Macon Breaks Ground on New 12,000-Seat Arena, Replacing Nearly 60-Year-Old Coliseum

MACON, Ga. – Hundreds of residents, community leaders, elected officials and project partners gathered Wednesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Macon Arena, a project city leaders say will become one of Macon-Bibb County’s most recognizable landmarks.

The ceremony, held July 29 at the future arena site, marked the official start of construction on a state-of-the-art venue that will replace the nearly 60-year-old Macon Coliseum.

“Today is a groundbreaking, a celebration… it marks a single moment in time,” Mayor Lester Miller said during the ceremony. “But this is more of a testament to who we are as a community. Unafraid to take the big step, to make the hard decisions, to commit to work together, to have the hard conversations and remain committed to each other.”

The more than 230,000-square-foot arena is designed to host concerts, sporting events, graduations, conventions, family entertainment and community celebrations. Depending on the event, the venue will accommodate everything from smaller performances to center-stage concerts with crowds of more than 12,000 people.

Designed by PBK Architects, the arena’s exterior draws inspiration from the Ocmulgee River, while interior architectural features celebrate Macon’s rich musical heritage. Planned amenities include premium seating, outdoor gathering spaces, a 30,000-square-foot flex hall and a permanent home for the Macon Sports Hall of Fame.

Oak View Group Co-Chairman Peter Luukko said the venue is being designed to showcase the city’s unique identity.

“The facility will be Macon,” Luukko said. “You’ll see the local flavor throughout the concourses, local vendors, the taste of Macon, so people will know they are in Macon.”

The arena will also feature an Opportunity Center developed in partnership with the Bibb County School District, giving students hands-on experience in hospitality, event management and related career fields.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents much more than the construction of a new arena,” Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims said. “It represents an investment in the future of Macon-Bibb County and the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled professionals who will help shape our community.”

The project is being managed by MFA Program Management, with PBK Architects leading the design and Barton Malow and Sheridan Construction overseeing construction. Sheridan Construction also built the original Macon Coliseum nearly six decades ago.

“It is a legacy continuing,” said Sheridan Construction President and CEO Christy Kovac. “Jobs, dreams, pride, and a new chapter for Macon.”

Construction will take place on the existing parking lot near Second Street while the current Macon Coliseum remains open and operational throughout the project.

The new Macon Arena is expected to open in late 2028.

Mayor Miller said the arena represents more than a new building.

“Today may mark the start of construction of this singular project,” Miller said. “Let me be clear that this is not just a major milestone, but it is the latest in a string of recent milestones that we’ve achieved together. We are more than this moment. We are all we’ve done together and all we will do together.”