By Terell Bailey at WGXA News / April, 7, 2022

MACON-BIBB, GA (WGXA) - Over the next couple of years changes will come to TWO Macon staples.

The more than century-old Macon City Auditorium and Macon Coliseum will both be getting some much-needed updates.

"We're shutting down for three months," General Manager David Aiello told WGXA.

The updates have been a long-time in the making. According to Aiello, the auditorium updates have been in the works for nearly eight years.

"The current and former Mayors have allowed us to do this with SPLOST funds so, it's been in the planning process for probably 5-8 years."

The biggest renovation for the auditorium will be on its ceiling, it will be removed, and instead exposed beams. Venue leaders, feel the update will improve the acoustics in the building.

Work in the auditorium will be completed in phases. Phase One will be in the summer of '22 while Phase Two in '23.

Once completed event-goers can expect to see more paintings, new carpets, and chairs.

The restrooms in the auditorium are located on the base floor of the facility, the new updates, according to Aiello, will include a set on the main level.

Overall production value is set to increase as the stage will be expanded.

"More lights...more sounds," Aiello noted.

Additionally, other performers could see the updates as a reason to add Macon to the tour list.

"It will allow us to attract maybe some broadway shows that have a bigger footprint, as far as the stage goes."

General Manager Aiello also points out, that artists and performers will be able to load and unload into the building quicker, which can lessen overall expenses for everyone.

At the Coliseum, the venue already received a scoreboard and dasher for the Macon Mayhem. A re-paved parking lot is expected too.

The summer season typically is the venues' slowest time period.

The updates will take place from the end of May until the end of August. Each building is expected to re-open in September. The same schedule applies to the Auditorium in summer 2023.

Macon-Bibbs SPLOST tax will cover the bill.

Aiello affirmed, "Original estimates for the projects were from 12-15 million dollars, and the Coliseum--to re-do the ice floors it's about 1 million dollars."

According to Aiello, "It's a lot of money spent well--to make sure the buildings are up and running and being a positive asset to the community."