Back Stage at Cumberland County Civic Center [Photos]

The newly renovated Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland will be open for business this weekend. I had a chance to get a sneak peek backstage tour. 

Architect, Mike Johanning from WBRC Architects of Portland was a wonderful tour guide. I had the chance to check out new suites with dedicated bathrooms, locker rooms with rubber floors and merchandising areas. The upgraded civic center is lighter and brighter. The concession stands have been reworked. There will be a Dunkin' Donuts and Maine micro brew concessions. There are more bathrooms, expanded and flexible seating areas. A dedicated ticketing area will relieve crowding. The club room is new with space for 200 standing. The Civic Center opens this weekend for the Maine Home Remodeling and Garden Show. The schedule is filling up quickly with high school basketball tournaments, concerts and ice shows.