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The legislation requires the request be issued no later than June 30, 2019. But it will likely be released this spring, said Michael Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Regional Development Authority. The authority is a quasi-public agency created by the General Assembly to manage various Hartford development projects, including the XL Center, which is owned by the city.
At this point, the number of potential buyers for the arena is questionable.
“I think we’re fooling ourselves if we think it’s going to be a dramatic bidding process,” said Freimuth, noting the roughly 40-year-old structure is “dated and it’s tired” and still requires a major investment beyond the $40 million.
If there’s no buyer, state and city officials will have to decide what to do next with the complex, including its’ possible closure.
Fate of XL Center uncertain as possible sale explored
One of the most hotly debated topics over the years - us playing at the dreaded XL/HCC and cries for every game to be at Gampel - may become a reality. Personally, I doubt it will close but it's a development to keep an eye. Our current attendance numbers certainly won't be a source of excitement for potential buyers.