UPDATE: XL upgrades back on track

[BigFanCT]

Can they at least put GD public WiFi in there? Is that so much to ask

 

[gampelcrazies]

What sections are horrific sightlines?

Sit low in the corners and let me know how much of the game you can see

 

[freescooter]

Even now, the XL Center is not a bad place to watch hockey or basketball. The long standing problems are operating costs that makes it expensive to operate. Basic stuff like utilities, lighting, heat, air conditioning, plumping, pest control, and costs associated with maintenance like cleaning and inspections, plus human costs like staffing, security, how efficient are the concessions and merch, then, as always, insurance costs.

The point is, that's the important stuff. Little of it has a major affect on visitor enjoyment of an event. The XL has nice sight lines and information signage. But it could use some boxes and such to make it more profitable for the sponsors of an events. That would help XL to draw more attractions to the venue.

The XL’s issues have to do with age and deferred maintenance from the 1990-2000s. Lots of things just need replacement. How many people still have the furnace or water heater or even roof from 1980? I agree that sight lines etc are fine there.

If they were planning to replace the XL, Bridgeport is probably the right size. Unless you have an NHL, NBA franchise that plays all its home games there, or UConn does for both basketball and hockey, no call for a larger facility.