MACON, Ga. — The Mayhem aren't going anywhere.
On Tuesday, the Macon Mayhem announced that they have signed an extension with the City of Macon and the Macon Centreplex to remain in the place they've called home for eight years.
“We’re ecstatic to call the city of Macon and the Macon Centreplex home for the next five seasons,” team Owner and CEO Chuck Norris said. “This new extension grants us team stability and allows us to shift all our focus to continuing the growth of the business. David Aiello and the rest of the Centreplex and Oak View Group team have been great to work with thus far, and we’re proud to continue to call them partners for the foreseeable future.”
The extension will keep the team in Macon until the 2028-2029 season.
The Centreplex, also known as the Macon Coliseum, has been the Mayhem's home since the 2015-2016 season. It was also home to the previous minor-league hockey teams, the Trax and Whoopee.
“We are thrilled the Macon Mayhem will continue to call the Macon Coliseum home,” said David Aiello, general manager of Oak View Group, which manages the Macon Centreplex. “Extending the team’s lease is a testament to the vision for Macon’s future and our shared goal to bring edge of your seat excitement to the community.”
The Mayhem captured their only President's Cup title at the Coliseum in 2017 and will have another opportunity in their 10th season with a new head coach.
Two days after the extension announcement, Macon announced that Dave Pszenyczny was hired as the team's head coach.
The former Quad City Storm head coach will have an opportunity to lead the Mayhem back to title contention after a bottom two finish last season and a six year championship drought.
After the multi-year extension, he'll also have an opportunity to win it in the Coliseum. First step will be playing against Birmingham later this year on Oct. 19.
“There has been a lot of changes and uncertainty around Macon hockey in the past couple of years,” Pszenyczny said. “In my many visits to Macon as both a coach and player, it’s clear that the team has great support from the community – starting with a passionate fanbase. Through my conversations recently, it’s clear we also have support from the venue and the city, which is crucial. My goal is to bring it all together on the ice and I am working every day towards building a team that I know we can all be proud of, both on and off the ice.”