AMP and Convention Center renovations near complete

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Officials at the Amica Mutual Pavilion showed off renovations to the building the Providence College men’s basketball team and Providence Bruins call home.

The renovations included new seats, a new roof, and technology in the arena. The multi-million dollar makeover for the amp is almost complete, with officials saying the roof is about 90% complete, and is ready to open with no issues.

The renovations come after the AMP, and previously the Dunkin’ Donuts Center dealt with roof leaks and condensation issues during PC basketball games that caused delays and even postponements of games, most famously a triple overtime game the Friars won back in February 2022.

“That was a national game and when I saw that there this is not what we want people to see on a national level,” Governor Dan McKee said Thursday outside the Amica Mutual Pavilion. “We want people to understand Rhode Island is really taking care of its facilities and making sure we’re putting our best foot forward.”

Thursday morning, ABC6 News got a tour of the facilities to see some of the changes which also include a new floor to separate the court and ice beneath it to limit condensation issues in the arena.

“there’s also an expansion and contraction from the floor. The floor has to be cut in place while the ice is down because it contracts,” said Lawrence Lepore, the Amica Mutual Pavilion’s executive director.

The 30,000 square foot flooring runs about $300,000, and Lepore hopes it will outlast, and double, its predecessor which lasted 18 years.

“I’m hoping, I’m hoping. This is the best floor you can buy,” Lepore said.

The new roof is the main highlight fans and players will enjoy that will hopefully come with no more water delays, but there’s also new technology in the building now that will allow for in-house streaming of any games or events at the AMP or Convention Center.

The renovations also include 400 new seats, including new seat technology that raises and lowers seats for a better viewing experience for fans which brings the new seating capacity for basketball games to 14,760.