A Familiar Face Returns to the DCU Center

Amy Peterson Says the DCU Center Is More Than Entertainment — It Drives Worcester’s Economy

“A convention center’s whole point of existence really is about economic impact and driving hotel room nights, the business for the restaurants downtown, feet on the street, heads and beds.” — Amy Peterson

By-Radio Worcester

Graphic – Submitted

Worcester, MA- For Amy Peterson, becoming General Manager of the DCU Center feels less like a new beginning and more like a return home.

Peterson recently joined Hank Stolz at Sherwood’s Diner overlooking Polar Park to discuss stepping into her new leadership role at one of Worcester’s most recognizable entertainment and convention venues.

Before becoming General Manager, Peterson previously served as the DCU Center’s Director of Marketing, making her return especially meaningful.

“It definitely feels like a homecoming,” Peterson explained during the conversation.

Her new position now places her at the center of one of Worcester’s busiest and most visible public venues, overseeing operations that range from concerts and sporting events to conventions and community partnerships.

A Business That Never Stops

Peterson described the entertainment and event management industry as demanding, fast-paced, and deeply tied to nights, weekends, and holidays.

“It is definitely a lifestyle,” Peterson said. “Because when everybody else is, it’s a holiday, it’s a night, it’s a weekend and our staff is just always on.”

As General Manager, Peterson oversees budget operations while also managing relationships with the City of Worcester, the management company, tenants such as the Worcester Railers, event promoters, and corporate partners.

She also supervises the convention center side of the operation, which she described as a critical economic engine for downtown Worcester.

“A convention center’s whole point of existence really is about economic impact,” Peterson explained, “and driving hotel room nights, the business for the restaurants downtown, feet on the street, heads and beds.”

A Wide Variety of Events

The DCU Center continues to host a broad range of entertainment programming designed to attract visitors from across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

Peterson highlighted the venue’s ability to serve many audiences simultaneously, from concerts and family entertainment to sporting events and conventions.

Programming regularly includes:

• Rock concerts
• Country music tours
• Disney on Ice
• Monster Truck Jam
• Sporting events
• Conventions and trade shows

That diversity, Peterson said, helps keep the building active year-round while supporting downtown businesses and hospitality partners.

Continued Investment in the Facility

Peterson also discussed the City of Worcester’s continued commitment to improving and modernizing the DCU Center.

Recent capital investments include:

• New seating
• Updated lighting systems
• Enhanced sound systems
• A new production rigging grid

Those upgrades are designed to help the venue remain competitive when attracting major touring acts, conventions, and regional events.

A Hyper-Local Approach

While Peterson’s role involves large-scale operations and regional event planning, she emphasized that community connection remains a major priority.

“I really want to be hyper local,” Peterson said. “So my doors are always open and I welcome any conversation.”

That approach reflects Peterson’s desire to maintain strong relationships within Worcester while continuing to grow the DCU Center’s role as both an entertainment destination and an economic driver for the city.