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Marriott presents $238M economic impact and pushes plan to expand Augusta convention center
Summary
The Augusta Marriott presented usage metrics and economic impact figures (2013–2025) and outlined a plan to expand the convention center to roughly 56,000 sq ft (about 50,000 sq ft of meeting space), which staff said could capture events currently lost to larger venues.
Bridal England, general manager at the Augusta Marriott and representative for Azalea Investments, told the commission that the convention center has produced a cumulative economic impact (2013–2025) estimated at about $238 million and that 2025 was a record year with more than $36 million in estimated event impact.
England said meeting planners favor contiguous meeting space at roughly 50,000 square feet. The Marriott/management team presented an expansion concept that would increase the facility to about 56,000 square feet, with roughly 50,000 square feet designed for flexible, contiguous meeting space. Commissioners discussed timing and asked staff to coordinate on planning steps; England said the presentation was intended to be recurring and that the management group would work with the city moving forward.
The presentation also outlined how the center supports downtown hotels, restaurants and ancillary businesses and contrasted Augusta’s current footprint with competitor venues in the region. England said expansion could reclaim events that currently cannot be hosted downtown because of contiguous space limitations.
Next steps: Marriott and staff to continue planning conversations and bring more detailed proposals and cost estimates to the commission and administration.
