© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

$250 Million XL Center Transformation Plan Approved, Debate Moves to Capitol

Officials in charge of the state’s XL Center in Hartford have approved a $250 million transformation of the building. But whether it happens and how to pay for it now falls to lawmakers and the governor. 

The XL Center has its problems. First, it’s ugly.

"It’s been known as a bunker with 18,000 seats," said Mike Freimuth, who runs the state-funded Capital Region Development Authority. But looks are only part of the issue. It's also old.

"Just about every day, there’s a new gremlin living someplace in some system," he said. "We can’t even find all the wires in the building... In the world of internet and iPhones, we’re dealing with pneumatic tubes for switches. So this thing is out of a Marx Brothers movie."

The building is beyond its useful life and is a drain on state finances. But knocking it down and starting over would be too expensive, and doing nothing is, for many stakeholders, unacceptable. Freimuth said the best choice is a $250 million renovation, keeping the building open as much as possible.

"Two hundred fifty million dollars basically takes it right down to the skin and rebuilds it in place," he said.

Credit Connecticut Regional Development Authority
The XL Center's existing facade on Ann Street in Hartford.

Credit Connecticut Regional Development Authority
The XL Center's proposed facade on Ann Street in Hartford.

The work would make glassy entrances all the way around the building to give it more of a welcoming feel. There’d be another concourse, more concessions, and better seating. And while NHL hockey isn’t around the corner, the redesign wouldn’t rule it out.

"We are designing it with that eye, but we’re not making that investment," he said.  

Governor Dannel Malloy has said he supports the modernization effort.

Matt Ritter is the incoming Democratic House Majority Leader. Following the debacle of city’s new minor league baseball park, Ritter conceded that there is some Hartford fatigue at the legislature. But he said the XL Center is different.

"There’s a generation of Connecticut residents who, from all over the state, who’ve gone there to watch hockey or basketball or concerts," Ritter said. "It’s an important part of the state."

Ritter said the the trick will be figuring out creative ways to help pay for it.

Jeff Cohen started in newspapers in 2001 and joined Connecticut Public in 2010, where he worked as a reporter and fill-in host. In 2017, he was named news director. Then, in 2022, he became a senior enterprise reporter.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content