Dunk owner apologizes for PC game's suspension

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Mere hours after the general manager of the Dunkin' Donuts Center disputed referees who suspended a Providence College basketball game Wednesday night because of unsafe floor conditions, the state agency that operates the building issued an apology on Thursday.

The PC game was stopped with 13:03 left in the second half and Seton Hall University leading 56-47. The day’s warm temperatures and a large crowd combining to increase humidity in the building were blamed for causing the floor to become slippery because the arena's ice rink is located under the basketball court. Subflooring is placed on the ice before the wooden court is installed.

The game resumed Thursday in Alumni Hall on the Providence College campus, and the Friars lost, 89-77.

“We extend our sincere apologies to the Providence College and Seton Hall basketball programs and the fans for the conditions that disrupted last night’s game," James P. McCarvill, executive director of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority said in a statement. "Player safety is paramount, and the officials made the right call to suspend the game."

The convention center authority operates The Dunk, the convention center and the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

McCarvill said the authority has met engineers to discuss improving court conditions, and that new systems being installed in a few months as part of a capital improvement plan will address the problem.

“We’re confident The Dunk will be ready for the next home game on March 3,” McCarvill said.

On Wednesday night, Larry Lepore, general manager of the Dunk, disputed whether condensing humidity had caused the problem.

“It’s interesting that a player fell in front of the PC bench and then someone else in front of the Seton Hall bench,” Lepore said. “Where I disagree with the officials is if it was condensation it wouldn’t have happened that quickly. I think it was more sweat or water in front of those benches.”

The Journal's Kevin McNamara reports PC will be offering financial credit to season-ticket holders.