The Dunkin’ Donuts Center needs a new roof and it is expected to cost nearly $8 million, the executive director of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority said.
The current roof is about 50 years old, Daniel McConaghy told WJAR-TV.
“We’ve put enough band aids on it over time and more recently it’s gotten worse, so it’s really just time to remove and replace it,” he said.
The need for a new roof was highlighted on Wednesday night when a leak caused a 15-minute delay in the Providence-Xavier college basketball game. The 14,000-seat arena opened in 1971.
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The water leaked from a smoke exhaust system that was installed during 2008 renovations so that in case of a fire smoke can escape, McConaghy said. The roof’s drainage system is also worn down and deteriorating, he said.
The Convention Center has already hired an engineer and put out a bid request in October. He said the new roof is expected to cost $7.8 million and officials have petitioned the state and governor’s office for $7.5 million of that.
He said the repair work will likely not start until next year.
