The Covelli Centre is a multi-purpose arena in Youngstown, Ohio, United States. It opened in 2005, thanks in a large part to a $26 million HUD redevelopment grant secured in 2000 by Congressman James A. Traficant Jr. It is home to the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League. The Covelli Centre was previously known as the Chevrolet Centre and is nicknamed "The Chevy Centre" or "The Convo" by some in the area from its former names.
History
The arena's grand opening was on October 29, 2005, when it hosted a concert by 3 Doors Down. The first hockey game was played about a week later, on November 4.
In Fall 2007, the city hired Eric Ryan Productions of nearby Struthers, to temporarily operate the arena until the city could find another company to manage the facility. SMG and Global Spectrum are the final two companies in the running to run the Chevrolet Centre. The Chevy Centre was formerly managed by the International Coliseums Company, a subsidiary of Global Entertainment, which owns the Central Hockey League. On Friday, April 4, 2008; the city of Youngstown signed a deal with Ticketmaster to become the official ticket provider of the Chevrolet Centre. The arena itself is owned by the city.
The arena, which was initially named the Convocation Center when it opened in October, was renamed a few weeks after its opening on Friday, November 18, 2005, when General Motors acquired the naming rights, and was renamed the Chevrolet Centre. Choosing Chevrolet for the naming rights was highly appropriate because one of the brand's more successful cars, the Cobalt, was manufactured in nearby Lordstown at the time.
On October 4, 2008, it was announced that GM had decided not to renew their naming rights deal with the city. The city was in the process of negotiating with local Chevy dealers to keep the name of the facility the same. [1] On Wednesday, April 30, 2009 Covelli Enterprises (a local franchisee of Panera Bread and O'Charley's restaurants), signed a 3-year, $120,000 naming-rights deal, giving the Centre its current name. [2]
Starting in November 2008, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms of the North American Hockey League played select home games at the arena. Upon joining the USHL, the Phantoms moved into the Covelli Centre full-time in 2009.
The Ohio Junior High wrestling championships were held at the arena.[6]
The facility was utilized to house the "Mercy Health Covelli Field Hospital," an additional medical space for COVID-19 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.[7][8]
Naming rights
On April 30, 2009, Sam Covelli, owner of many Panera and O'Charley's restaurants in the area, signed a 3-year, $360,000 contract to rename the then Chevrolet Centre to the Covelli Centre.[9] Covelli has indicated that he plans to work to more aggressively market the arena.
We'll do whatever it takes to promote the Centre. We believe in it.[10]
The arena officially took on the Covelli Centre name on June 1, 2009.
Records
The arena's first sold-out performances were on November 12, 2005, when it hosted two concerts by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Both 2:30 and 7:30 shows were sold out. The first sold-out hockey game was on January 14, 2006.[citation needed]
On March 8, 2010, it was announced that the Covelli Centre would host Elton John on May 1, 2010. The event sold out in a record time of 30 minutes on March 12, 2010, which eclipsed the previous record set by Carrie Underwood, an event that sold out in 48 hours.[citation needed]
Revitalization
The Covelli Centre has been at the forefront of what is hoped to be a major downtown revitalization in the city of Youngstown. The downtown economy has benefitted since its opening, primarily from guests patronizing its bars and restaurants before and after events.[citation needed]
The main entrance to the Covelli Centre.
The city and other private firms came to an agreement that allowed people to park for free in downtown on days when there is an event at the arena.[citation needed]
Selected events
October 22, 2005 – Youngstown Convocation Center open house
October 18, 2008 – "Hot Ice--Cool Sounds", Skating Show with music by Peter Cetera and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra & was shown on NBC, on December 25, 2008.
