Atlanta, Georgia – The 2026 GHSA Basketball State Championships delivered everything fans could have hoped for. Elite competition, and powerhouse programs battling on the biggest stage. The games were so entertaining, in fact, that many hardly noticed one glaring issue: the Macon Coliseum is long overdue for an upgrade.
Throughout the week, some of Georgia’s top programs took the floor, creating an atmosphere that should have filled every seat in the building. Yet, surprisingly, the arena never quite reached capacity. The reason became increasingly clear, the facility itself is outdated and may not be equipped to comfortably handle a packed championship crowd.
While leaving the venue, conversations with event staff shed light on what’s ahead. A new, state-of-the-art coliseum project is set to begin in July as part of a $450 million SPLOST initiative aimed at elevating Macon’s ability to host major events.
The new facility will be constructed within the current Macon Centreplex footprint and promises a significant upgrade. Plans include seating for approximately 8,500 fans for concerts and sporting events, along with modern features such as luxury suites and premium club seating, amenities that align with today’s expectations for championship venues. With construction set to begin soon, a major question now looms: where will the 2027 GHSA Basketball State Championships be held?
One widely discussed option is State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. The venue, home to the Atlanta Hawks, offers a much larger capacity and a modern fan experience that could easily accommodate the growing interest in GHSA basketball.
While that seems like the most logical destination, no official decision has been announced by the Georgia High School Association. Until then, fans, players, and programs across the state will be waiting to see where Georgia’s biggest high school basketball stage will land next. One thing is certain if the 2026 championships proved anything, it’s that the game continues to grow. Now, it’s just a matter of finding a venue that matches the moment.
