WORCESTER, Mass. - The DCU Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary in the heart of the Commonwealth, along with the 25th anniversary of its convention center.

Jim Moughan has worked at the arena since day one. He started working in the box office, and is now the assistant general manager. He's seen big names like Frank Sinatra and President Barack Obama take the DCU Center stage. 

They host roughly 400 events a year, including everything from graduations to sports tournaments to proms.

Moughan said their location in downtown Worcester is their biggest selling point and the arena has taken big strides each year since it's been open and plays a special role in the city.

"How important this building is as an asset to the city and the region, and what we bring to the city in events, economic impact," Moughan said. "And the changes inside the building, it's the amount of technology that's taken place. When we first opened, we were on typewriters and word processors. Now, we're on phones doing work. There's so many things, openings of concert tours, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen opening a couple tours here, incredible things."

The venue has hosted more than just entertainment. The convention center was used as a COVID field hospital during the pandemic. It was opened twice and helped UMass Memorial Health care for more than 1,000 patients.