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??
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.
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.
How many almost 50 year old arenas is anybody trying to fix, renovate or keep operational. Seems like an impossible task.
Connecticut’s Prevailing Wage law is codified in Connecticut General Statutes Section Section 31-53 and 31-53a. The law applies to each contract for the construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration or repair of any public works project by the State or its agents, or by any political subdivision of the State.
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.
Seats 7100. Nothing says bigtime like a 7100 seat arena.
There's only so much life of an arena, Civic Center is way past it's life.
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.
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.
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.
With a population near 7M (metro)
Two words…high heels
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.
