News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - It was announced today by the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee that the Dunkin' Donuts Center - Providence will serve as one of the sites for the First and Second Rounds of the 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Providence College will serve as the host institution for the First and Second Rounds which will be played on March 18-21, 2010 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center - Providence. It will mark the first time the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has been held at the Dunkin' Donuts Center since 1996.

"Providence College has produced 10 winning proposals to bring NCAA tournaments to Providence since the Dunkin' Donuts Center was first opened," noted Providence College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. "The extensive refurbishing of the Dunkin' Donuts Center will enable Providence College once again to become a full economic development partner in bringing national attention to our City and State." He added that, "Providence College is dedicated to making the 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball First and Second Round Tournament games a first-class event." He also emphasized that PC "will be very aggressive long-term in developing a number of other proposals to bring national basketball and hockey tournaments to the State."

The Dunkin' Donuts Center has a long history of hosting NCAA men's basketball tournament action. In addition to hosting the 1996 First and Second Round games, the Dunkin' Donuts Center hosted the East Regionals in 1975, 1978 and 1985. The First and Second Rounds of the 1989 NCAA Men's Tournament also were played at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority purchased the Dunkin' Donuts Center in December 2005 and immediately embarked on a $62 million renovation of the facility that is scheduled to be completed for the fall 2008 season. Upgrades include the addition of luxury suites, locker room improvements, an expanded lobby and concourse, all new seats in the bowl, a pedestrian link to the Convention Center, and a new video scoreboard, which patrons will see this fall.

"I am thrilled the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament is returning to Providence and the Dunkin' Donuts Center," said David Gavitt, commissioner, RICCA. "It is the perfect time for this prestigious event to return to Rhode Island, when we will be able to showcase the newly renovated Dunk to basketball fans everywhere." The tournament, more commonly known as "March Madness," is one the most prominent sporting events in the United States. The tournament's popularity has grown significantly since 1996. At that time, the economic impact for Rhode Island was estimated at $7 to $10 million.

"When the Authority purchased the Dunkin' Donuts Center, we immediately set out to promote Rhode Island and our facilities to larger, national events and conventions," said David Duffy, chair, RICCA. "Working with our partners, we developed a winning bid package that included operational and marketing support from Providence College and the BIG EAST, the new hotel rooms coming online, and the renovation and upgrade of the Dunk. We are excited to make this announcement today which would not have been possible without the support of Governor Carcieri, Mayor Cicilline, and the General Assembly Leadership."

"As home to seven college and university campuses, Providence has a rich tradition in college sports," said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The Bureau is proud to be a partner in securing this national event, which will reap significant benefits for the community. We plan to warmly welcome the athletes and their fans to the Providence/Warwick area." Providence College has long been active in pursuing NCAA Tournament action. Providence College has served as the host school each time NCAA men's basketball tournament action has been played in Providence. The College also has served as the host for three Frozen Fours (1986, 1995 and 2000) and two men's ice hockey Regionals (1992 and 2003) at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.