A New James Brown Arena – What Would It Look Like?
For a while now, we’ve been talking about a new James Brown Arena. We know that we need it. The current arena opened in the late 70s. It just can’t keep up with most of today’s concert and event setups. It’s been called “functionally obsolete”. The topic of a new arena has been kicked around for years now, but it looks like it might finally happen.
There is a C-SPLOST that has been proposed and will go up for a vote on November 7th. Basically, it will be a half-penny sales tax added on to purchases made in Richmond County to help pay for the new arena. This way anyone who makes a purchase in Richmond County will be helping to fund the new arena. Once the costs have been recouped the tax will go away.
The new arena would be 10,000 seats. Currently the JBA is around 8,000 seats. Not long ago, we talked to Brad Usry, The New Arena Committee Chairman. In that conversation, Brad broke down a lot of info about the new arena, and how beneficial it would be for the CSRA. If you missed that conversation, you can listen to it here.
There is a website dedicated to the possibility of a new arena. On that site, you can see video of what the new arena would look like. Of course I’ve been all in on a new arena for a while. After seeing this video, I’m telling y’all, this is what Augusta needs to take entertainment in the CSRA to the next level. To see what the new James Brown Arena will look like, click here.
Of course, the biggest event in at the JBA every year is Kicks99’s Guitar Pull. Check out some stars you probably didn’t know played that show.
6 Country Superstars You Didn't Know Played Kicks99 Guitar Pull
Did you know these 6 country superstars played the Kicks99 Guitar Pull in the past? Who are they? Well we’ll get to that in just a second. Its crazy to think that its almost Guitar Pull season here in the CSRA. We’re just a little over a month away from announcing this year’s lineup and starting ticket stops for 2023.
The other day I was thinking about all of the artists who have played the show over the years. There really isn’t a major star in country who hasn’t played the show at least once. Whether it was the years at The Bell Auditorium, the USCA Convocation Center or the James Brown Arena. We’ve been so fortunate over the years to have the biggest names in country music grace the Guitar Pull stage.
Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt, they’ve all played Guitar Pull over the years. Kane Brown, Dustin Lynch, Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, they’ve all played it as well. Country legends like Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Byrd, yeah they’ve played too.
I can’t wait to see what this year’s line up looks like. One thing I know for sure is that we’ll be in for a great night of amazing music and fun, just like every year! Keep checking back to Kicks99.com and keep listening for more Guitar Pull info in the coming weeks. Also if you want to check out more lists, articles, photo galleries and more from The Kicks Wake Up Krew, just click here
Here are 6 country superstars you probably didn’t know played the Kicks99 Guitar Pull
Bryan “Dub” Axelson is the host of the Kicks Wake Up Krew on KICKS 99 and has been with Beasley Media Group in Augusta for over 20 years. He got his start in radio by being a regular caller on the Kicks 99 morning show. He was soon hired and has worked in various roles in Augusta, including Promotions Director. He was raised in Georgia, and currently lives in Grovetown with his wife Kelsey, their daughter Maddie, and their 3 dogs. Dub enjoys watching sports, playing golf, spending time with his family, and discovering new music.