Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Journal photo / M. Charles Bakst
In a scene reminiscent of political conventions, balloons drop on attendees of a of the newly renovated Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence. Click here to see a video tour of the changes.

By KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

PROVIDENCE - An array of Rhode Island political leaders have just christened the newly renovated Dunkin' Donuts Center.

A three-year, $80-million renovation of the building is finally over, and the dignitaries on hand today were clearly excited about the finished product.

"Does this look beautiful or what," said Governor Carcieri, just back from the National Republican Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. "This is a great example of what can get done and what is good about our little state."

Rhode Island Convention Center Authority chairman David Duffy said he expects the building known as "the Dunk" and Convention Center to be able to attract several high-profile sporting events in the coming years. The first is already booked when the NCAA basketball tournament returns to Providence in 2010.

"A strong, mid-market city like Providence wouldn't be the same without a building like this," Duffy said.

The building's first event will be an All-access Open House on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The building will be open, free of charge, for customers who can tour through the Providence College basketball and Providence Bruins locker rooms, see the luxury suites, walk on the PC hoop floor, sit in the brand-new cushioned seats and take part in interactive games and contests.

On Sunday night, the American Idols Live Tour comes to the Dunk on Sunday night.

 Tags  Dunkin' Donuts Center Providence

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