YOUR EXPERIENCE, YOUR WAY.
FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE, YOU KNOW THIS WILL BE AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER
Energy fills the air, and you know right away that this is not just a venue – it is an experience. The New James Brown Arena will provide Augusta with a facility we deserve to attract major names, diverse shows, and quality programming. The spectator experience can be whatever you want it to be. Your choice of seats – standard, premium, luxury suite – or no seat at all, just hang out in the club.
11,000+
Seats
More
Leg room
Wider
Seats
Greater
Comfort
The Arena
Premium Seating Experiences
1,100 Premium Seats
For those looking for a richer experience and more exclusivity, premium seats offer elevated options with greater flexibilty.
12 Luxury Suites
The most exclusive option available, each luxury suite provides an indulgent experience for 20 to 24 people in your own private suite.
Club-Level Experience
This private area is accessible only to Club Seat members and offers a premium experience. Grab a cocktail from the private club bar and take in the show from your luxury seat or while gathered around the table with friends.
Exterior Terraces
Terraces overlooking parks and plazas provide an outdoor respite to gather with friends and enjoy the city skyline while enjoying some fresh air.
Event Configurations
Flexible seating and innovative design mean the possibilities are endless
Event Configuration – Basketball
Event Configuration – Center Stage
Event Configuration – Cirque du Soleil
Event Configuration – End Stage
Event Configuration – Mid Sized Rodeo
Event Configuration – Monster Truck
Event Configuration – Trade Show
Event Configuration – Wrestling
Bell Auditorium Expansion
The New James Brown Arena and the Bell Auditorium will be joined together as one with a new interior Great Hall for a truly unique experience at the Augusta Entertainment Complex.
Event Level
Main Concourse & Ballroom Level
The Club
An intimate space for exclusive gatherings, The Club will be located in the shared concourse and accessible independent of scheduled events. This grand room will feature 30’ ceiling heights and a private bar.
Community Spaces
Ballroom
A new state-of-the art ballroom will be available for the community and can be configured in multiple ways for maximum flexibility.
Roof Terraces
Rooftop terraces offer a birds-eye view over the civic plazas and to the Augusta skyline. The rooftop terrace overlooking 7th Street is open and available to all guests, while the 8th Street terrace, connected to the ballroom, offers a private event space unlike any other in Augusta.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms in the concourse building and on the main level will be available for community groups, business meetings, conventions, and civic gatherings.
Public Space + Plazas
The New James Brown Arena will provide opportunities that simply don’t exist now. A grand exterior promenade that extends diagonally through the greenspace creates outdoor rooms and exterior projection screens provide the perfect place for pre-function gatherings with friends or a picnic for Movie Nights on the Lawn. From family-friendly activities, business networking, and of course awesome entertainment, this place will have it all! A new connection to the Bell Auditorium provides benefits for both venues, creating a true complex for Augusta and the region.
7th Street Promenade
Over three acres of new greenspace along 7th Street will create a grand promenade fitting of the new Augusta Entertainment Complex. Year-round events and activities will keep the site activated and establish a point a civic pride for people to meet and build community.
East Entry Plaza – 7th Street
Guests are welcomed by a public plaza and enter into the James Brown Arena and Bell Auditorium via the Great Hall that connects the two facilities.
West Entry Plaza – 8th Street
The 8th Street Plaza offers a grand arrival to the James Brown Arena and provides indirect access via James Brown Boulevard. It is envisioned that this connection will be strengthened in the future.
Public Art Program
$2,000,000 Public Art Investment
A dedicated public art initiative – funded as part of the New James Brown Arena program – will celebrate Augusta’s art and culture throughout the Augusta Entertainment Complex.
Parking & Access
High-frequency shuttles will be available throughout downtown for major events, along with premium parking passes, and convenient rideshare drop-off/pick-up zones.
Budget & Financing Plan
Project Cost:
The Augusta-Richmond County Commissioners has approved the issuance of bonds to fund the New James Brown Arena project not to exceed $240 million. The anticipated total project cost for the New James Brown Arena, Bell Auditorium Expansion, the Great Hall, public plaza, greenspace, public art program, parking lots, and right-of-way improvements is $235 million. This approximation is based on 100% Design Development documents and a construction estimate with a second quarter, 2022 construction start date.
Financing Plan:
Project financing includes $8 million from a previous bond refunding and $25 million in SPLOST 8 funding. If approved by voters, up to $240 million in bonds may be issued to fund the balance of the project costs. . Additional public and private funding sources are being explored to fund a portion of the project costs and reduce the amount of bonds to be issued. Additional funding sources may include grants, sponsorship revenue, and state and federal earmarks.
Return on Investment:
With an economic impact of $1.5 billion in net new spending, $656 million in net new earnings, and $36 million in tax revenue, the return on investment is clear.
Over the Years
1968
Groundbreaking for the James Brown Arena
1974
Exhibition hall opened
1980
Arena opened
2000
New arena name, James Brown Arena, proposed by Austin Rhodes
May 2018
Voters affirm keeping the current location for the new arena
January 2020
The ARCCA selected a team to update the market analysis and project feasibility analysis for the New James Brown Arena
September 2020
New James Brown Arena plans unveiled
March 2021
Voters approve SPLOST 8, including $25 million for the NEW James Brown Arena
November 2, 2021
Bond referendum vote
February 2022
Final event in existing Arena; Events continue at the Bell Auditorium
April 2022
Demolition of Existing Arena & Construction of New Arena Begins
Fall 2024
New James Brown Arena complete!