Live Nation to Anchor Centennial Yards with 5,300-Seat Music Venue


Live Music Powerhouse to Anchor $5 Billion Sports and Entertainment District

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 15, 2025

Centennial Yards Company has officially selected Live Nation to operate a 5,300-seat state-of-the-art music and entertainment venue at the heart of its sprawling Downtown Atlanta development. The long-term lease deal, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone for the $5 billion, 50-acre project, which aims to transform underutilized rail yards into a vibrant hub of culture, sports, and commerce.

The new venue, adjacent to State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will serve as a cornerstone of the emerging Centennial Yards entertainment district. It joins a roster of high-profile projects already underway or planned for the area, including the immersive experience space Cosm, Hotel Phoenix, and The Mitchell apartment tower.

“Centennial Yards is poised to be the epicenter of sports and entertainment for the Southeast,” said Brian McGowan, President of Centennial Yards Company. “This partnership with Live Nation brings us one step closer to creating a thriving hub where unforgettable experiences happen.”

With Live Nation at the helm, the venue is set to host a wide array of performances—from global touring acts to local up-and-comers—adding depth to Atlanta’s already rich music scene. The facility promises premium sound, fan-first design, and elevated food and drink options.

The venue is expected to fill a strategic gap between larger stadiums, such as Mercedes-Benz, and mid-sized halls, like the Tabernacle and Buckhead Theatre. According to Jordan Zachary, President of Global Venues at Live Nation, the partnership will bolster Atlanta’s stature as a cultural and economic heavyweight.

“Atlanta has long been a cornerstone of American music and live entertainment,” said Zachary. “We’re proud to help write its next chapter downtown with this new venue at Centennial Yards.”

The announcement drew praise from key stakeholders, including Tony Ressler, principal owner of the Atlanta Hawks and a lead partner in the Centennial Yards development.

“As owners rooted in Atlanta, we are committed to shaping a Downtown that is dynamic, inclusive, and vibrant,” said Ressler. “Live Nation’s presence helps us fulfill that promise.”

CIM Group, the development firm behind several transformational urban projects across the U.S., is the primary partner alongside Ressler’s group. “This venue brings people together through transformative experiences,” said Shaul Kuba, CIM Co-Founder and Principal.

Upon completion, Centennial Yards will feature 8 million square feet of new space, comprising residential, hotel, office, retail, and entertainment uses. Centennial Yards South—home to student-friendly Lofts at Centennial Yards and Wild Leap Brewery — has already opened. Community-driven activations, such as food trucks, live music, and tailgating parties, are already drawing crowds to the site.

The Live Nation venue is expected to open in 2027, becoming a pivotal part of the district’s 24/7 live-work-play experience. The project is also supported by strong transit connections, with multiple MARTA stations nearby and access to the Atlanta Beltline.

In a city known for producing music legends and iconic performances, this partnership aims to expand Atlanta’s live entertainment legacy well into the future.

Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!

Continue the Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

10 Steps to Building Lasting Wealth

By Rashonda Tate | July 5, 2025 When the conversation turns to freedom, it often stops at civil rights and voting power. However, true freedom includes financial liberation—the ability to…

MARTA Expands Service for July 5 FIFA World Cup Match

MARTA offers expanded service, real-time tools, and direct access to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal in Atlanta.

Have You Seen

Georgia-Born, Globally Respected: America’s First Black Catholic Bishop, Ordained 150 Years Ago

Georgia-Born, Globally Respected: America’s First Black Catholic Bishop, Ordained 150 Years Ago

Brown v. Board of Education: The Supreme Court Ruling That Changed America

Brown v. Board of Education: The Supreme Court Ruling That Changed America

The Aging Power of Sugar

The Aging Power of Sugar

Bill Russell: A Champion On and Off the Court

Bill Russell: A Champion On and Off the Court

20 Million Predatory Loans Drained Over $2.4 Billion From Consumers

20 Million Predatory Loans Drained Over $2.4 Billion From Consumers

Dr. Bobbie J. Little – A Teacher First

Dr. Bobbie J. Little – A Teacher First
Available for Amazon Prime