Mobile Coca-Cola Bottling Company announced as official in-arena beverage partner, bringing its iconic products and strong regional legacy to Mobile’s premier new venue

MOBILE, Ala. (May 21, 2025) — The City of Mobile and Oak View Group officially broke ground Wednesday on the new Mobile Arena, a $237 million, state-of-the-art entertainment venue that promises to transform downtown Mobile and redefine live entertainment on the Gulf Coast.

Built on the site of the former Mobile Civic Center, Mobile Arena will replace the 60-year-old, outdated facility with a modern entertainment venue capable of hosting top-tier concerts, sporting events and a variety of other entertainment options. It will also be uniquely designed to accommodate mardi gras balls and other long-standing local events. 

Through an operational partnership with industry leaders Oak View Group and Live Nation, this new venue is poised to bring major entertainment acts to Mobile while also providing an enhanced space for local events such as mardi gras balls. The 298,000-square-foot arena will be the showpiece of the 22-acre property, which could see up to $1 billion in total investment in the coming years.

As part of the day’s events, Oak View Group announced that Mobile Coca-Cola Bottling Company will serve as the official beverage partner and the first founding partner of Mobile Arena. Secured by the OVG Global Partnerships team, the partnership will allow visitors to enjoy Coca-Cola products as part of their Mobile Arena experience and include themed retail promotions, fan giveaways and shared commitments to sustainability and community engagement.

“What an incredible day for our community as we celebrate the culmination of years of vision, planning and determination,” said Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber. “Today, we aren’t just breaking ground on a building, we’re ushering in a new era for downtown Mobile.”

Byrne emphasized the arena’s role in revitalizing downtown, calling it a “catalyst that will transform the landscape of our city center and how we experience life in Mobile.”

“For decades, we’ve envisioned a vibrant, dynamic downtown where people live, work and play,” Byrne said. “Today, that vision takes a monumental step forward.”

City and business leaders anticipate the arena will serve as an anchor for new development by attracting restaurants, shops and residential projects while drawing visitors from across the Gulf Coast.

He added that the arena’s economic impact will extend far beyond its footprint.

“Tourism will flourish. Job opportunities will multiply. Our tax base will grow, enabling further investments in infrastructure and public services,” Byrne said. “Most importantly, our young people will see Mobile as a place of opportunity and excitement. They will see it as a place worth staying or returning to after college.”

Byrne credited Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s leadership with laying the groundwork for transformative projects like Mobile Arena.

Byrne praised Stimpson’s “One Mobile” vision for uniting the city across neighborhoods, industries and demographics.

“He recognized early on that a thriving downtown is essential to a prosperous Mobile and has championed projects that are already reshaping our city center, from Dauphin Street’s renaissance to major developments along the Mobile River,” Byrne said. “He’s improved our quality of life through parks, public safety and cultural amenities, always with a commitment to transparency and citizen engagement.”

“After years of discussion and months of planning, we are beyond excited to see construction officially begin at Mobile Arena,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “This will be a game-changer for Mobilians and visitors in our city. It will make Mobile a true event destination, driving tourism and providing residents with quality events to enjoy with their friends, families and neighbors.”

Flexible seating and layout options will allow the new arena to easily accommodate a range of activities, including smaller shows and larger events with more than 10,000 spectators and fans. The design also includes multiple ballrooms capable of hosting events of all sizes, offering greater flexibility for Mardi Gras balls and local gatherings, while creating additional spaces for conventions.

As the global leader in live experience venue development, management and premium hospitality, OVG brings unparalleled expertise to this partnership. OVG owns and operates a wide range of venues globally, including stadiums, arenas, theaters, convention centers and cultural attractions. Together with Live Nation, they will bring in the performances and events that draw visitors from across the region.

“The Mobile Arena project reflects everything we believe in at Oak View Group – creating world-class venues that serve their communities and deliver unforgettable live experiences,” said Peter Luukko, Co-Chair, Oak View Group. “Together, we’re building a destination that reflects the spirit of Mobile while attracting top-tier music, sports and community events to the Gulf Coast.”

Dan Griffis, President of Global Partnerships, Oak View Group added, “We’re proud to partner with the City of Mobile on this transformative project and to welcome Mobile Coca-Cola Bottling Company as the official beverage rights partner. Coca-Cola is a terrific partner who will help us enhance Mobile Arena’s initiatives through imaginative and creative customer activations across the region.”

The construction of Mobile Arena will be handled by BL Harbert International, an industry leader that has built a variety of major venues around the world and throughout the region, including the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center in Mobile and Neville Arena on the campus of Auburn University.

 “The new arena will stand as a powerful symbol of Mobile’s unwavering commitment to progress and endless possibilities,” said Dan Price, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Division for BL Harbert International. “BL Harbert International is honored to serve as the construction partner helping to bring this vision to life.”

 The design of Mobile Arena is the result of a collaborative process driven by input from local stakeholders and the city’s operational partners. Developed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Populous Architects, the final design aims to provide exceptional experiences throughout Mobile Arena, featuring retail spaces, luxury suites, VIP clubs, premium seating, great sightlines and dynamic acoustics.

 “Goodwyn Mills Cawood is thrilled and honored to play a role in such a transformative project happening right here in our own backyard,” said Goodwyn Mills Cawood Senior Architect Keith Parker. “This cutting-edge venue will bring live entertainment, concerts, and — of course — our beloved Mardi Gras celebrations to new heights. With the City of Mobile proudly embracing the motto ‘Born to Celebrate,’ we’re more than ready to join in the festivities!”

Mobile Arena is expected to become a central hub of culture and entertainment in the region, strengthening Mobile’s identity as a premier destination for live events.

Renderings Courtesy of Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Populous.