$1.6 million to make community center more inclusive

 

SAGINAW, Mich., Oct. 12, 2024 — State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) hosted a press conference at Dow Event Center today, highlighting the $1.6 million in investments secured in this year’s state budget. These investments will help pay for the center’s new elevator installations, making the community event center more inclusive and accessible for all. 

 

“The Dow Event Center is a cornerstone in this community. This multi-use venue has been bringing people together for decades. Just this summer, our community hosted the Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cup — what a success it was and congratulations to the Saginaw Spirit for its tournament win,” O’Neal said, vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “These investments are crucial for ensuring all are accommodated. From hockey games to musicals, the Dow Event Center provides entertainment for just about everyone.”

 

Home to the Saginaw Spirit, the Dow Event Center was built in 1972 and can hold up to 7,600 people. This year, the center was the host of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Memorial Cup. Dating back to 1919, the tournament trophy was awarded in remembrance of the many soldiers who died for Canada during the First World War. The Memorial Cup was rededicated in 2010 in memory of all the fallen Canadian Military Personnel. The Saginaw Spirit is the third American club team in history to win the tournament. 

 

“On behalf of the Saginaw Spirit, we are grateful to Representative Amos O’Neal for working with his colleagues to gain approval for the investment of the elevator at the Dow Event Center,” said Craig Goslin, president and managing partner for the Saginaw Spirit. “The economic impact of the recent CHL Memorial Cup in Saginaw will be over $30 million. The CHL Site Selection Committee would not have approved Saginaw as the host without the elevator. The Dow was built in 1972 and with Saginaw County’s investment into the building for the Memorial Cup and beyond, turned an older looking facility into one that looks and performs as new. The State’s investment in the elevator is a major improvement to the games, concerts, circus and all events hosted at the Dow Event Center. It has significantly impacted the opportunities for hosting other major events now and into the future. We are very appreciative!”