In what has been an incredible year for the region’s cultural and entertainment scene, three of the area’s most prominent venues- the Atrium Health Amphitheater, Macon City Auditorium, and the Macon Coliseum —celebrate a historic milestone with record-breaking numbers, significant economic impact, and a series of highly successful events that have set new benchmarks for both the local community and the regional economy. 

In 2024, these venues hosted more than 200 events and welcomed more than 250,000 attendees across an extensive lineup of concerts, sports events, theater performances, conferences, and trade shows. This exceptional turnout underscores the area’s growing appeal as a cultural and entertainment hub, attracting visitors from more than 100 miles in every direction and beyond.   

The highlight of 2024 is the opening of the Atrium Health Amphitheater. Located off Eisenhower Parkway, this facility is part of the West Macon revitalization project under the leadership of Mayor Lester Miller. Having opened in March 2024, just in its first year, the Atrium Health Amphitheater hosted 22 shows plus other events, welcomed more than 100K fans, sold out two concerts, and helped change the landscape of Macon music.  

Additionally, the Macon Coliseum announced a lease extension with Macon Mayhem, and the hockey team will call Macon home for another five years.  

“This year has truly been remarkable and one I will never forget,” said David Aiello, General Manager for the Macon Centreplex venues. “We’ve hosted some of the most exciting performances and gatherings, and the energy from our guests has been incredible. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure each experience is better than the last, and it’s rewarding to see our venues become such a vibrant and essential part of the community. We’re excited for what’s to come and grateful for the support we’ve received throughout this year.” 

Economic Impact: A Boost to Local Economy 

This landmark year’s success is evident in the packed seats, full event calendars, and the considerable economic contribution the venues have made to the local economy. 

In 2024, the spending associated with the Atrium Health Amphitheater, on average, exceeded $20 million in the community. In addition, the Georgia High School Association’s (GHSA) Wrestling residency at the Macon Coliseum saw an economic impact of $3.35 million.  

“The events hosted by our partners at the Macon Centreplex venues, from sporting events to concerts, brought thousands of visitors to Macon in 2024. Those visitors bring millions of dollars to Macon and the Middle Georgia area, supporting the nearly 4,800 jobs in the visitor economy here,” said Gary Wheat, President & CEO of Visit Macon. “We love the fact that no matter which event people are in Macon to attend, they have an opportunity to experience more of the great hospitality provided by businesses and attractions here in Macon. We hope they see a reason to return to Macon to experience even more in future visits.” 

Notable events 

• Jason Aldean: This was the second sold-out show at the Atrium Health Amphitheater with 10K fans in attendance for this hometown show.  

• Koe Wetzel: This concert was the first sell-out show at the Atrium Health Amphitheater, with 10K fans in attendance.  

• Disney on Ice: Venue record-breaking weekend for attendance in November. 

• Brantly Gilbert: Macon was his last tour stop in October, and he played to a near-capacity crowd at the Atrium Health. 

• Lauren Daigle: Welcomed a near-capacity crowd to the Atrium Health Amphitheater.  

• Jerry Seinfeld: Sold-out show at the Macon City Auditorium in November.  

A Year of Community Involvement 

• Country superstar, Brantley Gilbert, offered a $25 Hurricane Relief ticket to his October show, and we also collected food and other non-perishables collected by the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank and shared with organizations in Augusta following Hurricane Helene.  

• On Thursday, October 31, downtown Macon businesses and organizations opened their doors to trick-or-treaters. The Macon Centreplex team was on site and gave out candy to local trick-or-treaters. 

• WGXA, iHeart Radio, and the Atrium Health Amphitheater teamed up to support education in Middle Georgia by Stuffing the Bus full of new school supplies ahead of the Lauren Daigle concert.  

• This fun-filled, family-friendly event, presented by Atrium Health Navicent, Peach State Health Plan, and Sanford Insurance, featured treats, alongside an exciting array of trucks and emergency vehicles for kids to explore. Attendees enjoyed interactive games, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, and delicious food from local food trucks. This was a free event and saw more than 3,500 patrons through the gates. 

• UGA fans got to experience the ultimate gameday atmosphere with arts and crafts, a dedicated kid’s zone, gameday food, and more. The Atrium Health Amphitheater hosted two free UGA watch parties for the 2024 season, welcoming local sports fans to this outdoor facility for a one-of-a-kind watch party experience.  

• In the Summer of 2024, we welcome the local Chamber of Commerce and its members to the Atrium Health Amphitheater for a special happy hour gathering. 

• In the Summer of 2024, we opened the gates to the Atrium Health Amphitheater and offered public tours on select days.  

Looking Ahead: Something For Everyone 

With this remarkable year in the rearview mirror, the Macon Centreplex team is already setting sights on the future. Having already announced events like Monster Jam, Charlie Wilson, Chicago, the Macon Blues Festival, and a tribute to the late Dickey Betts; fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the three venues’ social media channels as January is shaping up to have a business announce and on sale schedule.  

“We already saw an increasing number of people attending better and better shows at the Auditorium and Coliseum, and the addition of the Atrium Health Amphitheater has truly taken our entertainment options to the next level,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “If you’re one of the few people who have not seen a show at these venues, then you’re missing out. We have shows for every musical taste being scheduled, and I hope to see you at one of them.” 

The new year looks bright, and 2025 will be an incredible year for the fans, Middle Georgia, and the Macon Centreplex.    

About Macon Centreplex 

The Macon Centreplex is comprised of the Macon Coliseum, Macon City Auditorium & the Atrium Health Amphitheater. The Macon Coliseum is home to tenant hockey team, the Macon Mayhem and sits 9,000 patrons. Family shows, concerts, trade shows, GHSA, among others, are frequent entertainment in the venue. The Macon City Auditorium first opened in 1925 and has hosted iconic greats like Otis Redding, The Allman Brothers, and Little Richard. The venue hosts concerts, weddings, private galas, comedy shows, among other events, in its 2,500-seat space. The Atrium Health Amphitheater is a brand, new facility and opened in March 2024 and the inaugural season included Jason Aldean, Turnpike Troubadours, Lauren Daigle, Glorilla & more. Learn more at MaconCenterplex.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

About Oak View Group (OVG) 

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class-owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents.  Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.