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.
FULL INTERVIEW:
“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.
TikToker cleans father’s hoarded house – and goes viral
Madison Lovelle posts videos online while going through and cleaning her childhood home after her father died.
Housing costs are often the biggest Georgians deal with every month, so it’s important to try and save money where possible.
Last week, WalletHub released its ranking of the most affordable cities to buy a home. It analyzed 300 cities based on 10 metrics, with the biggest weight going to housing affordability and cost per square foot.
Best city to buy a home in Georgia?
Augusta ranked the highest among Georgia cities, ranking 8th overall and 3rd best in the midsized cities list.
Augusta real estate prices
According to Zillow, as of March, the median list price for a house in Georgia is $205,000 with a median sale price of $187,283. About 57% of sales are under the list price.
The average rent, as of April, is $1,365 per month.
Augusta cost of living
The MIT Living Wage Calculator reports the hourly pay needed to support yourself and/or your family, assuming full-time employment. For Richmond County (Augusta), it’s $20.31 for one adult, $28.16 for a two-adult household with one working, and $14.08 for a two-adult household with both working.
Children obviously increase the wage needed. Depending on how many adults are working, the necessary pay figures may increase by up to $13 for just one child, with more needed for additional children.
Worst city to buy a home in Georgia?
The Georgia city with the lowest ranking on the list overall was Sandy Springs. However, with 300 cities, landing at No. 151 doesn’t make it nearly the worst in the nation. Sandy Springs was No. 56 on the small cities list.
What are the best cities to buy a home in US?
- Flint, MI
- Detroit, MI
- Surprise, AZ
- Yuma, AZ
- Akron, OH
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Memphis, TN
- Augusta, GA
- Indianapolis, IN
- Cleveland, OH
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Senate candidate Derek Dooley made several visits to the area on Friday.
Dooley had stops in both Lincolnton and Augusta on May 29 and was joined by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for his “Georgia First” tour. He spoke about one of the issues he finds in politics.
“But the other piece of it is the corruption. People sit on these committees. They have access to information that none of us have. And then you look up 2 or 3 years down the road and their wealth is just skyrocketing,” Dooley said. “You’re outperforming every investor out there. And I think it’s shameful. I think it erodes trust. It’s something that I will never do.”
“Politicians were out there getting paid. They were coming back home. They’re raising money and campaigning while the government shut down,” Kemp said. “What Derek’s saying, if he’s up there, we’re not going to allow legislators to get paid. We’re going to take away their benefits. That way, you won’t ever have another shutdown again.”
Dooley is facing Congressman Mike Collins in a runoff for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
The winner of the Republican nomination will face incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.
Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man has been arrested after he was accused of hitting two women at Piedmont Hospital in Augusta.
The incident happened on May 14 around 12 a.m.
According to arrest warrants, Bruce Bland struck one victim with a closed hand several times in the face. Bland also threw a garbage can at the victim, hitting her in the head.
The warrant states the victim suffered a bruise on her face.
Bland also hit another victim with a closed hand on her mouth, according to the warrants. She suffered swelling and a bruise on her mouth.
Bland is charged with battery and simple battery, according to the warrants. Both charges are misdemeanors.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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