Latest news with #ColiseumAuthority
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Godfather of Soul's daughter speaks out about new arena's name
AUGUSTA, Ga – (WJBF) – there has been a storm of criticism over the naming of the new arena in Augusta. We're hearing from the Godfather of Soul's daughter about the possibility of James Brown's name not being on the new building. The former Civic Center was named the James Brown arena in 2006. It was recently torn down to make way for a new arena. Earlier this week, leaders of the Augusta Coliseum Authority announced that it is being called the 'New Augusta Arena' and may not bear James Brown's name. Fans and family members say the building should not exclude his name. Here is the statement from James Brown's daughter, Deanna Brown Thomas, and Primary Wave Music: Statement from Deanna Brown Thomas, Daughter of James Brown: I remember the day I called my father to tell him the Coliseum Authority wanted to name the Civic Center after him. He was quiet for a moment, then said, 'Thank you, sugar… that's really something.' For him, it wasn't just an honor—it was a symbol. He believed deeply that young Black boys and girls needed to see names like theirs on major institutions so they could believe in their own potential. That arena, with his name on it, stood as a message: 'You can, too.' The naming of the James Brown Arena was a proud and historic moment—not only for our family, but for the entire Augusta community. It remains the only arena in the world named after a music artist, and it was gifted freely by James Brown himself to the city he loved. His name on that building is a source of pride, legacy, and cultural identity. Neither our family nor Primary Wave—the current steward of James Brown's name, image, and likeness—has ever objected to his name being on the arena. In fact, we have consistently supported it. We were surprised and deeply disappointed to learn that the Coliseum Authority removed his name, and even more troubled by the false implication that this decision is due to permissions, money or rights issues. Let us be clear: there are no financial demands, no restrictions, and no barriers—only our full support for James Brown's name to remain where it belongs. The citizens of Augusta have already spoken through their votes and their voices. They asked for a new James Brown Arena to honor the Godfather of Soul and the enduring impact he made—not just on music, but on this city and the world. We stand united: James Brown's name should stay. It is more than a name—it is a legacy. Primary Wave Music's statement: Mr. Brown gifted his name – free of charge – to the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority. Since becoming stewards of Mr. Brown's legacy, Primary Wave Music has been proud to continue his gift, which remains free of charge. We are appalled that ARCCA is apparently declining continued use of the free license and that its partner is seeking to monetize what has long been a monument to Mr. Brown's generosity and care for his community. We stand with Deanna and the family of James Brown to retain his name on the James Brown Arena. Mr. Brown's name is synonymous with the beautiful city of Augusta. James Brown is more than a name – it is a legacy. Catie Monck Primary Wave Music SVP, Publicity Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Potential new name for future Augusta arena not sitting well with some Augustans
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- The Augusta Coliseum Authority recently gave the press updates on construction for the new arena downtown—including the possibility of a name change. They're expecting to open the arena in May 2027, but a big conversation between now and then is who's name will be on the side of the building. The Coliseum Authority is currently referring to the new arena as the 'new Augusta Arena'—and not the James Brown Arena—because they're having ongoing discussions about naming rights. Conversations have now started online, including a local musician starting a petition to send a message that the name change is the last thing some Augustans want to see. 'My first thought was shock, disbelief, and a lot of anger,' said Chavonne Campbell. Chavonne Campbell is known for entertaining audiences with her voice—the same way James Brown did for many years. She considers him and the Brown family like her own. 'I consider him my uncle, and I also consider him my hometown hero. He's paved the way not only for many icons that we look up to today in many different genres of music, but he also paved the way for me,' Campbell said. The old arena was known as the Augusta Civic Center for nearly 30 years since it was built in 1980. Then, just 4 months before Brown passed, Augusta leaders held a ceremony renaming the arena in his honor in August 2006. Campbell performed in front of Brown at that ceremony. 'I remember standing on those steps right there performing for him while he sat there in the front,' said Campbell. 'We all gave him his flowers while he was able to see it—so why would you take that away from him when he's not here?' Coliseum Authority Vice-Chair Brad Usry says they are planning to sell naming rights, but part of the discussion is who that will be sold to. 'It's a standard in the industry to sell the naming rights, but we don't know who that is yet,' said Usry. He says they do plan to honor James Brown in the new arena—but there are still questions about what that will look like. 'I have no clue, but we will take care of that. But, that is a top priority of ours to take care of James Brown's name. But the standard in the industry is to sell the naming rights,' Usry said. For Campbell, she says anything less than seeing James Brown's name on the arena wouldn't do the local icon justice. 'We had a whole ceremony naming the entire building the James Brown Arena. We can't just give him a gold medal and then dummy it down to a bronze,' said Campbell. Campbell's petition already has hundreds of signatures from people around Augusta saying they do not support a name change. With naming rights in play, The Coliseum Authority has not decided on a name for the new arena for the moment—but they plan to have one by the time it's expected to open in 2 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
