Macon Mayhem under new ownership as season comes to close
The SPHL announced Friday the transfer of ownership to Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC, following a unanimous vote of approval by the SPHL Board of Governors.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon Mayhem is now under new ownership.
According to a Macon Mayhem news release, the SPHL announced Friday the transfer of ownership to Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC, following a unanimous vote of approval by the SPHL Board of Governors.
The team was formerly under an ownership group that took over in 2020.
According to the release, Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC is a veteran-owned and operated organization under the direction of Chuck and Lanai Norris, who also own and operate the SPHL’s Fayetteville Marksmen.
“We are very pleased to announce the transfer of the Macon hockey franchise to Macon Pro Hockey Group, LLC,” SPHL Commissioner Doug Price said. “Professional hockey has deep roots in middle Georgia dating back to the 1970s and we’re looking forward to the continued commitment and direction of this group moving forward. The league remains excited for the future of hockey in Macon based on the proven success of this leadership in another SPHL market.”
According to thesphl.com, Macon averages 2,107 (32.2% capacity) fans at its home games this regular season—the lowest marks in the 10-team league. Fayetteville’s 4,103 average and 42.2% capacity rank fifth and seventh, respectively.
Since the Norris family’s purchase of the Fayetteville franchise in 2017, attendance has increased by more than 100%.
“Our group is extremely excited to embark on this new journey in Macon,” new Macon Mayhem Owner & CEO Chuck Norris said. “The Macon hockey franchise has been an important league partner in the SPHL for many years, and we’re looking forward to helping the organization soar to new heights.”
Norris, a Farmington Hils, Michigan native, moved to Fayetteville in 1989 when he was stationed at Fort Bragg and stayed in the area developing residential and commercial construction, as well as owning and operating various companies.
He credits local support from county leadership in Fayetteville, as well as that team’s arena management company Oak View Group (which also manages the Macon Centreplex), with assisting the team in reaching and exceeding its goals.
“Throughout this process, we were encouraged when meeting with David (Aiello, Oak View Group GM, Macon Centreplex) and Trent (Merritt, Senior Vice President, Oak View Group) as they displayed a similar willingness to create a true partnership like we’ve seen in Fayetteville,” Norris said. “We also had the pleasure of sitting with Mayor (Lester) Miller who shared the importance of hockey remaining and thriving in Macon, while offering support of our team’s vision moving forward.”
Norris has named Alex Wall as Team President. He currently serves in the same role with the Fayetteville Marksmen.
“With each passing day during this process, I grew more excited with the potential of what ‘could be,’” Wall said. “The city of Macon deserves an organization they can be proud of both on and off the ice – and we intend to deliver just that.”
Wall says additions and changes are already underway, with more to come over the summer. The team will continue to play its home games in the Macon Coliseum moving forward.
“Fans can expect a lot from us moving forward – from new and improved theme nights, to giveaways, specialty jerseys, enhanced merchandise, and so much more,” he said. “Each home game will be its own experience – win or lose – and we’re eager to welcome Macon back through the doors for the 2024-25 campaign.”
The Macon Mayhem, currently last place in the SPHL standings, are home tonight at 7:05 for Wilderness Night against Pensacola. They’re also home Saturday night for Margaritaville Night against Pensacola at 6:30. They’ll close the season at home on Saturday, April 6 for Fan Appreciation Night against Huntsville at 6:30.
Season tickets for the 2024-25 are on sale now. You can find information by visiting MaconMayhem.com or calling the Mayhem office at (478) 803-1592.
