XL Center reno costs skyrocket

[UCann]

I don't see why you would put $140 million into the Xl Center. Either build a new one or shut it down.

Exactly. Would be way way better off to use that as a downpayment on a new arena. I think the public would support it if UConn continues to do well. And maybe not a commitment from the NHL, but if there are enough compelling other events that could be guaranteed it could make a difference. Throw in a private partnership, naming rights, etc. and the cost can be manageable. How can the state not have a premier arena??

 

[FearThePups]

Play all games in Storrs. Ez pz.

Yes. It’s a no brainer. Update and expand seating in Gambel. Dump the Civic Center. Why is the university and the state always thinking small? Same problem with the Rent and the fact we have no on campus football stadium. The basketball and football venues need to be on campus, just like all the big boy leagues and programs.

 

[CL82]

Houston turned the Fertitta Center into an NBA style arena for less than $60 million a few years ago. Nothing ever gets done in state because of the costs and regulatory barriers have made these types of upgrades, even normal upkeep, too much of an hassle and too expensive.

There's a lot of space in Gamble being used for other things, like the golf simulator, offices etc. grab that concourse/concessions/bathrooms and then replace the fold out bleachers with dedicated stands, maybe work some club sections in there.

 

[ctkaiser]

Have we ever seen the projections for a brand new arena? They keep trying to put lipstick on this pig, I just have 0 clue what a new arena would actually cost.

How many almost 50 year old arenas is anybody trying to fix, renovate or keep operational. Seems like an impossible task.

 

[SamIamCassell]

I would like to see a partnership with one of the casinos for a new arena in Hartford. Doubt it will happen but agree that the civic center needs to be demolished and build new

 

[Huskyforlife]

What’s the point of building a new arena though? Will it magically make Hartford not a dump? What are we trying to attract with it?

 

[SamIamCassell]

What’s the point of building a new arena though? Will it magically make Hartford not a dump? What are we trying to attract with it?

I am with you the NHL isn’t coming here with Bettman in charge. Our government has spent money on worse things. That’s why I said partnership with a casino or an investor group to take the ease off the tax payer. If you want events in 10 years we need something other then this glorified dumpster we have now.

 

[uconnfan68]

Houston turned the Fertitta Center into an NBA style arena for less than $60 million a few years ago. Nothing ever gets done in state because of the costs and regulatory barriers have made these types of upgrades, even normal upkeep, too much of an hassle and too expensive.

Seats 7100. Nothing says bigtime like a 7100 seat arena.

 

[uconnbill]

The cost of the other arena's in a southern state is much cheaper than building one here in the Northeast. The cost for another 16000-seat venue would be $550-650 million to build

 

[superjohn]

What’s the point of building a new arena though? Will it magically make Hartford not a dump? What are we trying to attract with it?

There's only so much life of an arena, Civic Center is way past it's life.

 

[UCann]

The cost of the other arena's in a southern state is much cheaper than building one here in the Northeast. The cost for another 16000-seat venue would be $550-650 million to build

Not bad if that’s the case. I was thinking $1B. If the options are $140M for some band aid repairs or $550M for a new arena, a new arena is a no brainer. You’re eventually going to have to build one anyway. And the costs will just keep going up. Just get it done now.

 

[CTFIRERETIRED]

Makes no sense to keep pouring millions, hundreds of millions, into trying to upgrade the arena. It’s just more efficient (albeit more costly upfront) to build a new arena. The state needs it. The people deserve it. Who cares if it costs $1B. The return in terms of civic engagement, community building and morale would be worth it. We’d get way more events. Fewer people would grumble about UConn playing there. Heck even the NHL become a slightly more likely (still low) option. The possibilities a new state of the art arena opens up are tremendous.

Oh let's pour out a billion dollars for a building that not everyone will go to, in a crime ridden, corrupt city, just to placate a minority number of people. They never should have rebuilt it after the roof collapse in 78. I am a BIG NO. Play all the games in Storrs.

 

[Sphinx]

It is said that two things are needed to launch a project of any size -- a believable overstatement of its value and a trusted underestimate of its cost.

 

[UCLJ0211]

Maybe we can start a Boneyard Go Fund Me?

 

[Deepster]

My dream is having the Fenway Sports Group sell the Penguins, tear down the Civic Center, build a brand new arena, and get an NHL expansion franchise named the Hartford Whalers.

While we’re at it, I’d like to be 6’1”.

 

[Deepster]

Houston turned the Fertitta Center into an NBA style arena for less than $60 million a few years ago. Nothing ever gets done in state because of the costs and regulatory barriers have made these types of upgrades, even normal upkeep, too much of an hassle and too expensive.

They are also a true sports city with the former Astrodome (8th wonder of the world), the Rockets, Astros, Texans and formerly the Oilers. Not minor league Hartford.

 

[Deepster]

What’s the point of building a new arena though? Will it magically make Hartford not a dump? What are we trying to attract with it?

THE WHALERS!!!!!

 

[giddyup]

Unless there is an anchor tenant NBA or NHL hockey team playing often, it is an unsustainable project to rebuild and throwing 140 million at it is nuts. Take the 140M and buy into the B1G and now you have 24x7 activity and a baseline hub of major sports activity upon which to build.

 

[uconnric]

What’s the point of building a new arena though? Will it magically make Hartford not a dump? What are we trying to attract with it?

That's just a stupid comment. Storrs is not an easy place to get to for most of the state, Hartford is. You can't just overlook that. Most all big time state universities are located in decently sized towns or cities.

 

[uconn1999]

They are also a true sports city with the former Astrodome (8th wonder of the world), the Rockets, Astros, Texans and formerly the Oilers. Not minor league Hartford.

With a population near 7M (metro)

 

[TheHorde]

While we’re at it, I’d like to be 6’1”.

Two words…high heels

 

[uconnric]

While we’re at it, I’d like to b

While we’re at it, I’d like to be 6’1”.

Everly Brothers.

 

[FearThePups]

THE WHALERS!!!!!

So, we’re supposed to build a new civic center in Hartford and they (Whalers) will come? There’s a small problem with that. Hartford hasn't been offered an NHA franchise. Sounds like a repeat of the Kraft plot, build the Pats a stadium and they will come. We all know all too well how that turned out.