Augusta, GA

Excitement builds downtown for Bell Auditorium reopening

Published

2 years ago

April 27, 2024

Excitement builds downtown for Bell Auditorium reopening

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – On May 28, the newly renovated Bell Auditorium will be unveiled, with the project now in the home stretch.

As the Bell reopens for its first show on May 31, the James Brown Arena nearby will soon close for construction when the groundbreaking for a new arena takes place in early June.

With the arena closing, it may seem like entertainment crowds heading to downtown may slow down, but Brad Usry, co-chair of the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority, says otherwise.

“I think the economic boom is going to start with the construction, and on the other side with the Bell, we have promoters wanting to come in this building and we’ve got some shows from the horizon that we haven’t announced yet,” he said. “I think the city is going to be really excited about it.”

Sports Center Bar and Grill is only a half-mile away from the James Brown Arena and Bell Auditorium. They see the construction crews coming to town as a good thing.

“I think that the construction workers will be the first I guess, boom, you know. The great thing is, all it takes is one guy,” said Sawyer Whatley, a Sports Center employee. “One guy, he’s gonna come here for lunch, and tell the guys when he goes back like, ‘Hey, man, you want a burger. I got just a spot.’”

The authority oversees the Bell as well as the James Brown Arena next door, which will be replaced with a new arena funded by a sales tax that just took effect a few days ago.

This is what The Lenox will look like once it's built.

The Bell reopens just as city leaders are discussing establishing a downtown entertainment district, which some people think will be just the extra lift the whole effort needs.

Toast of Augusta says the opening of the Bell will bring people in the doors.

“As long as the attractions are there and they are looking like they’re supposed to bring their people down here. Yeah, absolutely. It’d be beneficial for all business owners downtown. If it’s not any traffic traffic is on there or they’re not doing anything with it. Of course, it’s not a benefit to any type of business. But as long as they’re booking and doing what they’re supposed to to keep the business going for themselves it’ll overflow to us downtown people,” said Dominick Cartrell, owner of Toast of Augusta.

It’s adding more to downtown and bringing in more to the area.

“Between Augusta University, the Cyber Center, and all the residential going up, it’s time for us to kind of up our game in downtown Augusta,” Augusta Commission member Sean Franton said last week.

Cartrell said some items need to be addressed before the business boom takes full effect.

“People want to be secure where they go, and that’s one that’s number one. Parking number two and number three, I think they will be very beneficial for being down here. I don’t see a problem with it at all. I think it’s gonna be a massive overflow, especially in the James Brown arena starts,” said Cartrell.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

2 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

14 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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