SMG wins new contract to manage R.I. Convention Center and The Dunk

PROVIDENCE – SMG will continue to manage the R.I. Convention Center and the Dunkin’ Donuts Center after winning a new 2.5-year contract on Aug. 26.
The Pennsylvania-based company has managed the Convention Center since the building opened in 1994 and the Dunk since the state purchased it from the city of Providence in 2006.
R.I. Convention Center Authority spokeswoman Kim Keough said Tuesday the final contract with SMG has not yet been negotiated.
The company will be paid a management fee for running the two buildings, along with food service at the convention center and two associated parking garages.
SMG beat out Global Spectrum for the sizable contract; traditionally, the deal is worth about $500,000 annually for SMG, authority Executive Director James McCarvill told Providence Business News in July. The quasi-public authority pays all the operating and repair costs associated with the buildings.
The Convention Center hosts about 300 events annually, ranging from large meetings to school dances. The Dunk runs about 140 events, including about 60 basketball and hockey games.
The new contract with SMG will run from Dec. 1, 2010, to June 30, 2013.