Town / Gown relations are always dicey because discussions about crime, traffic, police, parties etc. However a new hockey arena benefits Mansfield and the surrounding area. Traffic on game nights is always a topic of discussion. Since the budget issues UConn is being prudent doing this now before it really has to ( waiting until the XL center gets torn down )
PC's Schneider Arena gets used for High School Championships and other local uses.
Now that the Islanders going to Belmont is a real possibility who is to say the possibility exists the Wolfpack moves to Bridgeport, or Portland, Me. When the Casino comes on line in 8 months the Mass Mutual center will be competing for events against the XL Center with MGMs backing