If you’ve lived in metro Atlanta for years but have never ventured to Augusta, you wouldn’t be alone. But city officials and development leaders are hoping to change that. 

A versatile new downtown arena, a riverside urban adventure zone, upgraded golf, and widespread infrastructure enhancements are out to prove there’s more to The Garden City than The Masters and a landmark Hooters (R.I.P.), two and ½ hours east of Atlanta.   

Collectively, the investments in downtown Augusta are creating what city boosters are calling an “Extreme Town Makeover” and “major glow-up” for the second oldest and second largest city in Georgia. 

Below is a quick rundown.

Billed as a fresh, state-of-the-art stage for a variety of entertainment options, the New Augusta Arena project topped out last month on the former site of James Brown Arena, an 8,000-seat venue opened in 1980.  

The new $275-million arena will accommodate about 10,000 visitors for concerts, sporting events, conventions, and other major gatherings, according to Augusta officials. It’s expected to open next year; exact date, TBD. 

No shortage of surface parking in the pipeline for the New Augusta Arena project. Contributed image/Downtown Augusta

Plazas planned outside the new 10,000-seat venue. Contributed image/Downtown Augusta

As part of a broader entertainment complex, the arena will be linked to the historic and recently renovated Bell Auditorium in hopes of luring more visitors, economic growth, and energy to downtown. 

The arena will also set the stage for professional hockey to return to Augusta, with a new ECHL team on tap for the 2027 season.  

Planned arena configuration for ECHL hockey, starting next year. Contributed image/Downtown Augusta

Planned look of the historic Bell Auditorium from Telfair Street, with the attached new arena in the background. Contributed image/Downtown Augusta

Happening throughout downtown Augusta is a comprehensive beautification and revitalization project that’s meant to spruce up the city block by block, with the bulk of work on pace to wrap by spring 2027. 

“Crews are upgrading streetscapes, infrastructure, accessibility, and public spaces to create a more welcoming, connected, and visitor-friendly downtown,” as officials wrote to Urbanize Atlanta via email this week. 

Meanwhile, along the banks of downtown’s Savannah River, a new outdoor urban adventure center called The Forge Augusta is being development near the landmark Freedom Bridge and Augusta Riverwalk. No ETA for the estimated $3-million facility was provided. 

Plans call for ziplining and aerial experiences “that will offer visitors an entirely new perspective on the city’s riverfront,” per officials. (See a similar concept from the same company in Illinois here.) 

Last but not least, on the links front, the 18-hole Augusta Municipal Golf Course—colloquially and affectionately known as “The Patch”—has been redesigned and reopened by renowned architects Tom Fazio and Beau Welling.

Overview of Augusta's downtown and neighborhoods along the Savannah River today. Contributed image/Downtown Augusta

Nearby, golfing icon Tiger Woods (a five-time Masters champion) and TGR Design created The Loop at The Patch. That’s described as a new nine-hole, par-3 course “honoring Augusta’s rich caddie history.”

The development also includes expanded practice facilities and a future TGR Learning Lab for students in the region, scheduled to open in 2028. 

Swing up to the gallery for more context and images from Atlanta’s sister city to the east. 

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