Christmas Made in the South Macon Parking: Free Lots, Shuttles
MACON, Georgia – Christmas Made in the South returns to the Macon Coliseum this weekend, and the Macon Centreplex is telling visitors to expect new parking arrangements because of construction on the new Macon Arena.
Free general parking is available in the Auxiliary Lots across Coliseum Drive. Shuttles will carry people from those lots to the Coliseum.
Shuttle hours
- Friday, November 6: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 7: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, November 8: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Macon Coliseum lot is reserved for patrons with a valid accessible parking placard. Spaces there are first come, first served.
The plaza area works as an active roadway that provides access to the Marriott. The Centreplex asked visitors to stay alert, follow posted signs and listen to staff directions. The venue entrance stays at the front of the building, and the Centreplex said it has put measures in place to help guests enter and exit safely.
Tickets and more information are available at https://bit.ly/4BLTz9I. A map of the new lots and traffic flow is posted with the original notice on the City of Macon website.
About the new Macon Arena
The new arena is slated to open in late 2028. It replaces the Macon Coliseum, which has hosted events for nearly 60 years. Readers can find earlier coverage in Macon’s groundbreaking for the 12,000-seat arena.
“From visitors to athletes to entertainers to staff…we’ve thought about them all in this design,” Mayor Lester Miller said. “This will be a great experience for any person walking through the doors.”
The seating bowl can reconfigure for concerts, sporting events, competitions, family entertainment, community programming and conventions. Luxury suites, club suites and loge boxes will add premium seating. Maximum capacity is 12,298 people, reached with a center stage concert and use of the flex hall.
The attached flex hall covers roughly 35,000 square feet. City officials said it will provide space for an additional ice sheet, tradeshows, conferences and various high school sporting events.
Outdoor plazas and gathering spaces will host festivals, performances, watch parties and civic celebrations. The building will also include dedicated space for the Macon Sports Hall of Fame.
The exterior’s flowing lines are meant to echo the Ocmulgee River, and the building aligns directly with Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Lines along the side represent a musical staff, and lines under the roof lip represent a record. Designers also studied sight lines to give every seat a good view, and a spectator bridge will offer a view of the arena interior and the city.
