PCL uses DroneDeploy to track every phase of $250 million Augusta Arena build
PCL Construction is using DroneDeploy to document every phase of the New Augusta Arena project. The $250 million civic venue in downtown Augusta, Georgia, will seat 10,500 people and replace the city’s original arena when it opens in 2027.
The arena is owned by the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority and funded by a half-cent special-purpose local-option sales tax approved by Richmond County voters in 2023. It is expected to host about 100 events a year, serve as home ice for the Augusta Lynx minor league hockey team, create 600 permanent jobs and generate $1.6 billion in regional economic impact.
PCL began capturing the site before construction started, using a fixed timelapse camera, recurring drone flights and 360-degree cameras to create a continuous visual record. The record covers demolition of the old arena, excavation, concrete foundation work and steel erection, with current data available to the owner, design teams, construction managers and field crews.
Field teams are flying drones every seven to 10 days, walking the structure with 360-degree photo captures at least once a week and inspecting each elevated deck by drone before concrete is poured. As mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in begins, the team is continuing interior progress documentation through DroneDeploy Ground.
The approach gives the project team a single time-stamped view of site conditions and work in place. For a publicly funded civic project, that continuous record can help identify issues earlier, reduce costly rework and support schedule control before the arena’s planned 2027 opening.