Daniel P. McConaghy | Executive director, R.I. Convention Center Authority
1. The Amica Mutual Pavilion is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Why is it an important thing for the community to celebrate? I think it serves as an important cog in the local community and the state with its impact on economic development and businesses that have grown up around the building as a result. The patron experience, which has continued generationally, [is important]. But the same holds true for businesses around here since [the pavilion] opened. We think we’re a big piece of them growing over the years.
2. Describe the AMP Gives 50 program and how the community will benefit from it. We’ll be challenging our employees to perform a good deed for the community. Whether it’s a clothing drive or donating blood, it is our opportunity to [recognize] community service.
3. What economic impact do you hope this 50th anniversary initiative will bring to the state? We have a major influence on local businesses. There are multiple studies that have been done measuring the impact. It ranges from not only direct spend but also if you take the revenue generated at [the AMP] and next door [the R.I. Convention Center], the impact on local businesses is about twice as much. We always do try to focus on having our vendors to engage with local businesses and utilize their services. It is hard for us to engage with businesses without acknowledging Amica [Mutual Insurance Co.] in all of this because they’ve become an amazing partner for us in less than a year.
4. Was there any worry that the anniversary would be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? People were looking to reconnect and get out. We were concerned that people would be nervous about being in crowds, and there was some of that. I think for the most part, with the precautions that were taken, we were ready to get back out. It also helps to have great hockey and basketball teams playing.
5. The AMP is expected to get new signage and a new roof. Are there any other upcoming infrastructure projects slated for the arena? We’re going to be changing out the seats in the lower end of the north end of the bowl. We’ll be swapping those out for the variable rise seating system that can [raise] the seats up and over the [hockey] boards. Then, we will be adding about 400 more seats to the bowl for basketball and concerts. Also … there are VIP experience opportunities that we’re trying to capitalize on, which is part of the seating project.
