You’ve probably called it "The Dunk" for so long that the new name just feels like a glitch in the matrix. Honestly, walking through downtown Providence and not seeing that giant pink and orange logo on the side of the building is still a little jarring. But here we are in 2026, and the Dunkin Donuts Center Rhode Island has officially entered its "AMP" era as the Amica Mutual Pavilion.
It’s weird how a building can feel like the living room of an entire state.
Whether you're there to scream your lungs out for the Providence College Friars or you're dragging the kids to see Monster Jam, this slab of concrete on LaSalle Square is basically the heart of the city. It’s seen everything. From Elvis shaking his hips in the 70s to the bizarre years where it served as a mass vaccination site, the venue is a chameleon.
The Identity Crisis: From Civic Center to The AMP
Let’s get the history straight because people get this mixed up constantly. The place opened in 1972 as the Providence Civic Center. It was built because the old Rhode Island Auditorium was, frankly, falling apart and couldn't handle the crowds coming to see Ernie DiGregorio and the Friars.
Then came 2001. Dunkin’ Donuts slapped their name on the side, and a legend was born. For over 20 years, everyone just knew it as "The Dunk." It fit. It was Rhode Island in a nutshell—utilitarian, slightly gritty, and powered by caffeine.
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But in late 2022, the naming rights shifted. Amica Mutual Insurance, a local giant based right in Lincoln, stepped up with a ten-year deal worth about $900,000 a year. Now, the official signs say Amica Mutual Pavilion, and the cool kids call it "The AMP." Change is hard, but the money from that deal helped fund some seriously needed upgrades that have kept the 14,000-seat arena from becoming a relic.
What’s Actually Inside?
If you haven't been inside since the $80 million renovation a while back, you'd hardly recognize the concourse. They added a massive glass-walled lobby and that skybridge that connects directly to the Rhode Island Convention Center. It makes life a lot easier when you're hitting up Rhode Island Comic Con and don't want to freeze your tail off walking between buildings in November.
The capacity changes depending on what’s happening:
- Concerts: They can squeeze in about 14,000 people.
- Basketball: Around 12,410 screaming fans.
- Hockey: Roughly 11,273 for the P-Bruins.
The sightlines are actually decent. Unlike some of those massive pro arenas in Boston or New York, there isn't really a "bad" seat here. Even in the nosebleeds, you feel like you’re part of the action. Plus, they finally added cupholders to all the seats. It took decades, but we made it.
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The Teams That Own the Ice and Floor
The Dunkin Donuts Center Rhode Island—alright, The AMP—is the primary home for two major staples of local sports.
First, you’ve got the Providence College Friars men’s basketball team. If you haven’t experienced a Big East game here on a Saturday afternoon, you haven't lived in Rhode Island. The energy is electric, mostly because the student section (the "Friar Dom") is relentless. The school has been playing here since the doors opened in '72, and they’ve got a massive new locker room facility that would make some NBA teams jealous.
Then there’s the Providence Bruins. The AHL team has been a fixture since 1992. It’s affordable, it’s fast, and it’s arguably more fun than going to a game at TD Garden because you’re right on top of the glass. In 2024, management of the arena actually shifted to Oak View Group, who also took over the food and beverage side. This means the hot dogs and beer options have actually improved significantly lately.
More Than Just Sports
People forget that this place is a bucket-list stop for touring acts. Led Zeppelin played one of their best shows ever here in 1973. Jimmy Page even said so. Frank Sinatra played the building ten times. Van Halen even filmed parts of the "Panama" music video during a soundcheck here in 1984.
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Nowadays, it's a mix of legacy acts and modern tours. In early 2026, we're seeing everything from Jeff Dunham’s comedy to the Harlem Globetrotters' 100th-anniversary tour. It’s also the go-to spot for the NCAA Tournament early rounds. Providence is a "basketball town," so the NCAA keeps coming back because they know we'll sell out every session.
Parking and Logistics (The Part Everyone Hates)
Let's talk about the nightmare that is parking. If you try to park in the North or South garages right next to the arena, expect to pay a premium and sit in your car for 45 minutes after the buzzer sounds.
Pro Tip: Park a few blocks away near the Providence Place Mall or in one of the surface lots near Weybosset Street. The walk is maybe ten minutes, but you'll get out of the city way faster. Also, if you’re coming from out of town, the MBTA commuter rail station is only about a half-mile walk away. It's a straight shot down Gaspee Street.
Is It Still "The Dunk"?
Technically, no. Culturally, maybe.
The Rhode Island Convention Center Authority has done a solid job of modernizing the space while keeping that "old school" feel. Even with the new Amica branding, the ghost of the Dunkin Donuts Center Rhode Island lives on in the way people talk about it. It’s the place where you graduated high school, where you saw your first concert, and where you watched the Friars upset a Top 10 team.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
- Check the Bag Policy: They are strict. Like, "no bags larger than a clutch" strict. Save yourself the walk back to the car and check the current ASM Global/AMP guidelines before you leave the house.
- Digital Tickets Only: Don't show up looking for a paper ticket window. Everything is through the Ticketmaster app now. Screenshot your QR code before you get to the gate because the Wi-Fi can get spotty when 12,000 people are trying to use it at once.
- Eat Locally First: While the arena food has improved under Oak View Group, you’re in Providence. Walk five minutes to Federal Hill or downtown for actual world-class food before the doors open.
- Arrive Early for PC Games: The security lines at the main entrance on LaSalle Square can get backed up 30 minutes before tip-off. Use the side entrances if they’re open.
- Use the Skybridge: If you're staying at the Omni or the Hilton, use the indoor walkway. It’s a lifesaver during Rhode Island winters.
The venue might have a new name and some fancy new LED boards, but the soul of the building hasn't changed. It's still the loud, crowded, wonderful place that defines Providence. Just don't be surprised if you still catch yourself calling it The Dunk—old habits die hard in the Ocean State.