Major events in downtown Augusta, including IRONMAN and Arts in the Heart, have significantly boosted local commerce, drawing visitors from across the country and increasing customer traffic for area businesses.
Randy Bradum, owner of Ubora, described the atmosphere as energetic and bustling. Tripp Beasley, coordinator at New Moon Cafe, echoed the sentiment, noting that while the venue is typically busy, the influx during the events pushed operations to full capacity.
“The line stretched out the door and stayed that way for hours. It didn’t slow down until closing,” Beasley said, adding that the team had prepared extensively for the high volume.
The return of these gatherings was especially meaningful after last year’s cancellation due to Hurricane Helene. Many business owners expressed relief and enthusiasm at seeing the community re-energized.
Beasley emphasized the long-term value of such events: “They keep us active and bring in revenue. Small businesses truly benefit from large-scale activities like IRONMAN.”
Some establishments reported selling out of inventory, with demand extending into the following week. Bradum highlighted the broader economic impact: “These events introduce Augusta to people who might not otherwise visit. If their experience is positive, they’ll remember it and return—not just for future races or festivals, but to support local shops and restaurants.”
With IRONMAN scheduled to return annually for the next five years, local entrepreneurs are optimistic about sustained growth and increased visibility.
— news from WRDW
— News Original —
Local businesses see economic boost after downtown events
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – IRONMAN and Arts in the Heart had big impacts on our local businesses. n nThese two events brought people from all over the country — right here to Augusta — increasing foot traffic and business downtown. n nFrom one end of downtown … n n“We had a blast, but it was very busy, very busy,” said Randy Bradum, Ubora owner. n n… To the other. n n“We always maintain a busy status at new moon, but we were slammed,” said Tripp Beasley, New Moon Cafe coordinator. n nBusinesses have seen an increase in foot traffic. n n“The line was super long. It was to the door. It was outside the door for hours and hours and hours. It literally did not get slow until around closing time. We were so packed, but we knew it was going to be this busy. So we prepped and prepped and prepped,” Beasley said. n nBringing in thousands of people, something that was missed last year when it was canceled due to Hurricane Helene n n“I remember just seeing everyone who was not here during the hurricane, but here the year previously. It was so great to have IRONMAN back. I really missed it. I missed the busyness. I love it,” he said. n nLocal businesses say events like these help set them up for the rest of the year. n nBeasley said, “I love events in downtown because it keeps us busy and it keeps money coming in. I feel like small businesses need events like IRONMAN.” n nSome businesses were so busy they were selling out, with business continuing into Monday. n n“I think the biggest benefits of having these major events are that they bring in people from outside of Augusta who don’t necessarily know what Augusta has to offer. When they come in and they see something, they get this experience, hopefully it’s a very positive, memorable experience. It’s something that they want to come back to. So when they come back for future IRONMANs, future Arts in the Hearts, they remember us … they come back,” Bradum said. n nLocal businesses say they look forward to IRONMAN being in Augusta for the next five years.