Maine Arena Revamp

Trustees with the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine, are moving forward on a $33 million renovation project approved by voters last November.

Board trustees are in the process of choosing a construction management firm, which they hope to have in place by February.

The board is also discussing whether to close the venue during the renovation or to work around scheduled concerts, Portland Pirates hockey games and other events.

Upgrades will include new premium seating areas, an enlarged lobby, wider concourses, improved concessions, an upgraded box office, improved dressing rooms and restrooms, improved accessibility for handicapped patrons and enlarging the loading dock.

The project will keep the 8,726-capacity Civic Center competitive in a market that includes the 5,400-capacity Bangor Auditorium.