Construction of the $250 million New Augusta Arena continues to move forward on schedule as crews transition from major concrete work into the next phase of structural development at the downtown site. PCL Construction, serving as the project's general contractor, is overseeing day-to-day operations and coordinating multiple subcontractors to maintain progress across all phases of work.
The Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority owns and operates the Augusta Entertainment Complex, which includes the new arena and the Bell Auditorium. A six-member board appointed by Augusta commissioners governs the authority, with a chairperson appointed by the state legislature. Oak View Group manages the complex.
Crews reached several key milestones in late 2025, completing foundations, piles and aggregate piers that established the building's base. Under PCL's direction, this phase required careful coordination of earthwork and deep foundation crews, supported by drilling rigs, pile-driving equipment and heavy earthmoving machinery. Workers also placed the Level 2 main concourse deck and began progress on the Level 3 suite level, using concrete pump trucks, formwork systems and finishing equipment to maintain placement efficiency.
Concrete operations continued into early 2026, with placement advancing across multiple suite level areas and the Level 4 upper concourse. PCL Construction managed simultaneous work zones to keep crews productive at multiple elevations, supported by cranes and concrete delivery systems. In total, crews have poured more than 7,000 cu. yds. of concrete.
Additional infrastructure improvements included installation of a new sanitary sewer line and delivery and installation of transformers supporting both the arena and the adjacent Bell Auditorium. These efforts were coordinated through PCL's utility and electrical subcontractors, requiring trenching operations, excavation equipment and crane-assisted placement of critical components.
With major concrete work largely complete, crews are preparing for structural steel delivery and erection. That work marks a key transition from foundational construction to vertical building development. PCL Construction is coordinating logistics for incoming steel, including staging, sequencing and crane operations that will support erection activities.
Upcoming activity includes additional suite level deck placements, fire service water line connections and expanded underground plumbing systems. Structural steel is scheduled to begin arriving on site as contractors prepare for erection operations, marking the next highly visible phase of construction.
The project continues to maintain steady productivity with an average of 120 workers on site daily, representing a range of trades coordinated by PCL Construction. Crews logged approximately 25,000 hours in November alone, bringing the total to more than 108,000 hours to date.
Notably, the project has reported zero scheduled delays, reflecting consistent coordination among PCL, its subcontractors and project stakeholders.
As the New Augusta Arena rises alongside the Bell Auditorium, the project represents a major investment in the region's entertainment and economic development, backed by strong construction management and efficient execution in the field.
"This project is a testament to what our community can accomplish when we work together," officials said. "We are building Augusta's future." CEG
