For Immediate Release
Contact: Kristen Adamo
401-456-0231
kadamo@pwcvb.com

RI Convention Center Authority Formally Acquires Dunkin' Donuts Center
Outlines Plan for Renovations

Providence, RI - December 13, 2005 - With a stroke of a pen, the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority became the owner of the Dunkin' Donuts Center at a ceremony today that celebrated the collaborative efforts of officials and organizations at both the state and local levels.

"I have been advocating for the State of Rhode Island to purchase the Dunkin' Donuts Center for the past several years," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "This investment will enable us turn this 33 year-old-arena into a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility, and to attract larger conventions to Providence. By purchasing the Dunkin' Donuts Center and connecting it to the Convention Center, we have a great opportunity to create a world-class destination and entertainment venue for both large and small-scale events, meetings and conventions"

"This is a great day for the City, and a great day for the state of Rhode Island." said Providence Mayor David Cicilline. "Today marks the first step toward returning our Civic Center, 'the Dunk,' to its rightful place as a thriving, modern venue for major entertainment events." The RI Convention Center Authority purchased the Dunkin' Donuts Center from the City of Providence for $28.5 million.

Officials spoke before an audience that included members of the Rhode Island State Legislature and the Providence City Council; the boards of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority and the Dunkin' Donuts Center Authority; and representatives from the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, and SMG, which will manage both properties.

RI Convention Center Authority Executive Director James McCarvill outlined the organization's plan for the $62 million renovation of the Dunkin' Donuts Center, which includes linking the facility to the adjacent Rhode Island Convention Center.

"Connecting the Dunkin' Donuts and Convention centers and marketing them as a seamless unit will allow us to pursue larger meetings and conventions," explained McCarvill. "We expect that the consolidation of these meeting facilities will bring more visitors to the Greater Providence area, which will have a significant economic impact."

Seating in the Dunkin' Donuts Center will be upgraded, with the creation of suites and club seats, as well the installation of new seats throughout the arena. Other renovations to "The Dunk," as it has come to be known by locals, will focus on two major areas: enhancing the facility's infrastructure and improving patron amenities. Plans call for work to begin immediately on overhauling the mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the plumbing. Additional upgrades include refurbishing the lobby, concession area, restrooms and dressing rooms.

"We expect that this will be a three-year process. We will make every effort to keep the facility operational during all renovations," stressed McCarvill, noting that the bulk of work on the project will be done from June through September of each year.

The Dunkin' Donuts Center is the home arena for the AHL Providence Bruins hockey team and the Providence College men's basketball team. For more information about upcoming concerts, family shows and various other special events, please contact the Dunkin' Donuts Center at 401-331-0700 or online at www.dunkindonutscenter.com.

The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority - governed by a nine-member - RI Convention Center Authority Acquires Dunkin' Donuts Center board - manages and operates the Rhode Island Convention Center, the Dunkin' Donuts Center and related facilities. The facilities are leased to the state and the authority manages them under a sublease agreement, contracting the actual facility management to SMG. Headquartered in Philadelphia, SMG provides facility services to more than 180 venues, in 41 States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Europe, controls more than 1.46 million entertainment seats worldwide, and manages more than ten million square feet of exhibit space. For additional information, visit www.smgworld.com .

Located in the heart of downtown Providence, the Rhode Island Convention Center contains a 100,000 square foot exhibition hall, a 20,000 square foot ballroom, 23 meeting rooms and the all-glass Rotunda Room, a special function space overlooking the city. The Center also includes an exhibitor's services center, state-of-the-art business center, superb in-house food service and ten loading docks with ramp access to the show floor. For more information, visit www.riconvention.com.

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