Bye-Bye, Dunk: Dunkin' Donuts Center Signage Removed

PROVIDENCE, RI — Long live The Dunk.

On Wednesday, Dunkin' Donuts Center signage was removed from the downtown Civic Center where, since 2001, the Providence Friars and Providence Bruins homecourt has been The Dunk.

Multiple news reports included statements from the company, confirming that the company will not renew naming rights at the area at One LaSalle Square.

"Dunkin’ has made the difficult decision to not renew its naming rights partnership with the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority. We are incredibly proud to have served as the namesake of The Dunk, as it has become affectionately known by hundreds of thousands of fans from across the country, for the last 21 years," the company said, in a statement to WJAR.

It was confirmed earlier this month that Lincoln-based Amica Mutual Insurance Company is in negotiations for naming rights to not only the basketball and hockey arena, but the downtown Convention Center as well.

"We are in active discussions with the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority about securing the naming rights to the Convention Center and Civic Center," the spokesperson said. "While nothing has been finalized yet, we’re excited about the potential opportunity."

The naming rights agreement between the Convention Center Authority and Dunkin' came to an end on June 30, but the state agency controlling the Civic Center, Convention Center and Veterans Memorial Auditorium, allowed the name to remain until a new deal was finalized.

The 14,000-seat arena hosts concerts alongside its duties as the home for the Providence Bruins and Providence College Friars.