Movement on the New Macon Arena

The Commission moved a new arena forward with a construction manager at risk and $675,000 for pre-construction, targeting a 10,000-seat facility by late 2028. The Commission also approved lighting upgrades for Caroline Creighton Park, and heard some sharp public comments on transparency and neighborhood investment. 13mins

Was this helpful?

Original Meeting

Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
4694.0
avatar
Nathaniel Shue
Durham, North Carolina
I am a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who has held several governmental roles, including two on a local level. I also have experience in research, operations, and customer service.
View full bio
In This Video
  • The council began the meeting by approving alcohol licenses. The first was for a gas station after confirming property taxes were paid.
  • The council then approved an alcohol license for a food mart.
  • The council then approved a third alcohol license, this time for for Quick Zip on Jeffersonville Road.
  • The Commission introduced a resolution to execute a "construction management at-risk agreement" for a new Macon Arena, approving up to $675,000 for pre-construction services.
  • Barton Mallow Builders was introduced as the construction manager at risk for the new Macon Arena project.
  • The plan for the inclusion of local small businesses in the arena project was then discussed. The project is targeting approximately 15% SLBE (i.e., small business) participation in the arena project.
  • A contractor representative outlined Barton Mallow’s construction tools and timeline, highlighting BIM clash detection, 3D laser scanning for facility modeling, and a fast-tracked phased schedule targeting completion in quarter three of 2028.
  • The capacity of the new arena was confirmed to be 10,000. The project representative said designers were studying options for additional breakout room spaces within cost constraints.
  • The Commission then approved the arena-related resolution. Further details are expected to be discussed at future Commission meetings.
  • The Commission passed a resolution authorizing an agreement with Middle Georgia Outdoor Lighting to purchase and install lighting at Caroline Creighton Park for $628,600, noting that the Commission recently allocated funds for this purpose.
  • The Commission appropriated $50,000 from interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia for counseling and therapeutic programs for crime victims.
  • The Commission dedicated a portion of 3rd Street between Hopper Street and Cherry Street in honor of Joshua "Josh" Rogers and appropriated up to $500 for signage, with plans for a formal unveiling ceremony.
  • A resident gave public comment, offering a pointed critique of priorities and accountability in Macon-Bibb. In particular, the speech focused on calling for transparency, preservation of historic Black sites, neighborhood investment, and accountability on spending.
Your Governments
Your governments list is empty.