Dow Event Center facts for kids
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"The Dow"
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| Former names | The Saginaw County Event Center Saginaw Civic Center |
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| Location | 303 Johnson Street Saginaw, Michigan 48607-1213 |
| Owner | Saginaw County |
| Operator | SMG |
| Capacity | Concerts: 7,647 Basketball: 6,217 Hockey 5,527 Indoor Football 5,201 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1970 |
| Opened | 1972 |
| Renovated | 2003 |
| Construction cost | $17 million (renovation) ($27 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Wigen, Tincknell, Meyer & Associates, Inc. |
| Tenants | |
| Saginaw Gears (IHL) (1972–1983) Mid-Michigan Great Lakers (GBA) (1991–1992) Saginaw Wheels/Lumber Kings/Gears (CoHL/UHL) (1994–1999) Saginaw Spirit (OHL) (2002–present) Saginaw Sting (CIFL/IFL/UIFL/AIF) (2008–2009, 2011–2015) |
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The Dow Event Center is a large indoor building in Saginaw, Michigan. People often call it "The Dow." It has been known by other names too, like the Saginaw County Event Center and the Saginaw Civic Center. This center is made up of several different areas. These include The Atrium, The Garden Room, The Theater, The Red Room, Jolt Event Park, and The Arena.
Today, the Dow Event Center is the home of the Saginaw Spirit hockey team. This team plays in the Ontario Hockey League. Many other hockey teams have played here in the past. These include the Saginaw Lumber Kings and different versions of the Saginaw Gears.
Contents
What Happens at The Dow?
The Dow Event Center is a busy place where many different events happen. It hosts exciting concerts, fun trade shows, and important graduation ceremonies. People also gather here for political rallies.
How Many People Can Fit?
The main part, called The Arena, can hold a lot of people.
- For concerts, about 7,600 people can fit inside.
- For hockey games, there is space for about 5,500 fans.
- The Theater inside the center can seat 2,276 people.
A Look at The Dow's History
The Dow Event Center first opened its doors in 1972. It was built as part of a plan to improve the city. Over time, many other buildings from that plan were taken down. The Dow Event Center is now the only one left from that original project.
Changes and New Names
In the 1990s, the center faced some tough times. But things got better in the early 2000s. The building got a big makeover with many updates. These changes helped make it a better place for events. In September 2004, the center got its current name. The Dow Chemical Company, a big company from nearby Midland, helped with this.
The center also played a role in history. In the summer of 2004, it hosted two political rallies. These events supported the re-election of U.S. President George W. Bush.
Who Owns and Manages The Dow?
Before 2001, the City of Saginaw owned the center. But on May 8, 2001, voters decided to change this. Ownership moved to Saginaw County. The city closed the center on June 30, 2001. The county then reopened it the very next day, on July 1.
After taking over, Saginaw County chose a company called SMG Worldwide to manage the center. They also started a big renovation project. This project cost about $17 million and was finished in 2003.
Special Events at The Dow
The Dow Event Center has hosted many memorable events.
Wrestling Shows
On September 24, 1995, the center hosted a big wrestling event. It was called In Your House 3 by the WWF.
Annual Conventions
Every year, Jehovah's Witnesses hold their District Conventions at the Dow Event Center. These are three-day meetings that happen on weekends. They usually start in mid-June and end in early July. The Jehovah's Witnesses began using the center in 2005. Before that, they met at the Pontiac Silverdome. But when there were talks about taking down the Silverdome, they needed a new place.
