Old Macon Coliseum to be demolished once contractors complete new arena

The Macon Coliseum will officially be torn down once Macon’s new 8,500-seat arena is near its completion, contractors announced Tuesday.

The 58-year-old Coliseum, located just off Interstate 16, will remain open through the initial stages of construction but will ultimately be demolished as the new venue is finished.

The announcement comes after questions about the potential demolition of the Coliseum, a fixture in Macon’s live music and sports scenes, were left unanswered when the plans for the new arena were originally unveiled.

Planners have not yet decided if the convention center will be reduced to rubble as well.

The new arena will be built in the parking area outside the Coliseum. 

The county contracted Sheridan Construction and Barton Malow in January to build the new arena. Construction crews will break ground later this summer and aim to finish by May 2028.

“One of the important key factors of the project … is to ensure the current arena stays open and we’re able to keep it functioning and to [have as little] of an impact as possible,” said Jake McCoy, director of operations at Sheridan Construction.

Project managers with Sheridan Construction and Barton Malow vetted dozens of prospective vendors and subcontractors outside the Coliseum Tuesday morning. 

The new arena is expected to exceed 200,000 square feet. A parking garage and additional 35,000 square foot conference hall will be attached to the arena for more capacity.

Project managers have not determined a cost but estimate it will exceed $100 million.

The project is required to contract a majority of its work out to Macon small businesses, McCoy said.McCoy added that the requirement is important so taxpayer money stays “as local as possible.”

David Aiello, district manager for Oak View Group, which manages the Coliseum as well as Atrium Health Amphitheater and Macon City Auditorium, said a brand-new arena will allow Macon to compete with other modern venues around the state.

“While it’s sad to see the old facility go, it’ll be exciting for the new opportunities,” he said.

Designs for the new arena are expected to be completed within the coming months, a county spokesperson said.