Augusta, GA
Augusta is one step closer to seeing ice hockey team
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Ice hockey in Augusta is looking more like a done deal than a distant dream.
Now that voters approved the funding for a brand-new James Brown Arena, the plans are starting to take shape.
Oak View, the group that will manage the arena, is working with a company called Zawyer Sports, whose CEO vows to bring ice hockey to Augusta.
He sat down with our Laura Warren to explain why they think Augusta is a great fit.
Laura: “How do you sell out an ice hockey game in a place like Savannah, Georgia?”
Andy Kauffman: “Honestly, it’s just about bringing the community together.”
It’s a model they’ve been able to replicate.
“Started a team out in Lake Tahoe with our buddy Tim Tebow as the managing partner over there. Started a team in Allen, Texas with Miles Jack, who actually played for the Steelers,” said Kauffman.
And now, they’re planning to bring ice hockey to Augusta.
“We have no doubt it’s going to be successful here, and we’re ready to put our money where our mouths are,” he said.
The puck started sliding when voters approved the funds to build a new James Brown Arena. A former Lynx player named John Whitwell really led the charge and captured the attention of Kauffman.
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“Just seeing the success we’ve seen in other markets that quite frankly aren’t positioned as well as Augusta. Augusta has a base of hockey fans from the days of the Lynx,” said Kauffman.
The group that will be managing the arena is called Oak View.
The Coliseum Authority in charge of building the arena says things are moving in the right direction, and we could see the demolition of the old building starting mid-July, which puts us closer to seeing a contract in place for ice hockey.
“Once we are in about two years or so of being able to drop the puck for opening night, we basically claim an expansion membership in the ECHL and we come to town, make everyone proud, and celebrate with you guys,” said Kauffman.
Kauffman says they take a community-first approach, and Augusta will have a say in naming the team. This will be an NHL-affiliated franchise.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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