The XL Center is now People's Bank Arena. *nm*

[jostar1]

Is it just me, or is this more extensive than we were led to believe? I thought it was just a touch up. Lipstick on a pig. This might actually be a meaningful upgrade.

It's a $145 million renovation.

"In 2024, the State of Connecticut authorized $118 million to renovate the Civic Center as part of a $145 million program with $20 million in funding for OVG and additional capital from CRDA. The reconstruction (summer 2025) is underway, creating new suites, clubs and loges, and lower bowl amenities for artists, athletes and fans. This is complemented by improvements to the building’s mechanical, electric, plumbing and data systems. Completion is scheduled for mid-2026, but the building will operate a full load of events from October 2025 into 2026."

 

[UCLJ0211]

Is it just me, or is this more extensive than we were led to believe? I thought it was just a touch up. Lipstick on a pig. This might actually be a meaningful upgrade.

Maybe a little. Seems like they are definitely trying to get the most out of the money they have allotted.

 

[zls44]

Who should the sponsor be, Chief?

Still waiting on @Chief00 to answer this!

 

[husky8273]

met virtually w/ a OVG rep yesterday. The event space, loge boxes and bunker suites look impressive but will cost you.
large focus on bringing back up to 30 concerts a year. The event space will be open to Champions level donors at games.

 

[Ha Who]

 

[Ha Who]

Is it just me, or is this more extensive than we were led to believe? I thought it was just a touch up. Lipstick on a pig. This might actually be a meaningful upgrade.

Spending money to add a second concourse would have been meaningful. This is only helping the wealthy. Everything the state does is half ass

 

[mjmoney23]

The lack of improvements to the upper bowl definitely bring the redo down many notches for me. When MSG was redone (we can argue about how good it was elsewhere), the whole upper sections were completely redone. I remember there was talk of something similar happening to this arena and that it would be significantly easier than it was to do at MSG. The end zone sections are done better than the sidelines as they over hang slightly. This should have been done to the upper sidelines during this process. The double letter rows are among the worst seats in sports imo. The steep slope is a thing of a bygone era. The only other large arena I recall being this way is the one in Cincinnati (I dont believe it's used regularly for college basketball). The entrances to the upper sidelines are also ancient with the landings and massive rails that obstruct views.

 

[Hoophound]

The lack of improvements to the upper bowl definitely bring the redo down many notches for me. When MSG was redone (we can argue about how good it was elsewhere), the whole upper sections were completely redone. I remember there was talk of something similar happening to this arena and that it would be significantly easier than it was to do at MSG. The end zone sections are done better than the sidelines as they over hang slightly. This should have been done to the upper sidelines during this process. The double letter rows are among the worst seats in sports imo. The steep slope is a thing of a bygone era. The only other large arena I recall being this way is the one in Cincinnati (I dont believe it's used regularly for college basketball). The entrances to the upper sidelines are also ancient with the landings and massive rails that obstruct views.

The upper seats are so high and steep I used to be scared to go with anyone over 40. Some people get woozy from it. Add in drinking and it’s a genuine hazard. At the same time, I sat there with my friends often during the Dream Season. The Cuse game was one of them. I loved that location for those big games because I could see everyone in the arena going nuts. Wouldn’t change it for anything. The sea of Huskymania was a sight to behold for a kid back then.

 

[Deepster]

large focus on bringing back up to 30 concerts a year. The event space will be open to Champions level donors at games.

I just don't see how that's possible. With the casinos, what they offer in terms of gaming, lodging and one stop experience. Then Xfinity in the summer. And Bridgeport having a decent facility.

They're going to attract a concert to the Civic Center once every 1.5 weeks????

Just for a loose comparison, here is the AMP's 2025 schedule.

Amica Mutual Pavilion (The AMP):

• Barry Manilow: "The Last Providence Concert" on May 27th.
  
  
• Creed: "Summer of '99 Tour" with Daughtry and Mammoth WVH on August 27th.
  
  
• WWE RAW: Monday Night RAW on July 7th.
  
  
• Rhode Island Comic Con: A 3-day event from November 7th to 9th.
  
  
• Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour on a date to be announced.
  
  
• Disney on Ice: Several shows are scheduled from December 26th to 28th.

 

[WillMadsDad]

nm

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

Spending money to add a second concourse would have been meaningful. This is only helping the wealthy. Everything the state does is half ass

It was the rural and FF County politicians that put the kibosh on the comprehensive/full renovation. So, at least we're getting what we're getting now. Hopefully the upper deck will get done in the future.

 

[Platt81]

I just don't see how that's possible. With the casinos, what they offer in terms of gaming, lodging and one stop experience. Then Xfinity in the summer. And Bridgeport having a decent facility.

They're going to attract a concert to the Civic Center once every 1.5 weeks????

Just for a loose comparison, here is the AMP's 2025 schedule.

Amica Mutual Pavilion (The AMP):

• Barry Manilow: "The Last Providence Concert" on May 27th.
  
  
• Creed: "Summer of '99 Tour" with Daughtry and Mammoth WVH on August 27th.
  
  
• WWE RAW: Monday Night RAW on July 7th.
  
  
• Rhode Island Comic Con: A 3-day event from November 7th to 9th.
  
  
• Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour on a date to be announced.
  
  
• Disney on Ice: Several shows are scheduled from December 26th to 28th.

Mohegan holds 10,000, Foxwoods 4,000, Bridgeport ampitheater

I just don't see how that's possible. With the casinos, what they offer in terms of gaming, lodging and one stop experience. Then Xfinity in the summer. And Bridgeport having a decent facility.

They're going to attract a concert to the Civic Center once every 1.5 weeks????

Just for a loose comparison, here is the AMP's 2025 schedule.

Amica Mutual Pavilion (The AMP):

• Barry Manilow: "The Last Providence Concert" on May 27th.
  
  
• Creed: "Summer of '99 Tour" with Daughtry and Mammoth WVH on August 27th.
  
  
• WWE RAW: Monday Night RAW on July 7th.
  
  
• Rhode Island Comic Con: A 3-day event from November 7th to 9th.
  
  
• Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour on a date to be announced.
  
  
• Disney on Ice: Several shows are scheduled from December 26th to 28th.

Mohegan holds 10,000, Foxwoods 4,000, Bridgeport ampitheater 5,700. People’s Bank over 16,000. So a facility that can be upgraded to handle a better stage setup it can surely attract larger acts that can have a bigger door. The acts don’t care about the amenities as long as butts are in seats and merch is being sold at a greater clip.

 

[Chief00]

Still waiting on @Chief00 to answer this!

I believe I could have gotten a sponsor for $3 million. Unfortunately, my fear is it all became about what local bank the CDRA could leverage for financing their housing projects.

 

[CTBasketball]

Wait until you see the finished product, you all will be pleasantly surprised. Hartfords got heart baby!

 

[Chief00]

The lack of improvements to the upper bowl definitely bring the redo down many notches for me. When MSG was redone (we can argue about how good it was elsewhere), the whole upper sections were completely redone. I remember there was talk of something similar happening to this arena and that it would be significantly easier than it was to do at MSG. The end zone sections are done better than the sidelines as they over hang slightly. This should have been done to the upper sidelines during this process. The double letter rows are among the worst seats in sports imo. The steep slope is a thing of a bygone era. The only other large arena I recall being this way is the one in Cincinnati (I dont believe it's used regularly for college basketball). The entrances to the upper sidelines are also ancient with the landings and massive rails that obstruct views.

Agree, they invested in all the wrong stuff. To not fix the restroom issue despite all this money is a sign of incompetence. People don’t spend money waiting in line to the men’s room.

 

[Chief00]

So this is what we spent $150 million on and taking out seats?

 

[mjmoney23]

While we are on concerts, doesn't it seem The Meadows is being used far less than in the past? Rock shows of my era seem hard to come by these days. Hartford was almost a guaranteed date. Now Hartford seems to be getting skipped but that smaller venue in Gilford NH is getting booked more. Very frustrating!

 

[CL82]

Wait until you see the finished product, you all will be pleasantly surprised. Hartfords got heart baby!

To be honest, I already am, somewhat, given the scope of work. If the CDRA had a motto, it would probably be "expect less." That being said, this actually looks like it's a meaningful renovation. That's a good thing, especially because I'm not a Connecticut taxpayer, so it's not my money being thrown into this particular money pit.

 

[Hoophound]

This renovation seems like a game changer. The scope of the job being done is serious. If you’ve spent much time in the building and have ever been in the locker rooms etc., you’d see that this is extensive and impressive. I am stunned that it actually appears they got something right here and got bang for their buck too. I can’t wait to see it.

 

[Waquoit]

Stevie Nicks is coming. That's a good get. No worries, no potential UConn conflicts.

 

[alexd]

Was in the city yesterday for a Yard Goats game then walked up Trumbull to Urban Lodge on Pratt Street. Everything on the outside of the civic center still says "XL".

 

[huskymedic]

 

[jostar1]

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Kitaman]

Few things aggravate my OCD gene like re-named buildings. I envy those of you who will move forward with your lives unperturbed and not wince every single time it's mentioned (and yes, I know this isn't the building's first name change).

I hear you, I went over the 'Tappen Zee' bridge last week. It will remain TZ till my generation dies.