The City of Worcester and SMG Announce Renovation Plans for the DCU Center

Worcester, Massachusetts – The first phase of a multi-year capital improvement project at the DCU Center was announced today by SMG and the City of Worcester.

The historic Arena, which will celebrate its 27th year anniversary this September, has become a flagship landmark in the city of Worcester.  Beginning this summer, capital improvements will begin to upgrade the facility to meet current arena standards.  To minimize any financial impacts to the facility and ensure no interruption to the regular calendar of events including the Worcester Sharks AHL season, the summer months will be utilized for construction.  Initial plans are expected to result in three to four years of summer construction to complete the entire project.

The first round of renovations began this week and will be completed by the first of September.  The primary areas of focus for this phase of construction are the electrical service for the facility and an ice plant; the current ice plant is original to the facility and has long outlived its useful life.  In addition to a complete replacement of the ice floor and the chillers, a new dasher and glass system will be installed. "The Sharks are very excited that our partners (DCU Center and the City of Worcester) are investing in the improvement of the playing surface, boards, and glass, at the DCU Center in order to continue to help our organization on the ice and for the fans to better enjoy their experience," stated Michael T. Lehr, President and CEO of Worcester Sharks.

Future phases 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.  Focus is also being given to new opportunities for energy savings and technological improvements that weren’t available twenty-seven years ago.  Sandy Dunn, General Manager of the DCU Center, stated, “The proposed renovation will help to ensure that the DCU Center remains one of the highest regarded and most competitive venues in the world.  Improved amenities will help drive additional revenue by attracting larger audiences and the best concerts, family shows and sporting events for this size facility.”

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 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, performing arts centers, theatres and convention, conference and trade centers.  SMG also offers food and beverage operations through SAVOR… Catering by SMG, which currently services 65 accounts worldwide.