Congressman McGovern: Boston 2024 Selection of DCU Center to Host Olympic Events A Victory for Worcester

Washington, DC, June 24, 2015

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), welcomed the news that Boston 2024 has chosen the DCU Center in Worcester to host Olympic handball if Boston becomes the host city for the 2024 Olympic Games. In addition to the DCU Center, Boston 2024 also selected the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. Together, the three venues would host eight Olympic events.

The DCU Center would host the men's and women's Olympic Handball events – about 76 games – with 330 athletes (180 men, 150 women) competing for six medals in front of as many as 988,000 spectators. Read more about the events here.

“I am pleased that Boston 2024 selected the DCU Center as its venue for Olympic handball,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “With its successful track record of hosting major events, the DCU Center is an ideal location for athletes and spectators alike. I am excited to welcome the world to our city and showcase the vast cultural, recreational and academic resources of Worcester and the Central Massachusetts region on the international stage.” 

“Our region is already home to many world-class venues, including several that strategically align with our vision for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Boston,” said Boston 2024 Partnership CEO Rich Davey. “We’re fortunate to tap into these well managed and easy-to-access facilities to showcase the best of our region in our opportunity to host the best sporting events in the world.” 

"We're pleased that Boston 2024 has listened to leaders across the Commonwealth and proposed expanding to other cities throughout the state,” said Worcester Mayor Joe Petty. “This is an opportunity to boost Worcester's economy and put our city on display to the world. I'm encouraged by Boston 2024's plans to host a community meeting and their commitment to hearing from the people who call this city their home. I look forward to engaging with Boston 2024 and all Worcester residents as this proposal continues to evolve."

"We are honored to be among an elite group of host venues for the prestigious Olympic Games and, if selected, we are ready to do our part in ensuring that Boston 2024 is a successful and memorable event for all,” said Sandra Dunn, General Manager of the SMG-managed DCU Center.

The DCU Center, located in Worcester, opened in 1982, added a convention center in 1997 and underwent a significant renovation and expansion in 2013. The DCU Center has hosted American Hockey League games, NCAA hockey, professional bull riding events, and continues to host annual concerts, family performances, tradeshows and other athletic events. 

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