XL improvements?

[CTBballfan243]

HurleyMania posted this pic on twitter at the XL Center tonight(1st hockey game) to show the condition of the XL. Exposed rebar?This is just embarrassing and Uconn is PAYING rent to play there. So much for improvements. View attachment 79609

You do realize that they are doing renovations in the area of the photo which required concrete demolition. Hence the reason for the exposed rebar. It‘s called construction for a reason. Nothing embarrassing about it.

 

[superjohn]

No one here has ever been to a place staying open during an expansion or improvement? Maybe a few "Pardon our Appearance" signs might help.

Yes, I've been to a bunch and they never look like that.

 

[brasssbonanzaa]

You all will hate this comparison, but it's completely relevant - BC is currently renovating one side of Conte. It knocked out a full entrance and one of the atriums where you walk in and they're putting in a practice facility there. I was there last night.

Outside, it's a mess and confusing as hell to get in. The construction site is definitely not enclosed and it won't be complete during this season.

Inside, there's almost zero effect on concourse space. There's a giant construction wall covering where you'd enter from that previous entrance/atrium, but no impact other than annoyance and you can only enter/exit through one main entrance and multiple small side entrances.

From the sounds of it, XL ducked this one up bad and AngryHurleyBannerMania's pictures show what looks like an enormous fire hazard, much less complete incompetence.

 

[Big Loubowski]

You do realize that they are doing renovations in the area of the photo which required concrete demolition. Hence the reason for the exposed rebar. It‘s called construction for a reason. Nothing embarrassing about it.

Which raises the question of why you would do renovations during the season as opposed to the summer when there is nothing going on there.

The pictures that were posted on twitter were not posted for the reason “Hey look at the new renovations at the XL!” They were posted because it looks like crap, and it it yet another example that no one seems to know what the plan is for the XL.

 

[zls44]

Which raises the question of why you would do renovations during the season as opposed to the summer when there is nothing going on there.

The pictures that were posted on twitter were not posted for the reason “Hey look at the new renovations at the XL!” They were posted because it looks like crap, and it it yet another example that no one seems to know what the plan is for the XL.

Michael Freimuth is the man of a thousand excuses.

 

[zls44]

Inside, there's almost zero effect on concourse space. There's a giant construction wall covering where you'd enter from that previous entrance/atrium, but no impact other than annoyance and you can only enter/exit through one main entrance and multiple small side entrances.

This is more of my long-term concern.

Even when the renovation is complete, that blocked off area is going to be the sportsbook. Its going to be much harder to walk through there than before.

 

[InTheRed]

Which raises the question of why you would do renovations during the season as opposed to the summer when there is nothing going on there.

The pictures that were posted on twitter were not posted for the reason “Hey look at the new renovations at the XL!” They were posted because it looks like crap, and it it yet another example that no one seems to know what the plan is for the XL.

They have been working on this since at least June when I started going back to the office.

 

[CTBasketball]

This is more of my long-term concern.

Even when the renovation is complete, that blocked off area is going to be the sportsbook. It’s going to be much harder to walk through there than before.

I’ve heard the concourse will wrap around, they just need to block it off temporarily for demo/construction.

 

[jho]

The layout from the CRDA website. The new sports book on the left, the previous layout on the right.

 

[CTBasketball]

View attachment 79663
The layout from the CRDA website. The new sports book on the left, the previous layout on the right.

Yes. It’s probably going to look great when done. It’s just unfortunate some people are so inept at selecting construction/planning contracts - this is why this thread exists. It should’ve been finished before anyone uses the arena.

 

[CL82]

The CDRA seems to lack any cohesive element in it’s management plans. It would have failed and been disbanded long ago but for the University as a captive tenant paying above market rents and the access to virtually unlimited funds. When nothing you touch turns a profit, typically management is to blame.

 

[DSquiz]

From the CRDA website:

New Concourse Design

Old Concourse Design

 

[DSquiz]

And outside once the plywood comes down. Had no idea there will be an outdoor bar now too.

 

[CL82]

From the CRDA website:
View attachment 79702
New Concourse Design

View attachment 79703
Old Concourse Design

It appears that they are eliminating restrooms to create a new concourse. That should work out just fine.

 

[Platt81]

It appears that they are eliminating restrooms to create a new concourse. That should work out just fine.

Based on the renderings, it appears they are increasing bathroom availability, not eliminating (orange in both renderings)

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

Seems like a one year renewal is because OVG is likely to enter into a public/private agreement with the city and state to get the full/fuller renovation done. That deal has to get approved by the governments/legislature and so the one year deal makes sense in that context. Good signs to finally updating the XL.

 

[HuskyAlum012]

View attachment 79704
And outside once the plywood comes down. Had no idea there will be an outdoor bar now too.

So this thing is only going to be open during games? seems like a waste

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

So this thing is only going to be open during games? seems like a waste

Is going to be open when the betting space is, which isn't only during games. Think OTB hours.

 

[Waquoit]

So this thing is only going to be open during games? seems like a waste

It makes the Sunday afternoon games more interesting for some I would think. They better have a good pub attached. From my observation, casino sportsbooks are ghost towns; probably because you can bet on your phone.

 

[CL82]

From my observation, casino sportsbooks are ghost towns; probably because you can bet on your phone.

This.

This seems like another exercise in CDRA halfassery. It is an idea that is out of date that will likely not recoup it’s capital outlay.

 

[Big Loubowski]

At this point, anything that will improve the space is at least something, but it is also another way to kick the can down the road to avoid making a decision on what to do about the XL.

 

[zls44]

Is going to be open when the betting space is, which isn't only during games. Think OTB hours.

Nope.

They have repeatedly said it will only be open during events.

 

[DSquiz]

Nope.

They have repeatedly said it will only be open during events.

The CRDA website states:
"This facility will operate on both event and non-event days, providing a vibrant new lounge space for patrons with a view of the arena bowl."

And the Hartford Buisness Journal:
"The venue would operate seven days a week, even when events aren’t taking place at the XL Center, Freimuth said."

 

[Ha Who]

Nope.

They have repeatedly said it will only be open during events.

This is old article but go to the last paragraph

Plans to open XL Center sportsbook move forward; could debut in Sept.

Plans are moving forward to open a new sports betting facility in downtown Hartford’s XL Center, with hopes it could debut by the start of next football season. The Capital Region Development Authority's venue committee met Friday afternoon and said it’s negotiating an agreement with the...

www.hartfordbusiness.com

 

[CTFAN4LIFE]

Nope.

They have repeatedly said it will only be open during events.

Nope.