‘Unmistakably Macon.’ Officials give peek into new arena’s designs. Take a look
Macon-Bibb leaders have unveiled design plans for the city’s new, multi-purpose arena, which is set to break ground in July and replace the Macon Coliseum.
“The Big Reveal,” as county officials described it in a June 23 news release, took place at The Douglass Theatre Wednesday. Officials said the facility will reshape Macon’s economy, expand opportunities for students and families and keep the community competitive with other Georgia cities vying for major events.
Macon-Bibb officials recently approved a $350 million bond to finance the arena. Final costs haven’t yet been decided.
“I’m going to show you why the commission unanimously approved the $350 million bond just a couple weeks ago. I want to show you what happens when you bring the best of the best,” Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller said at Wednesday’s presentation.
What’s in the designs?
The 230,000-square foot project is designed as a flexible venue capable of hosting high school tournaments, graduations, conventions and large touring shows. Miller said the new arena would serve residents for decades, with a timeline as far ahead as 2050 and 2060.
“We’re building this thing for the future,” Miller said.
Beyond the economic impact, representatives from PBK Architects and MFA Program Management highlighted accessibility and inclusion as core design priorities.
The arena’s design also draws inspiration from local history and culture, incorporating references to the Ocmulgee Mounds and the area’s musical heritage. Architects said they wanted the building to feel rooted in place while functioning as a modern events center.
“Everything is purposeful and unmistakably Macon,” said Melvin Robinson with PBK Architects.
The arena will include a seating bowl in an end-stage, 180-degree concert configuration, and it will have the flexibility to reconfigure for sports and other entertainment events, according to officials. Premium spaces, including club areas, luxury suites and loge boxes, will be available in addition to the bowl capacity.
“There’s not a bad seat in this house,” Will Christenbury with MFA program management said.
Presenters noted that the existing Coliseum struggles with outdated infrastructure and one-way traffic patterns, which they called a “nightmare” for large events.
With a 300-space structured VIP parking garage attached to the arena, and a separate parking facility for 500 spaces under construction, the new site will be supported by traffic studies and redesigned access points to improve flow.
More than an arena
Bibb County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims voiced support for the Macon arena project, calling it an “amazing partnership” backed by school board members and other district leaders.
Sims said the project’s benefits will extend into the classroom, like the Bibb County School District’s Future Career Center integration into the arena.
The center will provide hands-on training for students in fields such as culinary arts and allow them to learn in a working environment that can lead to certifications and jobs.
Miller said the arena is a statement of confidence in Macon’s future, and a way to attract more events and improve quality of life for residents who currently drive to other cities for major shows.
“In Macon, we go big, we go bold,” Miller said. “We’re going to show people that Macon-Bibb County is the place to go. We’re going to show them you don’t have to drive to Savannah, Columbus, Augusta Atlanta to enjoy the nice things.”
Gary Wheat, president and CEO of Visit Macon, said the project is a “game-changing moment for tourism” in the city.
“We want (people) to visit and ... and move here and become our friends and neighbors and support this ecosystem that’s being developed,” Wheat said at the event.
The arena will be built on the current Macon Coliseum site, with construction taking place on existing surface parking lots. Construction will happen in stages, so the Coliseum can continue hosting events and remain open while the new arena is being built.
Officials are targeting a summer 2028 completion date for the project. Lester said the goal is to deliver the arena on time and under budget.
Macon-Bibb County Chief Communications Officer Chris Floore said the arena’s groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled to take place within the next 30 to 45 days.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this project right now,” Miller said. “I can’t wait until 2028 so we can celebrate together, whether that be the first concert or that first graduation…”
This story was originally published June 24, 2026 at 4:07 PM.