DCU Center Renovations

The City of Worcester and SMG-managed DCU Center recently marked the commencement of a 23 million dollar renovation and expansion project at the arena with a ceremonial column-breaking. Worcester and DCU Center officials were joined by Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray, representatives from the State Delegation, Worcester City Councilors, City of Worcester Civic Center Commissioners, and the Worcester Sharks to celebrate the first major refurbishment project at the City-owned Arena since it opened 30 years ago.

The Arena will see both exterior and interior renovations. Plans include a redesigned box office, four new event suites, retail spaces along an expanded concourse and revamped restrooms as well as upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The Arena will undergo a five-month period of complete shutdown from May to September 2013, and construction will be complete, and the Arena re-opened by October 2013. 

Through the creation of a Special Finance District Zone, the City will be able to provide the revenue stream to finance the much needed capital investment for the project. The SFD allows for the financing through net new State hotel, meals, and sales tax revenues from certain establishments in the City. The DCU Center improvements are self-supporting, as revenues from the net new State hotel meals and sales tax from this District are re-directed and re-invested to meet the annual payments on these loan authorizations for these capital improvements.

"For 30 years, our premier DCU Center has been an economic and cultural engine for our community and entire region. This tradition continues. Our multi-million dollar reinvestment this year enhances fan, patron and promoter experiences alike”, said Worcester City Manager Michael V. O’Brien. “We leverage and integrate all this with our other economic development progress Downtown and we top it off with a 3-year deal with our beloved Worcester Sharks. All this is a hat-trick for our community."

The exterior redesign is aimed to complement the CitySquare project currently under construction. The exterior changes to the DCU Center, specifically the arena, will unite these major structures into a single aesthetic experience for the public.

"We're experiencing great momentum for Worcester with significant development projects underway in the city's downtown district," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "The DCU Center's expansion plans mark another great development that will boost the local economy and attract more excitement in the city and region."

As the second largest City in New England, the multi-million dollar investment is critical to keeping Worcester’s DCU Center’s status as one of the best venues of its size nationwide. 

“This marks an exciting day in the history and future of the DCU Center,” said Sandy Dunn, General Manager of the DCU Center/SMG Management. “After 30 years, SMG and the City of Worcester continue collaboration and progress to keep world class entertainment alive in our vibrant city.”

In 2006, through a home rule petition to the State Legislature, the City received authorization to create a Special Finance District  (SFD) that would allow the undertaking of key capital reinvestments in the DCU Center facility. The creation of this SFD allowed for the financing of these investments through net new State hotel, meals, and sales tax revenues from certain establishments in the City. The DCU Center improvements are self-supporting, as revenues from the net new State hotel meals and sales tax from this District are re-directed and re-invested to meet the annual payments on these loan authorizations for these capital improvements.

The DCU Center Arena opened in 1982, and has yet to have a major capital infusion. Many of the life safety systems and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing/HVAC systems are original to the building and well beyond useful life. The majority of the interior of the building is worn and tired. The City’s Economic Development Team has been working closely with the Civic Center Commission to develop a master plan to address the building’s deficiencies. Key components of the project include:

• Main entrance, lobby and box office will be restructured to better accommodate ticketing, circulation, and security needs.
• Expansion of concourse along Foster Street side of building.
• Two party suites and two new major bathroom facilities.
• Interior of arena concourse will receive a facelift (paint, fixtures, floor treatments, etc.).
• New streetscape along Major Taylor Boulevard and Foster Street sides of building.
• Potential for 1,200 square foot retail space at corner of Commercial and Foster Street.
• Upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, particularly HVAC system – chiller, cooling tower and emergency generator.

Construction will be complete by October 2013. For a link to the artist renderings of the renovations please visit: http://youtu.be/AzZaQGxAouU

Contact Person

Heather Gould, 508-799-1400 x 233, GouldH@worcesterma.gov