38 maconmagazine.com | December 2024/January 2025
the amphitheater has made a significant impact
economically. According to Vist Macon, attendees
are spending an average of over $1 million in our
community per show, contributing to the growth of
the Macon-Bibb economy.
"This [venue] has not only come to fruition, but
it has been very successful," said Eisenhower
Business Improvement District Executive Director
Jaime Arnold. "The events have been well-attended,
safe, and a positive experience for all."
The Eisenhower Parkway corridor is the largest
commercial area in Macon, and in the Macon Mall's
heyday, it was the busiest. Arnold says businesses
along the Eisenhower corridor are seeing the
benefits from the shows and events happening at
the amphitheater. "We started seeing success as
soon as plans for the amphitheater were announced.
Property values immediately went up by 31%." These
higher property values are useful for those who live,
work, or play nearby.
This was part of the goal Alex Morrison and the
Urban Development Authority (UDA) team had for
the Macon Mall when the UDA became the owner
of part of the property, acquiring the area from Hull
Property Group, who still act as mall managers.
Morrison wanted to bring value, not just to property,
but to the community.
"The thing I'm very encouraged by is that the
community has reciprocated the sense of optimism
"People have reacted by saying that they can't
believe this venue is in Macon, that they're so excited
about what it means for the West side of town."
