Gas South Arena broke ground Thursday on a roughly $175 million renovation designed to modernize the 23-year-old Duluth venue and keep it competitive for major concerts, sports and live events.
The project will add a 1,000-space parking deck, new loge seating and private suites, a premium club, upgraded bars and food service, digital signage and newer concession technology. The work is expected to be completed in early 2028.
Renovating while events continue
The 13,000-seat arena is expected to remain open through most of construction. Officials have planned a roughly 10-week closure in summer 2027 to replace seating and complete work that cannot happen safely around live events.
The phased schedule is meant to limit disruptions for teams, performers and visitors while crews reshape public areas and add higher-end hospitality options. The new premium inventory will include personal seat license offerings for some spaces.
How the project is financed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the renovation will use $140 million in revenue bonds along with internal cash reserves. Arena officials said the bonds are expected to be repaid from facility revenues rather than taxpayer dollars.
Gas South Arena opened in 2003 and anchors the larger Gas South District campus. The investment arrives as metro Atlanta venues compete for touring shows and sports events that increasingly expect modern clubs, suites and technology.
Sources: Gas South District, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Rough Draft Atlanta.