Anchor Park to bring hockey, concerts and dining to Port Wentworth

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. (WTOC) - A new entertainment complex called Anchor Park is under construction in Port Wentworth, with plans to include an ice hockey rink, a restaurant, a covered concert pavilion, multi-use fields and courts for sporting events.

Port Wentworth residents and people from across the Coastal Empire will soon have a place to play, watch and eat.

James Touchton, director of economic development for the city of Port Wentworth, gave a behind-the-scenes look at the progress inside the construction zone.

Ghost Pirates, dining and skating leagues

The facility will serve as the future home of the Ghost Pirates hockey team, including corporate executive offices for the organization. A 250-seat bar and grill restaurant is also planned for the complex, featuring a large-screen TV.

“I think what’s gonna draw families is of course is we have this 250 seat bar and grill restaurant which is going to have incredible entertainment with the big screen TV up there,” Touchton said. “But also, the leagues is not just going to be for the hockey players. It’s going to be ice skating leagues.”

Concert pavilion and upcoming shows

A covered concert pavilion with seating for more than 2,000 is also part of the complex. A Jazz Fest is scheduled for Aug. 1, with additional concerts to follow.

“On August the 7th, going to have the first concert,” Touchton said. “It’ll be Billy Currington and Kip Moore, as you all know Billy Currington is a local native here from Effingham. And then it’s off to the races from there.”

Name and design

Touchton said the name was chosen intentionally.

“We want to project this incredible sense of welcome, which is why we called it Anchor Park and not Port Wentworth Park,” he said.

The design was also described as deliberate in its approach.

“I know what was behind the design was really intentional with being a modern, being a facility that was usable, but also that invoked this like wow factor,” Touchton said.

Timeline and city growth

Construction on the hockey rink and restaurant is expected to be completed by September. The complex will also include multi-use fields and courts for sporting events.

“What’s important for the city is the growth that’s happening with the holistic growth,” Touchton said.