Dunkin’ Donuts Center formerly known as Providence Civic Center is an indoor arena located in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Built in 1972, it was used as a home court for the emerging Providence Men’s college basketball program.
Dunkin Donuts Center
Now it is home for Providence Bruins, one of the American Ice hockey team and also for the Providence College Men’s Basketball team. The arena is also used for musical concerts and many other events.
Background of Dunkin donuts center:
The idea for building a center was proposed way back in 1958, on a site of what later became the Providence Place Mall. The project was proposed as a joint federal-state-city-project to create jobs and bring economic benefits. But due to lack of federal funds, the plan failed.
The plan was again revived in 1968 when the general election was conducted in the United States, and the elected mayor Joseph A. Doorley Jr. pushed a citywide special referendum in 1969, which was passed. When the amount was adequate, another referendum was passed through and the project acquired a grant to get started.
History Of Dunkin Donuts center:
The Center was constructed in 1972 on the site of an old jewelry factory. The opening ceremony was held on November 3, 1972, with a hockey game of Providence reds game. In its very first year, the center hosted the concerts of Frank Sinatra and Pink Floyds, hockey games as well as many political rallies.
As part of increasing financing, the center was looking for sponsorships because the cost of operations was increasing. As a part of the naming-rights deal, Dunkin Donuts came as a title sponsor and the arena was since then named as Dunkin Donuts Center.
The renovation work of the center was started in 2008. The renovation work included LED video display, a new restaurant, 20 luxury suites, four new bathrooms, all new seats with cupholders in the arena bowl.
Notable Performances and events:
Music Concerts: Many notable live concerts were held in the center. Some of the well-known artists include Frank Sinatra, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Ravi Shankar, etc.
Sports: Dunkin Donuts Center is home to many sports teams like Providence Men’s Basketball team, Providence Bruins, Providence Reds, and other indoor sports teams. The arena also plays host to Boston Celtics for their pre-season.
Other events: The center conducts various other events like WWE, Comedy shows, Circus and various public events.
Ownership and Authority:
The Center is owned by Rhode Island convention center authority. The Center was previously owned by the City of Providence but after 2005, they handed over to Rhode island authority.
Construction and Seating Capacity:
Ellerbe Associates are the architect of the Center. The Contractor for the construction of the Center was given to Dimeo Construction Company. The construction cost was US$13 million and the renovation cost was around US$80 million.
The Seating capacity of the Center varies for different events. For the concerts, it accommodates around 11000 people whereas for the Sports games accommodate around 14000 spectators.
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Conclusion:
Dunkin Donuts Center is an indoor arena which hosts various events like sports, concerts, multipurpose events, and political rallies, etc. It is build to create jobs and economic benefits to the people in Rhode Island. The Center is now regarded as one of the best facilities for conducting events.