Covelli Centre celebrates 10-year anniversary of its first show

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown city officials never wanted then-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. to get a $26.8 million federal grant in 2000 to build what is now known as the Covelli Centre.

A decade after it opened, however, the facility is firmly entrenched as one of the main catalysts for the ongoing revitalization of the city’s downtown.

“When we found out about the federal award, we were somewhat surprised,” said city Finance Director David Bozanich. “We didn’t ask for it. But we’ve made it work. It has a huge impact on the renaissance of downtown. It’s a stimulus for downtown. We’re proud as a city that it’s turned out as successful as it is.”

But “success” and the center have not always been entwined.

On Thursday, it will be 10 years since the center’s first concert by 3 Doors Down.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com