-old James Brown Arena is underway. Photo by Leonard Porkchop ZimmermanDesigned 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 ZimmermanThe 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, and of course, his Happy robot campaign with its buttons and stickers. To learn more, go here.
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