Macon Coliseum | Macon

The Macon Coliseum is a landmark indoor arena located at 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia, and serves as a centerpiece of Middle Georgia’s entertainment and sports landscape. Since its opening in 1968, the coliseum has been a major venue for a wide array of events, including concerts, professional sports, circuses, ice shows, trade expos, and political rallies. It was the first facility of its kind in the state of Georgia, setting the standard for large-scale indoor venues in the region.

Architectural and Structural Overview

Capacity:

Up to 9,252 spectators for concerts.

About 7,200 seats for sporting events like hockey and arena football.

Seating can be adjusted based on the event format, with retractable bleachers and mobile stages.

Structure:

Designed as a large, domed structure with a flexible floor layout.

Includes locker rooms, dressing rooms, a press area, and VIP suites.

A large central scoreboard and modern lighting systems were added or upgraded during major renovations.

Renovations:

A major renovation in 1996 improved seating, restrooms, and concessions.

In 2015, another extensive update modernized the facility's interior, upgraded the concourse and entrances, and added a digital scoreboard and video systems to enhance visitor experience.

Operator:

Managed by Spectra, a professional venue management company, under the ownership of the City of Macon.

Historical Significance and Cultural Legacy

Since its debut in October 1968, the Macon Coliseum has hosted some of the most memorable events in Georgia's entertainment history:

Concerts and Live Music

The Coliseum quickly gained recognition as a major tour stop for musical legends, helping to cement Macon’s role in American music history.

Elvis Presley performed here five times between 1972 and 1977. His concerts in Macon were so impactful that they remain part of local lore.

Other iconic artists include The Jackson 5, Prince, Billy Joel, James Brown, KISS, Bon Jovi, George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Elton John.

The venue continues to host contemporary artists and national tours from country, rock, hip-hop, and R&B genres.

Professional Wrestling

Macon Coliseum has been a notable venue for televised and live wrestling events:

Hosted WCW’s "Clash of the Champions XXI" in 1992.

Several WWE and WCW tapings and house shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Known among wrestling fans for its passionate local fanbase and consistent turnout.

Political Events

The venue has hosted several political rallies and public speeches:

In 2015, Donald Trump held a televised presidential campaign rally.

Other political events have included local elections forums, public addresses by state officials, and civic rallies.

Sports History and Tenants

The Macon Coliseum has had a revolving door of sports teams, especially in minor league hockey and arena football.

Ice Hockey Teams:

Macon Whoopees (SHL) – Brief but historic first team (1973–74).

Macon Whoopee (CHL) – Revived version from 1996 to 2001.

Macon Trax – Competed in ACHL and other short-lived leagues (2002–2005).

Macon Mayhem – The current team in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) since 2015. The Mayhem regularly draw strong attendance and maintain active community engagement.

Arena Football:

Macon Knights (af2, 2001–2006) – Played in the Arena Football League’s development league.

Macon Steel (AIF, 2012) – A brief stint with limited games.

Georgia Doom (AAL, 2018–2019) – A more recent indoor football team that folded before achieving long-term viability.

The facility is also frequently used for high school sports, cheerleading competitions, gymnastics tournaments, and basketball exhibitions.

Current Facilities and Offerings

Modern Concessions: The Coliseum offers upgraded food courts with expanded offerings, including local vendor partnerships during high-attendance events.

Technology Upgrades: High-definition video boards, digital signage, and enhanced sound systems installed to modernize event experiences.

VIP Amenities:

Four luxury suites

Club-level seating during selected performances

Pre-show lounge access for select ticket packages

Parking and Access:

Approximately 2,300 parking spaces, all paved and lighted.

Strategically located near the I-75/I-16 interchange, making it easily accessible for regional visitors.

Fully ADA-compliant entrances, restrooms, and seating areas.

Part of the Macon Centreplex

The Coliseum is integrated into the larger Macon Centreplex complex, which includes:

Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center:

Offers 7,068 square feet of event and meeting space.

Used for conventions, expos, community meetings, and banquets.

Multipurpose Use:

The entire complex is regularly booked for trade shows, college fairs, church gatherings, and festivals.

Economic and Community Impact

The Macon Coliseum plays a central role in economic stimulation through:

Tourism: Large-scale events draw visitors from across Georgia and neighboring states.

Local Business Support: Boosts hospitality industries—hotels, restaurants, and retail benefit during event weekends.

Youth and Community Engagement: The Coliseum hosts school graduations, youth athletic events, and nonprofit fundraisers, making it a central community venue.

Conclusion

The Macon Coliseum is more than just an arena—it’s a historic and cultural cornerstone of the city and Middle Georgia as a whole. With its deep ties to sports, music, and civic life, it represents the evolution of public entertainment and community engagement in the region. Its legacy, spanning over five decades, continues through modern upgrades, diverse programming, and dedicated support from the community and the city of Macon.