AUGUSTA, Ga. (Sept. 16, 2026) – The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority (ARCCA), Oak View Group (OVG), PCL Construction Services, Inc., McKnight Construction, J&B Construction, community leaders and project partners joined together today for a successful topping-out ceremony at the new Augusta Arena, marking the placement of the final steel beam and the completion of the 10,500-seat arena’s structural framework.
PCL Construction is leading the construction management team, with support from McKnight Construction and J&B Construction.
Scheduled to open in Summer 2027, this $250M project is currently on budget and on time and, once completed, will connect to the historic Bell Auditorium.
In addition to being the home of the recently announced ECHL Augusta Lynx, Augusta Arena will be a modern, premier venue capable of attracting major concerts, family entertainment, sporting events, live productions and other large-scale events to Augusta and the surrounding region. The venue is expected to significantly expand the region’s entertainment offerings while creating new opportunities for local businesses and the community.
The topping-out ceremony celebrates major progress in the construction phase of the Augusta Entertainment Complex and highlights the continued transformation of downtown Augusta.
“This milestone is a testament to what is possible when people come together for the common good,” said Cedric Johnson, Chairman of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority. “Thanks to our Authority members, construction partners, community leaders, and the people of Augusta, we are one step closer to completing a state-of-the-art venue that will serve as a source of pride for generations to come."
To elevate the experiences inside the new Augusta Arena, the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority has partnered with Oak View Group, a global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality. In addition to managing the Bell Auditorium, OVG will oversee day-to-day operations of Augusta Arena. Tapping into OVG’s global experience will position Augusta to attract concerts, sporting events, family shows, and major touring productions.
“Reaching this milestone brings us one step closer to opening the doors to a new era of live entertainment in Augusta,” said Peter Luukko, Co-Chairman, Oak View Group. “From concerts and family shows to hockey and community events, this arena will add another important dimension to Augusta’s entertainment landscape. We’re excited to be part of this project and look forward to welcoming fans and audiences when the arena opens in 2027.”
Residents and visitors have been able to see the project rise from the ground up, with crews placing more than 15,000 cubic yards of concrete and installing more than 2,100 tons of structural steel to complete the arena’s framework. The construction management team is currently supported by approximately 215 workers on site each day.
“This project reflects the power of collaboration and what can be accomplished when strong partners come together to serve a community,” said Chris Ritter, district manager for PCL Construction’s Orlando Buildings Division. “We're proud to have played a role in delivering this facility and are especially grateful to our partners at McKnight Construction and J&B Construction, whose collaboration and expertise helped make this achievement possible."
The Augusta Entertainment Complex would also like to thank venue partners Windsor Fine Jewelers, The Conroy by Marriot, Augusta Regional Airport, IBEW Local 1579, KAMO, Mini Melts, Famously Frozen, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and Hawk Law Group.
About PCL Construction
PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished global construction leaders, comprising independent companies operating throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. With an annual construction volume of $9.9 billion USD, PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class-owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.