LEGENDS/ASM GLOBAL-MANAGED DCU CENTER UNVEILS STATE-OF-THE-ART SOUND SYSTEM TO ELEVATE GUEST EXPERIENCE
WORCESTER, MA (July 15, 2025) – The City of Worcester and Legends/ASM Global, the world's leading premium live experiences company and manager of the DCU Center Arena and Convention Center, has completed a $2.2 million upgrade to its arena sound system with the installation of a new state-of-the-art audio solution designed and implemented by Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW), a premier audio manufacturer headquartered in Franklin, MA.
This full-scale sound system overhaul completely replaces the arena’s previous system and positions the venue to meet the audio demands of today’s world-class tours, sporting events, and live performances. Designed in collaboration with EAW and WJHW, a world class leader in large scale sports venue AV design, and installed by Worcester-based Ostrow Electric Company and Metropolitan Interactive, the project significantly enhances sound quality, coverage, and flexibility for the 14,000-seat arena — including the addition of new speakers in the 200 and 300 levels to ensure consistent clarity and coverage throughout the upper bowl.
“Following the upgraded seating, this project is another example of the municipality’s continued investment in the DCU Center, ensuring it remains a high-quality venue—one that consistently delivers an elevated visitor experience that we strive to offer throughout Worcester,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “Ongoing improvements like this help us attract top-tier events, support local jobs, and showcase the world-class experience Worcester has to offer.”
“This project reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors,” said Sandy Dunn, General Manager of the DCU Center for Legends/ASM Global. “Partnering with respected Massachusetts-based companies like EAW and Ostrow Electric allowed us to not only enhance our capabilities but also invest in the local economy. The result is a sound system that truly matches the caliber of events we’re proud to host here in Worcester.”
Featuring advanced ADAPTive algorithms and digital signal processing (DSP) technology, the new system delivers precise coverage, clearer speech intelligibility, and richer musical detail across all seating levels. The configuration was carefully engineered to suit the arena’s diverse programming needs, with main line arrays, subwoofers, and fill speakers carefully positioned to eliminate dead zones and maximize sound clarity.
“The DCU Center is a cornerstone of this region’s entertainment, and we’re proud to deliver a system that matches its scale and significance,” said TJ Smith, President of Eastern Acoustic Works. “This project means even more to us because it’s in our backyard, just down the road from our new headquarters in Franklin. We’re thrilled to help create an unforgettable experience for every audience member.”
“This upgrade represents a huge leap forward in audio performance,” said Rob Hornbaker, ASM Director of Operations at the DCU Center. “We’ve already received glowing feedback from fans, performers, and engineers who’ve noticed the dramatic improvement.”
As part of the installation, the DCU Center also updated supporting infrastructure and the sound control room to optimize integration and reliability of the new system. The project is the latest in a series of capital investments at the venue, including new arena seating installed in 2023.
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About Legends
Legends is a global premium experiences company that works with some of the most iconic and innovative brands in sports and entertainment to deliver exceptional experiences for fans worldwide. The company offers partners a 360-degree data and analytics-fueled service solution platform to drive revenue, heighten their brand, and execute their vision. Founded in 2008, Legends works with marquee clients across professional sports, collegiate, attractions, entertainment, conventions, and leisure. Legends is the industry leader in designing, planning, and realizing exceptional experiences in sports and entertainment. Follow Legends on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
About ASM Global
Award-winning ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for driving significant financial success. Acquired by Legends in 2024, the company’s elite network spans five continents featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers and performing arts venues.
About the DCU Center
For over 40 years, ASM Global has managed the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, which has been recognized as the gathering place where people go to experience the finest in entertainment, sporting events and public functions. As a multipurpose facility and proven leader in the entertainment and convention industry, the DCU Center is uniquely designed to accommodate the needs of any size group from 15 to 15,000.
For additional information, visit dcucenter.com.
Media Contact:
John LaHair
DCU Center / ASM Global
jlahair@dcucenter.com