WHERE WE STARTED The overall project took nearly thirteen years (1960-1973) from its first appearance on the State's referendum, through the design process, construction, with a ground breaking on January 25, 1971, a soft opening (November 3, 1972), to finally the Grand Opening on January 17,1973.
In year one, the first full season (1972-1973), Johnny Cash took the stage for the first time in November 1972 followed by Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, and many more.
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WHERE WE'RE GOING The Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) will take part in celebrating its long history through a variety of acknowledgements throughout the next year. The kickoff to our celebration this year will be our “AMP Gives 50” campaign which will launch in January and be a weekly initiative of acts of kindness to support our community.
Generations of families have created fond memories at the Arena and the Amica Mutual Pavilion looks forward to continuing to be a part of those stories for decades to come. We'd love to hear your stories or see your photos - to be featured in our year long campaign, please email: theamppvd@pvdricenter.com
View our Then & Now Interior/Exterior Photo Gallery at the link below:
View our past Event Photo Gallery at the link below:
50THAnniversary Photo Gallery - AMP (1).pdf
50th ANNIVERSARY TRIVIA
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How many cubic yards of concrete did it take to build the Providence Civic Center?
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14,000 cubic yards
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How many yards of steel did it take to build the Providence Civic Center?
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2,500 yards
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ELVIS PRESLEY "left the building" for the last time in Providence in what year?
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1977
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Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci presented BARRY MANILOW with the Key to the City in what year?
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1978
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Providence College Men's Basketball played their first game at the arena in what year?
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1972
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The Providence Bruins played their first game at the arena in what year?
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1992
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The Providence Bruins won the Calder Cup Championship in what year?
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1999
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When VAN HALEN played Providence in 1981, they wanted M&M's in their dressing room. What color M&M did they request to be removed?
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Red
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What RI promoter booked their first concert BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS in 1973?
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Frank J. Russo
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In May of 1986, what artisit cancelled all shows due to illness, EXCEPT Providence?
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Frank Sinatra
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In June of 1987 what Rhode Islander won a boxing WORLD TITLE at the arena?
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Vinny "Paz" Pazienza
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What artists have played the arena more than 10 times?
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Aerosmith, Barry Manilow, Boston Pops, Frank Sinatra, Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull,
Kiss,Neil Diamond, and Trans Siberian Orchestra
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What comedian performed the most at the arena?
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Jeff Dunham, 7 times which includes his upcoming performance on February 25, 2023
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WWF ROYAL RUMBLE came to Providence in what year?
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1994
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Which artist(s) have played 3 consecutive shows at the arena?
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Barry Manilow, Billy Joel & Grateful Dead
