Augusta, GA

Hockey may return to James Brown Arena after nearly a decade

Published

1 year ago

September 27, 2023

Hockey may return to James Brown Arena after nearly a decade

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Hockey hasn’t been something Augusta has seen since 2009 when the Lynx were the Garden City’s team.

A study showed results on Monday to see the pros and cons of what it would look like if a hockey team made a return if a new James Brown Arena comes to fruition.

“We’re gonna go through it,” said chair of the Coliseum Authority, Cedric Johnson. “Look at it and see if there are some benefits to have in hockey but I guess the proof is in the details. So, we need to go through the details and look at it and analyze it and see what it’s saying.”

A team would bring 32 home games to downtown and into the arena. The study says a team makes the property $993,000 more in profit than without a team.

“We’re not opposed to hockey. I want to make sure everybody understands that,” said Johnson. “Again, the proof will be in the details.”

The saying goes, ‘Build it and they will come,’ but if a team comes, will patrons flock to the JBA to be hockey fans?

“I’m not sure. I’m not sure being honest with you,” said Johnson. “We do know that there are some very vocal fans of hockey.”

They’re looking at places like Savannah, a city of similar size to Augusta, which got a hockey team last year. They’ve sold out 33 of their 36 games and data shows a majority of their out-of-market ticket sales are going to people from Augusta.

In order to find out what will happen, voters first have to approve funding for a new arena.

“If voters don’t say yes, in November, then we have nothing,” said Johnson.

So, if voters do say yes, a new James Brown Arena will come, and maybe Hockey will too.

With the election for the funding, the Coliseum Authority is encouraging everyone to come out and vote.

“Less than 10% of the people coming out. You’re talking about a $250 million arena. We want people to come out and vote. We want to educate them on why it’s so important to come out and vote and we want to educate them on why we need a new arena,” said Johnson.

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Augusta, GA

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

Published

9 hours ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle on US 1 in Aiken County.

The South Carolina High Patrol and Aiken County Coroner’s Office said a pedestrian was walking south on US 1 near Bogeyville Road around 7:18 Sunday night when a 2021 Chevrolet Camero hit them.

The driver of the Camaro was not injured.

The woman was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, according to Coroner Darryl Ables, where she died from her injuries at 8:35 Sunday night.

The victim’s name will be released at a later time.

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Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

21 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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