The city of Augusta, Georgia, is buzzing with anticipation as the long‑awaited return of professional hockey was finally announced this week.
The Augusta Lynx, a new franchise in the ECHL, was officially unveiled at a downtown event that drew fans, local leaders and media outlets eager to mark the occasion.
Reconnecting with Hockey Roots
The Lynx name was chosen through a community‑driven naming process that invited residents to submit ideas and vote on their favorites, ensuring the brand resonated with the city’s storied hockey past.
The franchise will make its debut in the 2027‑28 season, kicking off at the brand‑new Augusta Arena, a 10,500‑seat facility currently under construction in the heart of downtown.
Designed to become one of the premier hockey venues in the Southeast, the arena promises state‑of‑the‑art amenities and a vibrant game‑day experience.
Ownership details were also disclosed: the team is co‑owned by former NFL star Tim Tebow and entrepreneur David Hodges, with day‑to‑day operations overseen by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment.
Zawyer, a sports‑management firm with a growing portfolio in regional athletics, will handle marketing, sponsorships and fan engagement as the Lynx build their brand.
The Lynx will soon announce affiliations with NHL and AHL teams, reveal their coaching staff, unveil jerseys and introduce a mascot, all ahead of the first puck drop.
A Southern Expansion
The addition of Augusta joins a wave of southern markets that the ECHL has targeted in recent years, a strategic move that reflects the league’s confidence in the region’s hockey appetite.
Local officials say the team’s arrival could boost tourism, create jobs and cement Augusta’s reputation as a hub for live sports entertainment.
Fans across Georgia and neighboring states are already planning road trips to catch the inaugural games, eager to see the Lynx bring a fresh competitive edge to the league.