Plans for new arena in Macon move ahead after special commission meeting

According to the Mayor, the goal is to break ground in July 2026. If all goes as planned, the arena is expected to open to the public by the summer of 2028.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County Commissioners have taken the step toward getting a new arena built in Macon. 

At Tuesday night’s special meeting, Commissioners approved PBK Architects to provide architectural services for the new arena.

The planned arena will be built at the existing Macon Centreplex site. Project advocates describe the future venue as an “icon on the interstate”, that could host a wide range of events, including high school sports, graduations, and concerts during the winter months.

Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller emphasized the arena’s economic importance for Macon. He warned that without a new arena, the area could see a decline in tourism and potentially higher taxes for residents.

“It’s our bread and butter. It helps lower the taxes for our citizens. It helps provide public safety by putting new income here, and it helps put heads in beds to help all of our museums and all those things that need and depend on that,” Mayor Miller said.

According to the Mayor, the goal is to break ground in July 2026. If all goes as planned, the arena is expected to open to the public by the summer of 2028.