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'A lot of history here': Residents hopeful amphitheater will revitalize Macon Mall area

Folks in the community are excited about this new amphitheater. They say this addition could be big in helping bring people to the area.

MACON, Ga. — We now have an idea of what the Macon Mall amphitheater will look like.
Mayor Lester Miller and the design-build team presented their final designs to county commissioners this week.

They showed off renderings and an animated flythrough of the 10,000 seat music venue.

It's safe to say folks in the community are excited about this new amphitheater. They say this addition could be big in helping bring people to the area.

Marcus Legnon moved to Macon less than a year ago from California.

"Macon's pulling me in -- it just needs a little more life," Legnon said.

What better way to bring more life than through music?

For Legnon, he's looking for that "wow" factor.

"Building something new that can attract new people all kinds of people -- old, new, young," Legnon said, and he hopes the new amphitheater will have it. 

The design team says the stage will be on the southeast corner of the site and face toward Rocky Creek Road and Mercer University Drive. It features VIP suites and a lawn that can hold 6,000 people.

Kennia Hill has spent almost all her life in Macon and says, "I grew up on music when I was little. I love it now and I think it will be absolutely amazing for everybody." 

Hill and Judemark Roquemore remember what the Macon Mall was like growing up.

"Back in 1995, that's when it was very nice and I felt like, 'Hey, it's going to be like that eventually, soon,'" Hill said.

"It used to be real nice. We used to come here and it was much bigger then. Macy's was here and everything. They had a lot of attractions for the kids inside," Roquemore said.

They hope the new plans will help revitalize the area. Hill has three kids of her own. She's especially looking forward to the fun it could bring kids and teens.

"I think it will actually be a popular thing for the young kids because they actually do not have anything to do here in Macon," Hill said.

Roquemore says he's looking forward to not having to make a long trip to see his favorite bands perform.

"Because Macon has a lot of history here -- Little Richard, Allman Brothers," Roquemore said. 

There will be other concession and retail options around the amphitheater and future plans could include the construction of a full-service restaurant.

Mayor Miller says the amphitheater should open next fall.

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