Duluth, Minnesota – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) is gearing up for a promising year after facing some rocky times. Last year, they had to request a million-dollar loan from the city but are now optimistic about the future.

Dan Hartman, the Executive Director of DECC, shared some challenges they faced. We dealt with several capital projects that didn’t go as planned,” he explained. One major issue arose when the arena system broke down, forcing them to conduct an expensive emergency repair on the air conditioning system. “For a facility like ours, fixing this isn’t a small problem; it costs a lot,” he added.
Despite the difficulties, Hartman is proud that he hasn’t had to tap into that million-dollar line of credit. Now, he’s excited about a new project: Portside Park. This outdoor venue, located behind the DECC, features a brand-new seawall and aims to enhance the area for entertainment and gatherings.
Portside Park will cater to smaller events, something that Bayfront Park didn’t accommodate well. “We want to welcome smaller bands and audiences of around 4,000,” Hartman noted. “Bayfront is just too big for that.” This new venue is a chance to host events that can’t fill the larger space but offer a great experience nonetheless.
Another exciting aspect is how Portside Park will help connect Canal Park to Bayfront. Hartman highlighted that many people may not realize how far Bayfront is from Canal Park. “When there are events at both locations, we see more foot traffic between them,” he said, referencing their Winter Village events.
Hartman believes this new chapter will position Duluth as a go-to destination for entertainment. “I hope that with Portside Park in place, people will want to enjoy dinner at Lake Avenue and then catch a concert or a special event nearby,” he said.
In summary, the DECC is ready to elevate Duluth’s entertainment scene, offering unique experiences that stand out from other cities.
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