Let’s be honest: the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, just an hour and a half east of Hartford, Connecticut, has a pretty goofy name. But there’s nothing goofy about this indoor arena and what it offers Providence College’s local teams. In fact, it’s also one of the premier concert venues in all of New England. Imagine! Having a good time without having to go to Boston for once. Sounds like a pipe dream, doesn’t it? We guess America really does run on Dunkin’ after all.

The History of Dunkin’ Donuts Center

Opened all the way back in 1972 under the much more unassuming name of the Providence Civic Center, this venue was designed to host local NCAA hockey games and concerts and was an immediate success… until the Civic Center’s director was caught up in a scandal where he was taking bribes from concert promoters. This black mark continued through the 1980s and 1990s, with attendance dropping off significantly.

Then, the 2000s rolled around, and this venue got the revitalization it deserved. It became the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in 2001, was bought out by a new owner in 2005 and underwent an $80 million renovation that finished in 2008. The results have been nothing short of magical, as the newly-rehabbed venue has more modern bells and whistles than you would think was even possible!

What’s So Great About Dunkin’ Donuts Center Events?

With a brand-spanking newly renovated inside and outside, not to mention space for up to 14,000 screaming fans of all kinds, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center is one venue that you can’t pass up if you’re looking for a good time. From Hartford to Boston and beyond, come to Providence and get it on.