Update on Sportsbook & Bar @ the XL Center

[KembaKek]

Given what’s transpiring in Iowa, I don’t think we will ever be getting CT college teams on the legal outfits.

sad truth

 

[John]

You have the appropriate name to post this reply.

It's the last vice the State hasn't tapped

 

[CTBasketball]

I’m going to miss walking by the construction end of XL and getting my shirt caught on exposed steel rebar.

 

[Mr. French]

“Fat, broke, and stupid is no way to go through life son.”—Dean Vernon Wormer. P.S. shocking you didn’t mention the 1950s lol. Also I’m right.

Isn’t the quote fat drunk and stupid? Being condescending and mistaken is always a tough combo.

 

[Waquoit]

Well the state and the tribes have always had a monopoly on "organized crime" since the 90's. So why would they want to let in an outside investor on this new sportsbook deal and share part of those profits. I know when I owned a 600 person music venue in Hartford I would have loved to install just slots and would've been happy to kick back some to the state, to help fund my venue and talent buy. But if I did I go to jail, even though it's already been established gambling isn't morally wrong.

So keep out the competition. People always talk about concerts, events etc., but one of side things the state did for the tribes is give them a revenue source that private / other venues can't compete with. So they can book talent for 3 times + what another promoter can pay because they can comp the event away / figure it in to their break even ( gambling profits). So it closed down alot of CT venues. I remember seeing a Reggae band at Toad's Place on Friday for $30. The next night the same band was a free event at the Mohegan. Hooray for the tribes at the same time as screwing over private money on shows at other venues, including even the XL Center/ promoters.

 

[Blades]

View attachment 90656

If that's all you got out of this your a simpleton. The poster asked the reason why outside investors weren't allowed on the sportsbook instead of state funds. It's business not personal, lock out the comp (especially when you have a monopoly) . I just laid out the facts on why they don't. Follow the money trail and you find the truth. This isn't about me if that's what you got out of it. I sold my venue and business in my early 40's during peak real estate and haven't had to work a day since, so yeah you probably should WAAAA, LOL!

P.S. but regarding other private venues around CT and the thousands of employees the state put out of work for quick gambling dollars that don't last forever, yeah I do have empathy for them. Along with the people who have lost their life's savings to the tribal " gaming " casinos.

 

[jibsey]

Watching NCAA tourney games in a sport book bar with drinks and food is fun, did it in Vegas, at Bobby V’s but it’s not a place to watch the Huskies ncaa game. You need concentration without distraction for that, at least for me. I would certainly try it out. Hope. They have good food.

 

[HuskyAlum012]

Watching NCAA tourney games in a sport book bar with drinks and food is fun, did it in Vegas, at Bobby V’s but it’s not a place to watch the Huskies ncaa game. You need concentration without distraction for that, at least for me. I would certainly try it out. Hope. They have good food.

Was at Bobby Vs in Stamford for the Sweet 16/Elite 8 games this year and the place was an absolute electric factory. Highly recommend.

 

[Waquoit]

If that's all you got out of this your a simpleton.

When someone can't win the argument on the facts they get personal. I think the crux of your argument was that the casinos monopolize concert bookings. Then I see Westville and Bridgeport open venues in just the last couple of years that book the same level acts as the casinos and I wonder what you are talking about.

 

[CL82]

You mean the $750m surplus from last fiscal year isn't good enough?

I mean, are they using it to build a football stadium on campus? Then, I guess it would be enough.

 

[Waquoit]

Why the hell is this state-financed? I know the answer but it is complete BS- no private money willing to invest in business in XL that generates profits

It sounds like you don't know the answer.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Watching NCAA tourney games in a sport book bar with drinks and food is fun, did it in Vegas, at Bobby V’s but it’s not a place to watch the Huskies ncaa game. You need concentration without distraction for that, at least for me. I would certainly try it out. Hope. They have good food.

I've always wanted to do that. Since the new Sportsbook opening two exits away, I'll probably go there instead next spring. Of course, it was being built as Barstool and branding will now shift to ESPN. And I can bet on UConn games. Sportsbook | Plainridge Park Casino

 

[Blades]

I think the crux of your argument was that the casinos monopolize concert bookings..

Yes it's a big factor, when their business model isn't just for the show, but to hope mom or dad gets hooked and drops little Johnnies college tuition on the way out too. My concerts/events mention is that an XL Center fix could happen alot easier with private investment if you gave that money an even playing field/ what the tribes have.....

3 new HFD area casinos have been talked and never got built. I'm not sure if the monopoly was ever decided on, IIRC. "MGM immediately sought legal action challenging the constitutionality of Connecticut only allowing the states’ tribes to operate casinos."

https://www.playma.com/news/casino-east-windsor-ct-project-suspended-mgm-resorts-drops-lawsuit/

Instead the XL Center continues with the lipstick on a pig approach. Being a tough venue for promoters/events to make work, losing the major tenant and 45 dates a year in 97". With no new revenue source in site. But at least a there's a new sportsbook and Ann St fix for the venue, but only after approval by the tribes, SMH!

All of the brick & mortar locations that are operated by the state are west of the CT River per the agreement with the tribes.

 

[nadav]

I've always wanted to do that. Since the new Sportsbook opening two exits away, I'll probably go there instead next spring. Of course, it was being built as Barstool and branding will now shift to ESPN. And I can bet on UConn games. Sportsbook | Plainridge Park Casino

No thanks, screw Massachusetts

 

[HooperScooper]

No thanks, screw Massachusetts

Best state to live in, baby!

Massachusetts is the best state to live in, according to a new report. Do you agree?

WalletHub named Massachusetts as the best state to live in Monday morning in its report with a score of 61.67 out of 100.

www.boston.com

 

[August_West]

You ever try to use your phone inside the XL on game day?

Lol. So true

 

[XLCenterFan]

Given what’s transpiring in Iowa, I don’t think we will ever be getting CT college teams on the legal outfits.

good thing I still have my bookie....

 

[John]

Lol. So true

You should be cheering the boys, not posting TikToks

 

[Waquoit]

All of the brick & mortar locations that are operated by the state are west of the CT River per the agreement with the tribes.

They have a brick and mortar location in Manchester.

 

[AD DB Burner]

They have a brick and mortar location in Manchester.

Thanks, I couldn't quite remember the exact agreement and how far the radius surrounding each casino applied, so the CT River seemed to be the most logical.

 

[auror]

“Fat, broke, and stupid is no way to go through life son.”—Dean Vernon Wormer. P.S. shocking you didn’t mention the 1950s lol. Also I’m right.

You know that guy was the bad guy from the movie right?

 

[HuskyHawk]

You know that guy was the bad guy from the movie right?

He was also absolutely correct.

 

[Mr. French]

He was also absolutely correct.

0.0 fun.

 

[husky8273]

successful Oak View Group renovation at a similar aged arena in Baltimore, Historic CFG Bank Arena hosted the Beatles and MLK. A major renovation and the work of GM Frank Remesch has kept it rolling

 

[DSquiz]

Opens this Sat, the 9th.

It’s two floors, anyone know if the upper bowl has an entrance too? Looks like a big bar on the upper level.