Construction Begins on Mobile Arena

Work has officially started on the Mobile Arena, a modern entertainment venue that aims to turn Alabama’s port cities into a hotspot for live events along the Gulf Coast. City officials and project stakeholders celebrated this progress during a groundbreaking ceremony on the 22-acre site that used to house the Mobile Civic Center.

This new arena represents a significant investment from both the city of Mobile and Oakview Group (OVG), the global development firm overseeing the project. The venue is anticipated to be finished by 2027 and is set to host a variety of events, including concerts, sporting activities, family shows, and the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

“After years of conversations and months of planning, it’s exciting to witness the official start of construction at Mobile Arena,” stated Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimson. “This is going to be a game changer for both locals and tourists, making Mobile a key destination for events. It will enhance tourism and offer residents quality activities to enjoy with friends and family.”

The arena’s design will accommodate over 10,000 attendees for major events while also allowing for smaller gatherings. Plans include various ballrooms, luxury boxes, premium seating, and numerous retail and VIP areas, all crafted with insights from local stakeholders. Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Populous are leading the design efforts for the venue.

Keith Parker, a senior architect from Goodwyn Mills Cawood, expressed enthusiasm about their involvement, saying, “We are proud to contribute to such a transformative project right in our community. This state-of-the-art venue will elevate live entertainment, concerts, and our cherished Mardi Gras festivities.”

BL Harbert International, known for its significant projects in the region, has been chosen as the construction contractor. Their previous work includes the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Centre and Auburn University’s Neville Arena.

“This new arena symbolizes Mobile’s strong commitment to growth and the many possibilities ahead,” remarked Dan Price, senior vice president of commercial operations at BL Harbert International. “We are honored to partner in bringing this vision to reality.”

During the ceremony, the Oakview Group introduced the venue’s initial founding partner, the Mobile Coca-Cola Bottling Company. This partnership, facilitated by OVG Global Partnerships, names Coca-Cola as the exclusive beverage provider for the arena, including aspects like product distribution and joint sustainability efforts.

Dan Griffis, president of Global Partnerships at Oak View Group, said, “We are excited to provide a variety of offerings for our customers. Coca-Cola is a fantastic partner that will enhance Mobile Arena’s efforts through innovative and engaging activities in the region.”

Peter Luukko, co-chair of Oak View Group, added that once finished, the Mobile Arena is expected to play a significant role in community and entertainment events locally. City leaders and project partners believe the arena will boost the local economy and offer modern spaces for concerts, sporting events, and cultural activities, including cherished traditions like Mardi Gras.