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Augusta’s Morning News with John Patrick & Mary Liz Nolan

Augusta’s Morning News with John Patrick & Mary Liz Nolan

Augusta’s Morning News with John Patrick & Mary Liz Nolan

Ground Broken Ceremoniously For The New James Brown Arena

Author Mary Liz Nolan
Ceremonial Groundbreaking For The New James Brown Arena

Ground was broken today, ceremoniously, for a new James Brown Arena that will replace the existing over 40-year-old structure.

Demolition on the existing structure is expected to begin in late July, with the new arena expected to take about 30 months to complete.

The new state-of-the-art $240 million facility will have 2,500 more seats than the existing arena. Instead of 8,000, the new arena will accommodate 10,500. It’s being funded with the half-cent sales tax that Richmond County voters approved last November.

Mayor Garnett Johnson says the new arena will draw nearly 250,000 people to downtown Augusta on an annual basis. In addition to an enhanced seating capacity, it will also offer premium seating, 12 luxury suites and club boxes.

Premium seats will offer elevated options with greater flexibility. Luxury suites and boxes will include open party suites and loge boxes. The club boxes will be a private area accessible only to Club Seat members and will offer a premium experience. You’ll be able to get a cocktail from the private club bar and take it with you to your seat or around the table with friends.

“The economic impact is great with the new arena generating close to 600 permanent jobs and generating $1.6 billion in economic impact through direct, indirect, and induced spending,” said Johnson.

Renovated Bell Auditorium Opened in May

The newly renovated Bell Auditorium opened in late May, nearly a year after it closed for upgrades and renovations. In fact, it opened the same week the James Brown Arena closed its doors for good awaiting demolition in July.

Once the new arena is open, it will connect to the Bell Auditorium, with a new interior Great Hall.

While the James Brown Arena is being rebuilt, Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority co-chair Brad Usry said the public should be excited about shows on the horizon there. The Bell Auditorium now features a grand, beautiful lobby, the VIP area, a speakeasy, more bathrooms and dressing rooms.

Usry said all the upgrades were done while preserving the Bell’s history.

James Brown Arena to be torn down soon in July making way for a new arena
City of Augusta
JAMES BROWN ARENA

Mary Liz is the News Director and Co-Host of Augusta’s Morning News on WGAC. She spent 11 years as a News Director at an Indiana Radio Station. She has also worked as a former Police and Courts Reporter for The Republic Newspaper and Assistant Marketing Director of Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis. Mary Liz focuses most on local breaking news stories, feature stories on upcoming events, or community-service related organizations and the people who serve them. She has been with WGAC since 1995.

Explore Augusta - 6 Unique Experiences To Enjoy Even As A Local

Augusta is a city that is full of things to see and do. Are you ready to explore Augusta? If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard a common complaint of how there’s “nothing to do in Augusta.” But, sometimes it just takes looking at things from a different perspective.  I know I’m guilty of getting stuck in a routine, which can lead to boredom. Instead of complaining about not having anything to do, shake things up and look around!

I’ve lived in the Augusta area for just over 7 years now, and there are still things that I have yet to experience. Even though I feel like I’ve done a lot of things, there are still many restaurants I haven’t visited and places I haven’t seen. And on top of that, since I’ve lived in the area, there has been continuous growth and new businesses added all the time. 

Of course with holidays, we expect there to be multiple events going on, but the truth is, even without a holiday, there are plenty of activities, shows, entertainment, and more ways to explore Augusta. We’ll take a look at some of the things you can do just about any given weekend in Augusta below!

History Of Augusta

The history of Augusta is rich.  According to the city of Augusta website, the area was established in 1736 by British General James Oglethorpe. The settlement got its name from the bride of Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales. The original settlement was in the area that is now known as Summerville. The area was also home to tribes of Creek and Cherokee Indians.

The Augusta area played an important role during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. And Augusta has the only structure ever built by the Confederate States of American, which is the site of the old Confederate Powderworks.

The Augusta Canal was constructed in 1847, which would lead Augusta to become the second largest inland cotton market in the world.

Another fun fact: Augusta once served at the state capital from 1785 until 1795.

There is so much history to explore in Augusta, and many historic homes and buildings like the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson (28th President of the United States), the George Walton Home (he was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence), the Ezekiel Harris House, and Springfield Baptist Church, which is the oldest African American church in the U.S.

One place that I didn’t add to this list of ways to explore Augusta, but that can teach you a lot about the history is the Augusta Museum of History. Whether you’re from Augusta or not, there are many interesting facts about Augusta throughout the years. They are located at 560 Reynolds Street in Downtown Augusta. Check out their website for hours and admission information.

Ways To Explore Augusta

Now let’s look at a few of the many things to do in the area to explore Augusta, see new things, and learn more about the Garden City!

  • Augusta Adventures Tours & Events

    As someone who’s been on these tours a few times, I can tell you… You will be entertained and learn so much about the history of Augusta.  Every now and then Old Thyme Paranormal joins in to do Ghost Hunting 101 to talk about the local hauntings! This is such a fun thing to do as a local, and even to bring family and friends along when they visit from out of town.

    Learn more on the website HERE.

  • Bike Bike Baby

    Honestly, I didn’t know this was a thing in downtown Augusta until I was looking for things to do. They offer a variety of tours including: Nightlife Leisure Rides, Heart of Augusta Tours, Black History Tours, Happy Hour Hype Tours, and more. Their mission is “to give the people an outlet and give the city’s visitors and locals something different to do.”

    Learn more about them and book your tours HERE.

  • All Equal Parts - Bartender For A Day

    For those who are 21 years of age and older, this would be a really unique and fun experience. All Equal Parts hosts various hands-on workshops throughout the year. But you want to book well enough in advance, because they do sell out!

    Stay up to date on the upcoming events on the All Equal Parts Instagram page!

  • Pedal Pub Augusta

    See the sights around downtown Augusta with a Pedal Pub Augusta tour! Pedal along, enjoy some music, and have fun with your friends. They have a bar and patio where you can enjoy food and drinks before or after the tour too. You can book private and custom tours for large groups and special occasions, or just book individual seats for a small group.

    Learn more HERE.

    Address: 305 12th Street, Augusta, GA

  • Augusta Candle Company

    This is a fun experience for those who like to create. You can curate and hand pour a candle that’s uniquely yours. They have a vast amount of pure fragrance oils you can blend for a custom scent. Choose your jar and your scents to mix up and pour.

    They also have room diffusers, sprays, wax melts, body scrubs, bath salt, lotion, and soap.

    Get more information HERE.

    Address: 1124 Broad Street, Augusta, GA

  • Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show

    Someone sent me information on this fun, unique experience… but I have yet to try it out. This is North America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show. Participants get to enjoy dinner while trying to solve the crime. And the criminal is actually someone in the room! This is geared toward adults, although teenagers may be permitted with adult supervision.

    Currently, they offer 2 shows a month. See dates and times HERE.

    Address: DoubleTree by Hilton – 2651 Perimeter Parkway, Augusta, GA

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