‘Spectacular’ Arena Between Atlanta and Savannah Is Part of City’s $1B ‘Flex’
Officials here on Wednesday unveiled renderings of a 10,000-plus-capacity, red-brick arena to be built along I-16 that will, at an estimated $350 million, be the priciest and largest public undertaking of its kind in Middle Georgia’s history.
The for-now-dubbed Macon Arena, with its oval, overhanging rooftop that is symbolic of a vinyl record, an homage to the city’s rich musical heritage, will replace the nearly 60-year-old Macon Coliseum that, until it is razed in a couple of years, sits next door on a high-visibility hillside across the Ocmulgee River from downtown.
The new four-tiered, 230,000-plus-square-foot venue in the city that has been home to Otis Redding, Little Richard and the Allman Brothers is slated to open in summer 2028. The Macon-Bibb County Commission authorized the Urban Development Authority to issue taxable revenue bonds to finance the project.
Beaver Dam Approves Feasibility Study for New Sports Complex
Beaver Dam city leaders have approved the first phase of a feasibility study for a possible multi-purpose sports complex, but officials say the vote does not commit the city to building or owning one.
The Common Council approved a budget amendment June 15 authorizing up to $29,800 from the city’s fund balance for HVS Convention, Sports and Entertainment Facilities Consulting to complete phase one of the study.
According to the council packet, that first phase will look at whether a sports complex could be viable in Beaver Dam. The work is expected to include market and demand analysis, demographic trends, tourism activity, comparable facilities, market demand and possible facility needs.
City Administrator Larry Bierke told the council the current intent is not for the city to own or develop the facility. He says the study would be used to help determine whether the idea is feasible before encouraging private developers to consider the project.
Lakewood Ranch Moves Forward With Next Phase of Sports Complex
A sports campus in Lakewood Ranch could see a major expansion, with county leaders saying it would add a variety of new activities for families and athletes.
The Manatee County Commission agreed to move forward with the next phase of development at Premier Sports Campus. The proposal includes ice rinks and space for sports, events and businesses.
Plans call for a 190,000-square-foot facility featuring four ice rinks, including a 2,500-seat arena, along with retail space, restaurants and sports medicine services. The complex would host different sports, tournaments and community events.
Ice hockey, figure skating, cheer competitions and other events could be coming to the new sports complex by 2028.
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