Important Regions Arena update from Mayor Cheriogotis

Sep 11th, 2026

Posted in: Press ReleaseMobiles New Arena

Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis provided the following statement regarding Regions Arena:

“Today I met with stakeholders and staff to share that Regions Arena will not host Mardi Gras events in 2027. I know this is disappointing news, but I think it’s important that we take the time to get this right.

From the onset of the arena project, which broke ground May 21, 2025, the scheduled completion date was projected to be January 15, 2027. While I appreciate the ambitious timeline, we’ve since experienced over 100 rain days, including two named storms. This has moved the anticipated completion date to spring 2027. For months, we’ve pushed as hard as possible to find a path to complete this building in time for Mardi Gras, and B.L. Harbert has done a remarkable job managing the challenges of construction in America’s rainiest city.

First impressions matter. While we could open for Mardi Gras in a very limited capacity, this is not the experience I want Mobilians to have of this transformative new addition to our city. Additionally, a limited opening would extend the overall completion date considerably.

Regions Arena will serve Mobile for many decades to come, and we only get one opportunity to ensure that the grand opening is as jaw-dropping as I know it can be. When it opens next spring, Mobilians will see it was worth the wait.”