Mobile Arena Celebrates Milestone in Path to 2027 Debut

City leaders and project partners mark completion of structural framework for new $300 million venue.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Construction of the new 10,000-seat Mobile Arena reached a significant milestone as city leaders and project partners celebrated the placement of the final steel beam, marking the completion of the building's structural framework. The $300 million arena is scheduled to open in early 2027 and is expected to become a major hub for live sports, concerts, and touring entertainment across the Gulf Coast.

Why it matters

The new Mobile Arena represents a transformative investment in the region's live entertainment infrastructure, which city officials hope will attract world-class events and new economic opportunities to the community. The venue is also expected to anchor a new downtown entertainment district and reflect Mobile's cultural traditions.

The details

The March 3 topping-out ceremony signals continued progress on the arena, which is being built on the 22-acre site of the former Mobile Civic Center. The city has partnered with Oak View Group (OVG) to manage and operate the venue once it opens, handling day-to-day operations and booking strategy. Construction began in early 2025 and has remained on schedule, led by program manager Volkert Inc. and contractor B.L. Harbert International. The arena will feature luxury suites, VIP clubs, premium seating, retail space, and advanced acoustics designed for concerts and large-scale events.

  • Construction began in early 2025.
  • The topping-out ceremony was held on March 3, 2026.
  • The Mobile Arena is scheduled to open in early 2027.

The players

Spiro Cheriogotis

The mayor of Mobile, Alabama.

Greg O'Dell

The president of venue management at Oak View Group, which will manage and operate the Mobile Arena.

Billy L. Harbert

The chairman and CEO of B.L. Harbert International, the contractor leading construction of the Mobile Arena.

Oak View Group

The company that has partnered with the City of Mobile to manage and operate the new Mobile Arena.

Volkert Inc.

The program manager overseeing construction of the Mobile Arena.

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What they’re saying

“Today's milestone reflects what's possible when a city believes in its future. Mobile Arena will transform our downtown, attract world-class entertainment, and create unforgettable experiences for generations of Mobilians.”

— Spiro Cheriogotis, Mayor of Mobile

“Mobile is a dynamic market for sports and live entertainment. This arena represents a transformative investment in the region's future, and we look forward to bringing world-class events and new economic opportunities to the community.”

— Greg O'Dell, President of Venue Management, Oak View Group

“Hanging the final beam on Mobile Arena less than a year after breaking ground is an exciting milestone. We are honored to play a role in such a transformative project for the City of Mobile.”

— Billy L. Harbert, Chairman and CEO, B.L. Harbert International

What’s next

The city and project partners will continue construction on the interior of the Mobile Arena, including premium hospitality spaces and fan amenities. The venue is scheduled to open in early 2027.

The takeaway

The new Mobile Arena represents a significant investment in the Gulf Coast's live entertainment infrastructure, transforming the city's downtown and positioning it to attract world-class events and drive economic growth for the region.