Anticipation rises as old James Brown Arena comes down
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - There’s light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to tearing down the James Brown Arena.
The big mess you see is actually a sign of progress.
Old materials are disappearing from the James Brown Arena one layer at a time.
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“The big thing is getting it hauled off,” says Brad Usry, vice chairman of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority. “And it’s a lot of recycling, you know, a lot of metals getting recycled. The first thing you’ll see won’t be going up; you’re going to see it going down and that is filling that hole. I’m going to be so glad to see that hole go away because it’s been a heartache for us as an authority because it’s just a water pit. And so, we’ve had to pump water for 40-plus years down there.”
Within the next several weeks, crews will fill the hole with ground cement from the original arena.
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“They’re tearing up the existing slab on the slab that’s in the basement,” Usry says.
Demolition started in December with walls caving in Jan. Now the only thing left standing is the spot where you used to line up to buy tickets.
“We’re right on target,” says Usry “We’re not doing super and we’re not doing bad. We’re right on target and that’s what we want. We don’t want to be superheroes. If we start rushing, it’s going to cost money and if we get delayed it’s going to cost money. So, let’s just stay on target.”
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The bull’s eye Usry hopes to hit is making sure the class of 2027 walks across the new arena stage.
The demolition process is slow and steady but the next change leaders and construction crews say you’ll see is a cleared site by Masters week.
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