Did You Know? Augusta Facts from 2000-Present

1. In 2003, the Augusta GreenJackets moved to Lake Olmstead Stadium, continuing their tradition of minor league baseball in the city.

2. Fort Gordon became the headquarters of the U.S. Army Cyber Command in 2014, solidifying Augusta’s role in military cybersecurity.

3. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur debuted in 2019, bringing some of the top female amateur golfers to the iconic course.

4. In 2001, the Augusta Riverwalk added new features, including expanded walking paths and more event spaces, making it a popular destination.

5. In 2005, the Augusta Museum of History unveiled its James Brown Exhibit, honoring the city’s most famous musical legend.

6. In 2010, the Georgia Regents University merger created a unified public university system in Augusta, now known as Augusta University.

7. The Augusta National Golf Club purchased adjacent land in 2017, expanding its facilities and enhancing the experience for players and patrons alike.

8. In 2016, Downtown Augusta underwent a major revitalization, adding new restaurants, retail spaces, and cultural venues.

9. In 2012, Augusta launched the Cyber Center of Excellence, positioning itself as a leader in cybersecurity education and training.

10. The Miller Theater, a historic venue, reopened in 2018 after extensive renovations, bringing live performances back to the downtown area.

11. In 2007, the Augusta Canal was named a National Historic Landmark, further cementing its place in American industrial history.

12. The Masters Tournament introduced its first live-streaming service in 2011, allowing millions to watch the event from anywhere in the world.

13. In 2021, the Children’s Hospital of Georgia celebrated its 25th anniversary, continuing its legacy of pediatric care in the region.

14. In 2009, Augusta established Arts in the Heart of Augusta, a festival highlighting the city’s wide range of cultures through art, food, and music.

15. The Augusta National Golf Club added its first co-ed workforce program in 2018, promoting inclusivity and welcoming everyone within the organization.

16. In 2006, Augusta’s downtown area saw the return of First Friday, a monthly arts and culture event bringing new life to the community.

17. The Riverwatch Parkway extension, completed in 2010, improved traffic flow and access to key parts of the city, making Augusta more connected.

18. In 2020, the Augusta Cyberworks Development broke ground, transforming former industrial spaces into tech-driven workspaces.

19. The Imperial Theatre, after new renovations in 2004, continued to host major theatrical performances and concerts in the heart of downtown.

20. In 2002, the Augusta Market became a weekly tradition, offering fresh produce and local goods along the banks of the Savannah River.

21. Augusta’s first major solar power initiative began in 2015, with the installation of solar panels at city-owned buildings and schools.

22. In 2008, Augusta opened its first regional sports complex, providing state-of-the-art facilities for youth and amateur sports.

23. The Medical College of Georgia expanded its campus in 2013, enhancing its research capabilities and educational outreach.

24. In 2019, Augusta hosted its first Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, attracting athletes from around the world to compete in the grueling event.

25. In 2011, Augusta established the Cyber Command Center at Fort Gordon, further positioning the city as a key player in military and cybersecurity.

26. The Augusta Sculpture Trail, launched in 2021, brought public art to downtown, featuring sculptures by artists from across the country.

27. In 2004, Augusta became the first city in Georgia to launch a city-wide Wi-Fi network, offering free internet access in public spaces.

28. In 2017, the Morris Museum of Art celebrated its 25th anniversary, showcasing Southern art from across centuries.

29. The Augusta Entertainment Complex completed a major renovation in 2015, making it one of the premier concert venues in the region.

30. In 2016, Augusta hosted the Southern Soul & Song Concert Series, celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage.

31. Augusta University’s Cyber Institute, established in 2018, became a national leader in cybersecurity research and education.

32. The Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, expanded in 2009, became a popular destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities.

33. In 2007, Augusta’s Riverwalk hosted its first Riverfest, an annual celebration featuring live music, food, and activities along the Savannah River.

34. In 2018, Augusta National hosted its first Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship for junior golfers, encouraging youth involvement in the sport.

35. The Medical College of Georgia launched its new cancer research program in 2014, focusing on cutting-edge treatments and studies.

36. In 2013, the Augusta Canal Discovery Center expanded, offering new exhibits and programs to educate visitors on Augusta’s industrial history.

37. Augusta’s downtown has seen a resurgence since 2005, with new restaurants, breweries, and shops drawing both residents and tourists.

38. The Augusta Aquatics Center, opened in 2002, became a premier facility for swimming competitions and recreational use.

39. In 2017, the Augusta Sports Council partnered with the Ironman Triathlon, establishing Augusta as a key stop on the race circuit.

40. In 2020, the Augusta Downtown Alliance was formed to promote small business growth and attract new investments to the area.

41. The Miller Theater became one of the key venues for Augusta’s growing performing arts scene after reopening in 2018.

42. In 2004, the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area was expanded, adding new trails and exhibits for visitors to explore.

43. In 2019, Augusta National made headlines by purchasing properties around the course, enhancing the club’s infrastructure and security.

44. The Augusta Judicial Center, completed in 2011, modernized the city’s court facilities, improving services for the community.

45. In 2015, Augusta became home to Georgia’s largest Veterans Affairs Medical Center, providing care to thousands of veterans across the region.

46. The Westobou Festival, first held in 2008, became a premier event in Augusta, celebrating arts, music, and culture each fall.

47. In 2018, the Augusta GreenJackets moved to SRP Park, a state-of-the-art baseball stadium located across the Savannah River in North Augusta.

48. The Augusta Canal Music Festival began in 2016, hosting live performances along the scenic waterfront.

49. In 2014, Augusta was named one of the top cities for cybersecurity careers, thanks to the growing presence of Fort Gordon and related industries.

50. In 2010, the Augusta Convention Center was expanded to accommodate larger conventions and events, boosting the local economy.

51. Augusta’s Enterprise Mill, redeveloped in 2002, became a hub for businesses, offering office space in a historic setting.

52. The River Region Cyber Security Initiative, launched in 2017, helped connect Augusta with national cybersecurity networks and programs.

53. The Augusta Downtown Food Truck Festival, started in 2015, quickly became one of the city’s most popular summer events.

54. In 2011, Augusta introduced its first bike share program, promoting eco-friendly transportation options downtown.

55. The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History expanded its exhibits in 2016, celebrating the contributions of African Americans to Augusta’s history.

56. In 2020, Augusta completed its Smart City Initiative, using technology to improve traffic, public safety, and energy efficiency.

57. Augusta University Health became a leading provider of healthcare in the region, with expansions in 2012 and 2018.

58. In 2008, the Imperial Theatre hosted a special tribute to James Brown, celebrating his influence on music and the local community.

59. The Augusta Sculpture Trail, which opened in 2021, features outdoor art installations throughout the downtown area.

60. In 2014, Augusta’s downtown area was revitalized through the Georgia Main Street Program, attracting new businesses and tourism.

61. The James Brown Arena, named in honor of Augusta’s musical icon, underwent a major renovation in 2019, enhancing its role as a concert venue.

62. In 2020, Augusta celebrated the 20th anniversary of Riverwalk, a scenic landmark continuing to draw locals and visitors alike.

63. Fort Gordon, after becoming the headquarters for U.S. Army Cyber Command, grew into one of the most important military facilities in Georgia by 2014.

64. The Medical College of Georgia continued to grow, adding new research centers and programs in 2020, further expanding its role in healthcare innovation.

65. In 2009, the Augusta Regional Airport completed a $35 million renovation, increasing its capacity and improving its facilities for regional and national flights.

66. The Kroc Center of Augusta, a community center offering recreation, education, and arts programs, opened its doors in 2011, providing vital resources to the city.

67. In 2016, Augusta launched its downtown revitalization initiative, bringing new life to the historic district and encouraging small business growth.

68. The James Brown Arena, after a major renovation in 2019, now serves as one of Augusta’s largest venues for concerts and sporting events.

69. In 2008, SRP Park, home to the Augusta GreenJackets, opened as a state-of-the-art baseball stadium, attracting thousands of fans.

70. Augusta’s Cyber Center, established in 2017, has helped the city grow into a national hub for cybersecurity training and innovation.

71. In 2012, Augusta introduced the Downtown Farmer’s Market, bringing fresh, local produce and handmade goods to the community every weekend.

72. The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, expanded in 2014, added new walking trails, educational tours, and events for visitors.

73. In 2020, Fort Gordon expanded its cybersecurity program, becoming one of the most important military installations in the Southeast.

74. The Jessye Norman School of the Arts, named after Augusta’s famed opera singer, opened in 2003, offering arts education to local students.

75. Augusta’s medical community received a boost with the opening of a new pediatric cancer center in 2018, providing specialized care for children.

76. In 2006, the Augusta Canal Music Festival began, featuring live music and performances along the historic waterway.

77. The Augusta Sports Council introduced the Augusta Half Marathon in 2008, drawing runners from across the country to participate.

78. In 2014, the city hosted the Southern Nationals Drag Boat Racing event, bringing a new kind of motorsports excitement to Augusta.

79. The Medical College of Georgia expanded its research and education facilities in 2018, further strengthening Augusta’s reputation as a medical hub.

80. In 2011, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center hosted its first Spring Garden Festival, an annual event attracting gardening enthusiasts from all over the region.

81. Augusta’s Phinizy Swamp Nature Park became a key destination for eco-tourism after expanding its visitor center and trails in 2016.

82. In 2005, Augusta University opened its Cyber Institute, specializing in training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

83. The Augusta Riverwalk, a key feature of downtown Augusta, received upgrades in 2010, adding new green spaces and event areas.

84. In 2021, the Augusta Canal celebrated its 175th anniversary, highlighting its historical significance and continued use.

85. The Westobou Festival, first held in 2008, became a signature event celebrating art, music, film, and performance in downtown Augusta.

86. In 2019, Augusta launched its first public art initiative, with murals and sculptures being installed across the city to beautify public spaces.

87. The Augusta Regional Airport saw record numbers of passengers in 2019, following years of infrastructure improvements and expanded routes.

88. In 2004, Augusta’s First Tee Program was introduced, helping young people learn life skills and leadership through golf.

89. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, established in 2019, brought a new wave of women’s golf talent to the city.

90. In 2015, the Augusta Convention Center hosted its first TechNet Augusta, an annual event focused on defense, communications, and cybersecurity.

91. The Imperial Theatre celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, continuing to serve as one of the city’s most beloved entertainment venues.

92. In 2020, Augusta introduced the Green Augusta Initiative, aimed at increasing the city’s tree canopy and promoting sustainable urban development.

93. Fort Gordon hosted its first Cyber Defense Expo in 2019, drawing military, government, and private sector leaders to discuss the future of cybersecurity.

94. The Augusta University Medical Center expanded its neonatal care unit in 2018, providing top-tier care for infants and newborns.

95. In 2016, the Augusta Literary Festival began attracting writers, readers, and literary enthusiasts to the city for workshops, readings, and discussions.

96. The Jessye Norman Amphitheater, named in honor of the opera legend, opened in 2017, providing an outdoor venue for concerts and performances along the Riverwalk.

97. In 2019, Augusta saw the completion of its Smart City technology project, integrating smart traffic signals and public safety improvements across the city.

98. The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, after renovations in 2015, expanded its educational programs and exhibits.

99. In 2007, the Augusta Canal Authority launched its first kayak and canoe rentals, allowing visitors to explore the historic waterway.

100. The Augusta Economic Development Authority celebrated the arrival of new businesses and industries to the city in 2021, furthering Augusta’s growth as a regional economic hub.