The Enmarket Arena, the largest public works project in Savannah, Ga. history, is now open. Hundreds of people attended the Feb. 5 community day and ribbon-cutting of the new venue. The arena is expected to usher in a new era of music, sports, and entertainment experiences for Southern Georgia.

Atlanta-based Goode Van Slyke Architecture worked on the project as associate architect to design lead
Perkins&Will. GVSA’s contributions include the non-public areas of the building such as the operations offices and visitor lockers as well as many of the public areas on the concourse and overlook levels.

“The experience we gained working on Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium put us in a unique position to help design this project,” said GVSA Managing Partner Chris Goode. “This will be a jewel for Savannah, attracting world-class entertainment while creating jobs and improving the economy.”

“The arena helps revitalize Savannah’s downtown area while bringing a new level of sports and entertainment,” added Partner Paul Van Slyke. “It is also energy and water efficient and used sustainable materials whenever possible. We’re proud to be part of this stellar project.”

Oak View Group Facilities, which manages the arena, says it expects to host roughly 150 events in a year.  Recent shows include For the Love of Hip Hop with Big Boi and the Eagles’ Hotel California Tour. Upcoming events include Jimmy Buffett’s Life on the Flip Side Tour, Bon Jovi’s 2022 Tour, Mike Epps’ No Remorse Comedy Tour, the Harlem Globetrotters Spread Game Tour, Keith Urban’s The Speed of Now World Tour, Disney on Ice, Road to Wrestlemania and many more. The home of East Coast Hockey League’s Savannah Ghost Pirates AA team, the 9,500-seat arena is also expected to host college and high school sporting events and tournaments as well.

The Enmarket Arena is located at 620 Stiles Avenue in downtown Savannah.

Goode Van Slyke is an innovative, versatile architectural firm best known for its work on the new Mercedes Benz Stadium, including the offices of the Atlanta Falcons. Its portfolio includes mixed-use and multifamily residential communities ranging from luxury to affordable, senior and student housing; office buildings; educational, healthcare and government facilities; performing arts centers, museums and cultural centers; broadcasting studios; aviation facilities; and master plans for large-scale developments and redevelopments. Founded GVSA in 1996, the firm celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. For more information, visit www.GVSA.com.