Welcome

The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s new Arena has been officially named the AMSOIL Arena. Click Here for the rest of the story.AMSOIL Arena

August 26, 2010
Seat installation on the lower bowl will be complete this week. Upper bowl seat installation will take place during the next two weeks. The terrazzo floor in the Ticket Lobby is being laid and will soon be sanded. Cabinets and tile flooring was recently installed in the private suites. Carpeting, countertops and other finishes will be completed in the suites by the beginning of September. Work continues on the exterior siding and finishes. Trees, shrubs, perennials and other landscaping materials have been put in the areas surrounding the AMSOIL Arena. Concrete curbs and sidewalks have been poured in the areas between the AMSOIL Arena and the Auditorium/Convention Center/DECC Arena. Pavement was also laid in that area. See the progress beginning with the ground-breaking in our photo gallery.

Project at a Glance

Construction Start Date: April 2009

Opening Date: December 31, 2010

Seating: 6,600 for men’s and women’s hockey; more than 8,500 for concerts

Job Creation: 300 full-time, union jobs at the peak of construction

Arena Design Team: Kansas City, Missouri-based Populous, the world’s leading sports architecture firm, is teaming up with Duluth’s SJA Architects to design the new arena. The construction manager is Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction. Among the projects on which Populous and Mortenson have collaborated in Minnesota are the Xcel Energy Center, the University of Minnesota’s new TCF Bank Stadium and the Twins’ new Target Field.

Economic Impact: All the new activities at the DECC will bring millions of dollars each year into our economy for shopping, lodging, dining and other purchases. The new arena will also dramatically increase the more than $750,000 in sales tax the DECC currently collects each year.

Project Cost: Just under $80 million for the entire project, which includes the new arena, skywalk, addition and a 475-car expansion to the DECC’s parking ramp. Construction of the ramp began October 1, 2008.

Funding Sources: The state of Minnesota is funding nearly 50% of the $80 million cost; the voter-approved 3/4 of 1% increase in the city food and beverage tax will fund 27%; UMD will fund 12% and the DECC will fund 11%.

For more information view the Construction Milestones and the Fast Facts

Arena Comparison

The existing and new arenas, by the numbers

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Arena Comparison

Existing ArenaNew Arena
5,100Hockey Seating Capacity6,600
14’Average Concourse Width18’
28Concession Points of Sale35 fixed; 6 portable
0UMD Club Space2,000 square feet
0Suites15 suites, 1 party suite
31”Legroom Between Rows34” lower bowl
33” upper bowl
16” - 20”Seat Width20”
1Elevators3
10’ x 12’Scoreboard Dimensions15’ x 20’; with video display
15Women’s Restroom Stalls on Arena Concourse68
Men’s & women’s locker rooms; training roomUMD Player/Staff FacilitiesState-of-the-art men’s and women’s locker rooms; weight room; hydrotherapy room; plyometrics area; video room; classroom; offices
85’ x 190’Ice Sheet Size85’ x 200’

LEED & Other Extras

LEED Certification
The DECC will be one of the first arenas in the world with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The arena will maximize energy efficiencies, recycling programs and many other “green” aspects, including the use of local, renewable resources throughout the facility. Our goal is to reduce energy use by approximately 60% over traditional arenas.

Click here to learn more about the DECC’s LEED & Energy Reduction Strategies for the new arena

More Skywalk Access
A new skywalk link will connect our expanded parking ramp and the Northwest Passage from downtown to the new arena, providing more convenient access and protection from the elements for DECC visitors.

‘Open Bowl’ Design
As shown in the interior illustration above, the arena’s design will be such that you’ll have a great view of the action even when you’re in the concourse or at a concession stand!

Downtown Views
The arena’s design will not only provide great sight lines to events inside, but will let in plenty of light and provide great views of Duluth’s picturesque assets.

Private Suites
Individuals and businesses are invited to reserve one of the 15 private suites, each of which will accommodate 12 guests with seats close to the action. Each suite will also include a lounge area, HDTV monitors, in-game concierge access and much more.

Full Accessibility
With a minimum of 130 Americans with Disabilities Act seat locations – 65 for wheelchairs and 65 for companion seating – all guests on all three levels and in suites will enjoy easy accessibility during our events.