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DCU Center

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About

The DCU Center is the premier indoor arena and convention center located in the bustling downtown of Worcester. This multifunctional complex serves as the heart of the region's entertainment and business life, bringing together sporting passions, cultural events, and professional meetings under one roof. For residents and visitors alike, this place has long been synonymous with vivid impressions and large-scale events.

The complex consists of two main parts: a spacious arena, which hosts concerts by world stars and thrilling sports matches, and a modern exhibition center. This combination makes it a unique venue in the USA, capable of transforming to suit any need — whether it be an ice show, a monster truck rally, or a serious medical conference.

DCU Center. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

A special atmosphere is added by the fact that it is the home arena for the professional hockey team, the Worcester Railers. The energy of the stands during games, the excellent acoustics at concerts, and the convenient infrastructure make the DCU Center a must-visit for any tourist wishing to feel the true rhythm of the city.

Contacts

If you are planning to visit this place or want to check the event schedule, it is useful to have current contact details on hand. The complex administration is ready to answer visitor questions during business hours.

Below is a table with official contact information:

Address 50 Foster St, Worcester, MA 01608, USA
Phone +1 508-755-6800
Official website http://www.dcucenter.com/

What to Do

Visiting this complex is primarily about immersing yourself in a world of live excitement. Sports fans can witness thrilling hockey matches featuring the Worcester Railers. The atmosphere in the stands during games is always electrified, and you can feel the true spirit of American fandom while supporting the local team alongside thousands of fans.

If you prefer music, keep an eye on the schedule: the arena regularly hosts concerts by world stars of various genres, from rock and pop to country. Thanks to good acoustics and well-thought-out space organization, every show turns into a memorable event. Family performances, such as famous ice shows or circus programs that will delight children, are also frequent here.

Beyond entertainment, the exhibition part of the complex often hosts major exhibitions and fairs — from car and boat shows to flower exhibitions and bridal salons. Walking through such events can be a great way to get to know the local culture, find unique goods, or simply have an interesting time browsing the various stands.

Getting There

Getting to the complex is quite simple, as it is located in the very heart of the city. Thanks to its central location at 50 Foster St, navigating the area will be easy even for those visiting for the first time. For motorists, there are several parking garages and open lots nearby.

For those who prefer public transport, it is convenient to use the services of Union Station, which is located just a few minutes' walk from the arena. MBTA commuter trains from Boston arrive here, as well as Amtrak trains and intercity buses. This makes the trip comfortable without the need to rent a car.

If you are in another part of downtown, you can reach the place on foot. Popular taxi and rideshare services also operate in the city and can easily take you directly to the main entrance, which is especially convenient on days of major events when traffic may be difficult.

History & Facts

The history of this venue began in the early 1980s when the city was in dire need of a modern site for major events. The facility originally opened under the name Worcester Centrum and quickly gained popularity due to its capacity and convenient location. One of the first grand events was a concert by the legendary Frank Sinatra, which immediately set a high bar for future events.

In the 1990s, the complex underwent significant changes: a spacious convention center was added to the arena, allowing for not only sports matches and concerts but also large-scale exhibitions, trade shows, and business meetings. This expansion turned the facility into a multifunctional center of attraction for the entire New England region.

The complex received its current name, DCU Center, in the mid-2000s as part of a sponsorship deal. Over the decades of its existence, the arena has seen it all: from thrilling hockey battles and performances by world rock stars to circus shows and political rallies, remaining an important part of the city's cultural heritage.

Time Needed

The time needed for a visit directly depends on your purpose and the event format. If you are attending a hockey match or a music concert, expect to spend an average of 2 to 4 hours here. This is enough time to enjoy the show, grab a snack during the break, and leave the arena without rushing.

For visitors to exhibitions, conferences, or trade shows, the visit may last half a day or even a full day. Large-scale expositions in the convention center often require a thoughtful inspection of stands and participation in the business program, so it is worth planning your time with a buffer.

Working Hours

Please note that access times depend on the specific event (concert, match, or exhibition). However, the administrative offices and box offices of the complex operate on a fixed schedule.

Official visiting hours: from Monday to Friday, doors are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Saturday, there is a reduced working day from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday is a day off unless special events are scheduled.

Nearby

Once in this area, do not miss the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood, as the city center is rich in historical buildings and interesting locations. Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere of New England and make your visit more fulfilling.

Below is a list of interesting places located within walking or transport distance:

Name Category Distance (km)
Mechanics Hall Historical Place 0.3
Salisbury Mansion Tourist Attraction 0.9
Worcester Memorial Auditorium (The Aud) Historical Place 0.9
Kelley Square Historical Place 1.0
Rural Cemetery & Crematory Historical Place 1.7
Woodland Street Firehouse Historical Place 1.8
Goddard-Daniels House Historical Place 1.8
Bancroft Tower Tourist Attraction 2.0
Worcester State Hospital Clock Tower Monument Historical Place 2.9
Stearns Tavern Historical Place 3.6

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