Devil's Advocate: James Brown Arena

It's been a while but the 100 Proof Wonder is back to blogging. There was a story last month that caught my eye and after seeing the public opinion of it I knew it was something I wanted to discuss.

On Tuesday, August 22, the Coliseum Authority voted to rename the civic center. The venue will now be known as "James Brown Arena". Now if you know anything about Brown's history in the Augusta area, you know that this decision is not setting well with some people.

Brown has had his share of personal and legal problems. In 1998 he was arrested on drug and gun charges. His 2004 arrest and domestic abuse charge produced the mug shot seen around the world. He performed at the Civic Center back in 2000 but the show only sold 1,700 tickets.

The Augusta Chronicle ran a poll in August seeking the public's opinion on this issue. The question was, "Do you agree with the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority's decision to rename the civic center after James Brown?" A whopping 72% said "No". To be fair, this was a very unscientific poll, but considering Brown's reputation around here, I don't think the results are that far off.

Now I could care less what people call the Civic Center. You could call that place Heaven on Earth, Jesus' House or Playboy Mansion East and chances are you would still have trouble filling it up. This city has too many other problems (like crime, an inept city commission and school board, and racial tension) to be worried about this. However, since the majority opinion is that naming the Civic
Center after him is a bad idea I decided to play Devil's Advocate and list a few reasons why we should do it.

He's big everywhere (except in the CSRA): Outside of Augusta Brown draws a crowd. He is still touring and putting on the high energy performances that people expect from him. In 2004 he was part of year's biggest concert at London's Hyde Park. He wasn't the only performer but the show drew 258,000 fans and grossed more than $17 million. He has what some might call "brand recognition". There is nothing wrong with Augusta trying to associate itself with the James Brown name.

Every celebrity has issues: At the end of the day celebrities are people. And people have problems. In 1998, after pleading no contest to illegally firing a rifle while under the influence he was ordered to attend a drug rehab program. He is not the first celebrity to have issues with drugs and he won't be the last. It was reported that drug abuse contributed to Elvis Presley's death but to many people he is a god.

I am not condoning what he did, but the man did his time and apparently got help (He went to drug rehab in 1999).

It's a gift: After the soap opera that was the James Brown Soul of America Music Festival I almost feel like they are doing this to say "We're sorry" to James Brown. He paid his own way to come and perform at an event honoring him. The entire event was poorly planned, improperly executed and offered almost as much drama as an episode of 24. Hate him or love him, you have to admit that Brown deserved better.

He gives as much as he gets: Brown has donated his time and money to this city on numerous occasions. He's bought gun locks to help promote firearm safety, given away turkeys for Thanksgiving and handed out toys to children at Christmas. I think that qualifies as helping the city.

It about green: The civic center isn't selling out, the government has financial issues and it seems like everybody wants to move to Columbia County. If there is a chance that a name change can get some big acts (and some big act dollars) then they need to do it tomorrow. If the James Brown name can increase tourism they should name everything in this city after him. Think about it. You could play the Masters at the James Brown National. Read the news in the Godfather Chronicle. Visit your doctor at St. I Feel Good Hospital. Or see some strippers at the upscale gentlemen's club, The Sex Machine. That, boys and girls, is what I call synergy.

You might not like it, but papa's got a brand new arena.