Leaders from the City of Mobile, Oak View Group, and other project partners celebrated Wednesday at a groundbreaking for Mobile Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is poised to make Alabama’s Port City a destination for live entertainment along the Gulf Coast.
This new, world-class arena is being built on the 22-acre site of the former Mobile Civic Center, which was demolished earlier this year. Mobile Arena’s construction represents a major investment by the City of Mobile and comes after years of planning and feedback from local stakeholders and partners.
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.
Once completed in 2027, Mobile Arena will be perfectly suited for live concerts, family shows and sporting events, including ice hockey. The arena has also been uniquely designed to support Mobile’s Mardi Gras traditions while providing a modern event venue capable of bringing in major acts.
“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.”
A rendering of the Mobile Arena.
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,” their release shared.
“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!”
