DCU Center
For 28 years, the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts has been recognized as the gathering place for people to experience the finest in entertainment, sporting events and public functions. Hailed as one of the most successful entertainment and convention facilities in the nation, the DCU Center opened its doors in September 1982 with the legendary Frank Sinatra Inaugural Concert. Since that time, acts of all musical genres have found their way to the arena stage. From rock to rap, country to contemporary, millions of fans from all over the world have come to the DCU Center to see their favorite performers.
The arena features annual appearances of the top family shows including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Sesame Street Live, Disney On Ice, Harlem Globetrotters and The Wiggles among others. The DCU Center also plays host to a variety of sporting and entertainment events including NCAA Basketball and Hockey, Holy Cross Basketball, Professional Bull Riding, MIAA High School Basketball Championships, Monster Trucks and more. In addition, the facility is proud home to the American Hockey League franchise, the Worcester Sharks. The Worcester Sharks are owned, operated and affiliated with the San Jose Sharks and host 40 regular season home games.
The facility expanded in 1997 with the opening of an attached state-of-the-art convention center that features panoramic views of downtown Worcester. The complex, described as an architectural gem, added 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, 11 meeting rooms, a 12,144 square foot ballroom (the largest in Central Massachusetts) and a state-of-the-art kitchen. The facility’s 100,000-plus square feet of exhibit space is filled by consumer shows, trade shows, conventions, conferences, and other public and private functions year-round.
In October 2004, DCU (Digital Federal Credit Union) and the City of Worcester entered into a naming rights partnership to rename the arena and convention center to the DCU Center. DCU is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution cooperatively owned by and operated for its members. DCU was chartered in October of 1979. Well over 300,000 DCU members have made them one of the fastest growing credit unions in America.
During the summer of 2009, the DCU Center underwent the first phase of a multi-year capital improvement project, which included an electrical service upgrade and the complete replacement of the ice surface. A new ice plant and chillers were replaced, and new dasher boards and state-of-the-art seamless glass were installed for the start of the Worcester Sharks’ 4th season. Future phases of renovations are expected to incorporate amenities that are standard to new arenas including suites and club seats, as well as improved restrooms, concession areas, and facility accessibility.
Continuing to provide the best possible experience for the promoter, performer and patron, the DCU Center is owned by the City of Worcester and managed by SMG, the world's leading private management and developing firm for public assembly facilities. Headquartered in Philadelphia, SMG provides management services to over 200 venues. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through our in house catering company, SAVOR… Catering by SMG