Report: R.I. Convention Center Authority facilities generated $717.6M from ’09-’13

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Convention Center Authority’s three facilities generated more than $717.6 million for the local economy over a five-year period, according to an economic impact study released Friday.

The authority oversees the R.I. Convention Center, Dunkin’ Donuts Center and Veterans Memorial Auditorium. It commissioned Minneapolis-based Conventions, Sports and Leisure International to conduct the study, which reviewed the 2009 to 2013 time period.

The study found that the three venues held 2,483 events, attracting more than 6.5 million people into the city. The three facilities also support more than 1,200 jobs annually.

“The study demonstrates the importance of building and maintaining state infrastructure.” James McCarvill, executive director of the R.I. Convention Center Authority, said in a statement. “The city of Providence, the state of Rhode Island and the community as a whole benefit greatly from these facilities, which also adds to the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.”

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Bernard Buonanno, chairman of the R.I. Convention Center Authority, said without the facilities, there would be 1.3 million fewer people a year visiting downtown Providence to eat at restaurants, stay at hotels and shop at the mall.

“We are fortunate to have such a robust economic generator in our community,” Buonanno said.
The report said that the economic impact of the three venues per year ranges from $135 million to $157.7 million, with the combined annual direct spending of the complex over the five-year period at $510 million. The estimated total tax revenue for the complex over the five-year period was $54.1 million.
Other report highlights:
R.I. Convention Center Authority:

  • 1,340 events over five-year period; peak was in 2011 with 290 events.
  • Total attendance for five-year period was 3.3 million; peak attendance was in 2010 at 726,338

Dunkin’ Donuts Center:

  • 621 events over five-year period; peak was in 2013 with 136 events.
  • Total attendance for five-year period was 3 million; peak attendance was in 2009 at 622,031

The Vets:

  • 522 events over five-year period; peak was in 2013 with 133 events.
  • Total attendance for five-year period was 404,299; peak attendance was in 2013 at 103,123.

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