Civic center trustees call for overhaul

PORTLAND – Trustees of the Cumberland County Civic Center say the arena needs a significant overhaul if it is going to compete with newer stadiums in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

More seats, luxury suites and possibly a new name are some of the changes being considered as the trustees push ahead on a $27 million expansion and renovation plan.

“Some sort of upgrade is needed to make the Civic Center viable for the next 20 years,” said Gary Lorfano, chairman of the board of trustees. “And it’s got to be more than a Band-Aid approach.”

Trustees have been studying expansion alternatives for the 6,726-seat facility for two years. At this point, their preferred option seems to be a plan that would add several restrooms, 1,600 seats, improve the concessions and create 14 skyboxes.

Trustees believe the $27 million plan is a compromise that addresses many of the building’s most obvious needs without breaking the bank on a deluxe retrofit.

For $40 million, according to a consultant, the building’s roof could be raised 20 feet and balconies added on either side.

“This is something in the middle,” Lorfano said. “I don’t believe we could support a full-blown $45 million renovation.”

In the coming months, trustees plan to hold a series of meetings around Cumberland County to discuss the alternatives, and to gauge the public’s interest, or lack of interest.