James Brown Arena
James Brown Arena was a multi-purpose indoor arena in Augusta, Georgia, named in honor of the singer and Augusta native James Brown, known as the "Godfather of Soul." Originally constructed and opened in late 1979 as the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center and designed by architect I.M. Pei, the venue was renamed James Brown Arena on August 22, 2006, following a donation from Brown himself that allowed the city to acquire the naming rights without cost.[1][2] With a seating capacity of approximately 8,000, the arena served as a central hub for live entertainment, hosting major concerts by artists such as those recalled in community memories of events since its inception, as well as sporting events including as the home of the Augusta Fire professional hockey team.[3][4] It represented a key cultural landmark tied to James Brown's legacy, being the only arena worldwide named after a music performer at the time of its renaming.[2] The arena operated until its final events in 2024, after which demolition began in December 2024 and was largely completed by April 2025 to make way for a new multi-purpose facility managed by Spectra Experiences, which has sparked debate over retaining the James Brown designation amid claims from local authorities and pushback from Brown's family and supporters emphasizing the original gift's intent.[5][6][7]History
Planning and Construction
The planning for the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum, later known as James Brown Arena, emerged in the 1970s amid efforts to revitalize downtown Augusta, Georgia. City officials and the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority debated potential sites, initially considering suburban locations before favoring downtown parcels tied to former railroad properties to integrate the facility with urban renewal initiatives.[8] Influenced by local leaders like William Morris Holley, the authority chairman, the project aligned with broader downtown redevelopment, leading to the engagement of internationally renowned architect I.M. Pei, who had previously contributed to Augusta's Broad Street redesign.[9] Pei's firm completed detailed designs by 1975, emphasizing a multi-purpose venue suitable for sports, concerts, and civic events.[10] Construction proceeded on the selected downtown site, resulting in the arena's completion and opening in late 1979 as the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center.[1] The facility's modernist design reflected Pei's signature geometric style, adapted for functionality in a mid-sized Southern city.[11]Opening and Initial Operations
The Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center, later renamed James Brown Arena, officially opened on December 6, 1979, after construction delays that had pushed back the project from earlier projections.[12] The $18 million facility was designed by architect I.M. Pei and owned by the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority, marking a significant upgrade for the city's convention and entertainment infrastructure previously limited by smaller venues.[1][12] Initial operations focused on establishing the arena as a regional hub for concerts, sports, and civic events, with rapid booking to generate revenue and public interest. The first major concert featured country musician Waylon Jennings on December 14, 1979, drawing a near-capacity crowd that filled almost every seat and signaled strong early demand for live performances.[13] Subsequent events in late 1979 and early 1980 included additional concerts and community gatherings, such as graduations and exhibitions, helping to amortize operational costs amid the facility's emphasis on versatile usage for up to 8,000 seated attendees.[4] By 1980, the arena had hosted a mix of national acts and local sports competitions, solidifying its role in Augusta's economy through ticket sales and ancillary spending, though early management prioritized conservative scheduling to build operational familiarity without overextending resources.[14] This phased approach allowed the Coliseum Authority to refine logistics, including parking and security protocols, for sustained viability in a mid-sized market.[11]Renaming in Honor of James Brown
The Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center, an 8,500-seat multipurpose arena, was renamed the James Brown Arena on August 22, 2006, by vote of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority to honor musician James Brown, a native of the Augusta area known as the "Godfather of Soul."[15] The renaming ceremony took place four months prior to Brown's death on December 25, 2006, following his donation of naming rights free of charge to the authority.[16][2] Brown, born in nearby Barnwell, South Carolina, but raised in Augusta after age four, had deep ties to the city, including performing at local venues and contributing to its cultural identity through his music career that spanned funk, soul, and R&B genres.[16] The decision reflected recognition of Brown's local legacy, with the authority citing his influence on Augusta as a key factor in the unanimous board vote, pending confirmation of legal formalities such as trademark considerations.[15] No corporate sponsorship conflicted with the honorary naming at the time, distinguishing it from subsequent naming rights discussions for arena replacements.[2] The renaming enhanced the venue's association with cultural significance, aligning with Brown's status as a pivotal figure in American music history, evidenced by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and over 50 hit singles on the Billboard charts.[15]Design and Facilities
Capacity and Layout
The James Brown Arena featured 7,500 permanent seats in a multi-tiered bowl configuration, allowing for flexible setups across its 23,000-square-foot arena floor measuring 211 feet by 109 feet.[17][18] This layout supported basketball games with capacities around 7,000 spectators, hockey matches accommodating approximately 6,500 to 7,000, and end-stage concerts expanding to about 8,500 through floor seating and risers.[19] Adjacent facilities included a 15,000-square-foot exhibit hall for trade shows or additional event space and six meeting rooms for smaller gatherings or pre-event functions.[17] The design emphasized versatility, with rigging points on the roof (up to 2,400 pounds per point across 396 locations) and a stage area of 40 feet by 60 feet, enabling adaptations for sports, performances, and conventions without major structural alterations.[18]| Event Type | Approximate Capacity |
|---|---|
| Basketball | 7,000 |
| Hockey | 6,500–7,000 |
| Concerts (end-stage) | 8,500 |