Connecticut’s 2025 “Pizza Capital of the US” Tourism Campaign

Connecticut has launched an audacious tourism campaign in 2025 declaring itself the “Pizza Capital of the United States.” Centered on the state’s renowned apizza (New Haven-style pizza), the campaign deploys bold marketing stunts – from cheeky billboards in New York City to a pizza hotline – inviting a national debate over which region truly serves the best pie. This report examines the campaign’s strategy, the media and public response, engagement metrics, and the broader cultural and economic implications for Connecticut’s tourism branding. Key elements and impacts are summarized in tables below for clarity.

Background: Laying Claim to the ‘Pizza Capital’ Title

Connecticut’s pizza pride didn’t emerge overnight – it has deep cultural roots and a recent history of playful one-upmanship. In 2024, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro proclaimed Connecticut the “Pizza Capital of the United States,” and Governor Ned Lamont approved new highway welcome signs touting the title. One such sign at the New York border proudly greeted drivers with “Home of the Pizza Capital of the U.S.” – a move that sparked immediate reactions. The sign went viral on social media, drew mockery from neighboring states, and even earned a segment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Despite the jeers, Connecticut’s leaders embraced the buzz. The viral moment set the stage for a larger campaign to prove that Connecticut’s pizza culture is second to none.

Building on that momentum, state officials announced a comprehensive initiative on Feb. 7, 2025, to celebrate Connecticut’s “world-famous pizza culture.” This initiative blended food, fashion, art, and events to bolster Connecticut’s pizza credentials. Highlights included a nine-foot art installation made of highway signs (“The Pizza State” sculpture) and pizza-themed Nike sneakers for charity. All of these efforts reinforced a singular message: Connecticut is owning its identity as the Pizza Capital, and inviting the world to take notice (and take a bite).

Bold Marketing Strategy: NYC Billboard Blitz and Beyond

• NYC Billboard Blitz: Five bold billboards across Manhattan and Brooklyn with slogans like “The nation’s best pizza – not you, New York.” Locations include Times Square, Little Italy, Williamsburg, and more.
• NYC Subway Ads: Digital screens in major subway stations, echoing the campaign’s taunting slogans.
• Digital Ads in Rival Cities: Targeted online ads in Chicago, Detroit, and New Jersey, poking fun at each city’s pizza.
• 1-844-CT-PIZZA Hotline: A toll-free number where pizza lovers and haters alike can call in their opinions. Some of the best voicemails will be used in future social posts!
• BetterPizzaInCT.com: Interactive website for people to weigh in on the pizza debate.
• Pizza Capital Trail Vote: A statewide public vote with over 13,000 votes cast to name Connecticut’s top pizzerias. The top 100 will become a Pizza Trail launching in October 2025.
• Pizza-Themed Events: From fashion shows with pizza-themed sneakers to an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest pizza party in New Haven!

Public Reaction and Media Buzz

• Media Buzz: Over 2,000 news hits including national press, local TV, and late-night TV coverage (like Stephen Colbert).
• Viral Social Media: Hashtags like #CTPizza, heated debates, and playful clapbacks from officials in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
• Pizza Trail Vote: Over 13,000 votes cast. Top 20 pizzerias include Modern Apizza (#1), Frank Pepe’s (#2), and Sally’s (#3).
• Economic Impact: Local pizzerias report increased foot traffic; food tourism expected to rise when the Pizza Trail opens statewide.
• Engagement: Thousands of phone calls to the pizza hotline and submissions on the website. Community engagement at an all-time high.

Cultural and Economic Implications for Connecticut

The campaign is more than catchy headlines – it’s a branding masterstroke turning Connecticut’s pizza into a core identity marker. Instead of a generic slogan, Connecticut is now known for pizza prowess and local pride. The Pizza Trail encourages culinary tourism, supporting small businesses, and inspiring statewide pride. The debate even challenges New York and Italy, putting Connecticut in the national food spotlight and inviting visitors to see for themselves.

BISTRO BUDDY Pizza Wars: Join the Battle!

BISTRO BUDDY is joining the pizza fight! Our Pizza Wars directory lets you:

• Submit your favorite pizza places in Connecticut and beyond.
• Review and rank pizza shops – your voice shapes the leaderboard.
• Vote in a continuous battle for the top spots; the rankings change with every new review and vote.
• Discover the best pizza near you and help crown new champions.
• Join the discussion: Share your hot takes, debate crust and sauce, and be part of a growing community that truly loves pizza.

Ready to join the ultimate pizza showdown? On BISTRO BUDDY

you can be part of the Pizza Wars in two ways: If you own or represent a pizza business, simply select "I am the OWNER" to claim or list your pizzeria and showcase your place in the competition. If you’re passionate about pizza or want to help shape the rankings as a food lover, choose "I am an INFLUENCER" to submit new pizza places, leave reviews, and vote for your favorites. Our platform makes it easy for owners and influencers alike to fuel the rankings—every review, vote, and comment changes the leaderboard in real time. Whether you’re defending your slice or rooting for your favorite, your contribution matters. The battle for pizza supremacy is ongoing—add your voice to the Pizza Wars today on BISTRO BUDDY!

Add your favorite pizza to our directory and click INFLUENCER or OWNER, write a review, and cast your vote now on BISTRO BUDDY!

Sources

• Connecticut Office of Tourism: ctvisit.com
• Governor’s Press Release: portal.ct.gov
• Middletown Press: middletownpress.com
• WFSB News: wfsb.com
• WSHU Public Radio: wshu.org
• Instagram: #SorryNotSorry Post
• Daily Voice: dailyvoice.com
• LinkedIn: Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

XL 中心更名为人民银行竞技场，斥资 1.45 亿美元进行重大翻新

这是一个时代的终结 —— 也是一个新时代的开始。曾作为 XL Center 陪伴康涅狄格州民众五十年的哈特福德标志性场馆，如今拥有了一个新名字、新面貌和 1.45 亿美元的大型翻新工程。欢迎来到 People’s Bank Arena（人民银行竞技场）。

这个新名字来自于一项为期十年的合作伙伴关系，由 People's Bank（人民银行）、Oak View Group 和首都地区发展局共同推动，旨在让该场馆成为哈特福德市中心复兴的核心地标。

此次改造不仅仅是表面上的翻新，更是结构性和战略性的提升。项目将提供多达 16,000 个全新座位、5 个“地堡套房”以及升级的高端贵宾区，致力于为观众提供更卓越的体验。目标很明确：带来更多活动，吸引更多游客，让康州首府焕发新活力。

“我觉得这非常棒，”长期居民南希·梅西（Nancy Macy）说，“听起来就很不错。我们希望有更多篮球比赛、更多活动 —— 这些才是维持餐馆和酒店生意的关键。”

作为 UConn（康涅狄格大学）篮球队、哈特福德狼队（Hartford Wolf Pack）以及未来可能承办康涅狄格太阳队（Connecticut Sun）比赛的场馆，People’s Bank Arena 正迎来一波活动热潮。预计翻新完成后，每年将新增 12 到 15 场演唱会或大型活动。

但改变不仅仅局限在竞技场内部。像杰里米·霍华德（Jeremy Howard）这样的本地人呼吁政府改善周边基础设施，让人们愿意在比赛或演出结束后留下来消费和休闲，而不是直接开车离开。

“问题在于周边真的没什么可逛的，”霍华德表示，“我们需要更多基础设施建设，让人们愿意留下来，而不是下班后来看场球就马上回家。”

官员们表示，这场翻新不仅将带来更多娱乐活动，也会带动市中心的住宅开发，把生活重新带回哈特福德的心脏地带。

改造工程预计将于今年秋季完工，正好赶上大学篮球赛季的开始。一切正如州政府所强调的那样：

是时候让我们再次团结在哈特福德周围了。

到了十月，People’s Bank Arena 不只是一个新名字，更是哈特福德复兴的象征。

XL Center é renomeado como People’s Bank Arena em grande reforma de R$ 145 milhões

É o fim de uma era — e o começo de algo maior. Após cinco décadas de memórias como XL Center, a querida arena de Hartford agora tem um novo nome, uma nova visão ousada e uma reforma de R$ 145 milhões. Bem-vindo à People’s Bank Arena.

Agora oficialmente rebatizada por meio de uma parceria de 10 anos entre o People’s Bank, o Oak View Group e a Autoridade de Desenvolvimento da Região da Capital, a arena está pronta para se tornar o ponto central da revitalização do centro de Hartford.

A transformação vai além da estética — ela é estrutural e estratégica. O projeto inclui novos assentos para 16.000 pessoas, cinco suítes tipo "bunker" e áreas premium ampliadas, todas projetadas para melhorar a experiência do público. O objetivo? Mais eventos, mais pessoas e mais energia fluindo para a capital de Connecticut.

“Acho ótimo”, disse Nancy Macy, moradora de longa data. “Parece bom. Queremos mais basquete, mais eventos — é isso que sustenta os restaurantes e hotéis.”

Casa do basquete da UConn, do time Hartford Wolf Pack e possível sede de alguns jogos do Connecticut Sun, a People’s Bank Arena se prepara para uma nova fase. As autoridades preveem de 12 a 15 shows adicionais por ano após a conclusão da reforma.

Mas a transformação vai além da arena. Moradores como Jeremy Howard pedem melhorias de infraestrutura mais amplas para manter as pessoas na cidade após os eventos — com opções de lazer, compras e convivência.

“O problema é que não há infraestrutura real para fazer alguma coisa”, comentou Howard. “É preciso mais estrutura para que as pessoas fiquem na cidade e não simplesmente saiam do trabalho, assistam a um jogo e voltem para a estrada imediatamente.”

É exatamente isso que as autoridades esperam com o relançamento da arena. Além de mais eventos e entretenimento, o plano de revitalização também inclui novos projetos habitacionais para trazer vida — e moradores — de volta ao centro da cidade.

Com previsão de conclusão para o outono, a tempo da temporada universitária de basquete, a mensagem é clara:

É hora de Connecticut se unir novamente em torno de Hartford.

E em outubro, a People’s Bank Arena estará pronta — não apenas como uma arena, mas como símbolo do renascimento da cidade.

Le XL Center renommé en People’s Bank Arena dans le cadre d’une vaste rénovation de 145 millions de dollars

C’est la fin d’une époque — et le début d’une nouvelle. Après cinq décennies de souvenirs en tant que XL Center, l’arène emblématique de Hartford adopte un nouveau nom, une vision ambitieuse, et une rénovation à 145 millions de dollars. Bienvenue à la People’s Bank Arena.

Le nouveau nom résulte d’un partenariat de 10 ans entre People’s Bank, Oak View Group et l’Autorité de Développement de la Région Capitale, visant à faire de l’arène un moteur de la revitalisation du centre-ville de Hartford.

La transformation va bien au-delà de l’esthétique : elle est aussi structurelle et stratégique. Le projet comprend de nouveaux sièges pour 16 000 spectateurs, cinq suites « bunker », et des espaces premium élargis pour améliorer l’expérience des visiteurs. L’objectif ? Davantage d’événements, plus de fréquentation et une énergie renouvelée au cœur de la capitale du Connecticut.

« Je trouve ça formidable », déclare Nancy Macy, résidente de longue date. « Ça sonne bien. On veut plus de basket, plus d’événements — c’est ce qui fait vivre les restaurants et les hôtels. »

Déjà domicile du basketball UConn, de l’équipe Hartford Wolf Pack, et potentiellement d’événements du Connecticut Sun, la People’s Bank Arena s’apprête à connaître un renouveau. Les responsables s’attendent à 12 à 15 concerts supplémentaires par an une fois les travaux terminés.

Mais la transformation ne se limite pas à l’intérieur du stade. Des habitants comme Jeremy Howard réclament des améliorations infrastructurelles plus larges pour que les gens aient une vraie raison de rester, de sortir et de découvrir la ville, au lieu de simplement assister à un événement puis reprendre l’autoroute.

« Le problème, c’est qu’il n’y a vraiment rien à faire aux alentours », explique Howard. « Il faut plus d’infrastructures pour que les gens aient envie de rester à Hartford. »

C’est exactement ce que les officiels espèrent accomplir avec ce nouveau départ. En plus d’une programmation événementielle renforcée, le plan global prévoit également de nouveaux logements pour ramener la vie — et les habitants — dans le centre-ville.

Alors que les rénovations devraient s’achever à temps pour la saison de basketball universitaire cet automne, un message clair s’impose :

Il est temps pour l’État de se rassembler à nouveau autour de Hartford.

Et en octobre, la People’s Bank Arena sera prête — non seulement en tant que salle de spectacle, mais en tant que symbole du renouveau de la ville.

El XL Center renombrado como People’s Bank Arena en una gran renovación de $145 millones

Es el fin de una era — y el comienzo de algo más grande. Después de cinco décadas de recuerdos como el XL Center, el querido estadio de Hartford ahora tiene un nuevo nombre, una nueva visión audaz y una renovación de $145 millones. Bienvenidos a People’s Bank Arena.

Ahora oficialmente renombrado mediante una asociación de 10 años entre People’s Bank, Oak View Group y la Autoridad de Desarrollo de la Región Capital (CRDA), el estadio está preparado para convertirse en una pieza central en la revitalización del centro de Hartford.

La transformación no es solo estética — es estructural y estratégica. El proyecto de renovación incluye nuevos asientos para 16.000 asistentes, cinco nuevas suites tipo "bunker" y zonas premium ampliadas diseñadas para elevar la experiencia del visitante. ¿El objetivo? Más eventos, más personas y más energía fluyendo hacia la capital de Connecticut.

“Me parece estupendo”, dijo Nancy Macy, residente de toda la vida. “Suena bien. Queremos más baloncesto, más eventos — eso es lo que mantiene vivos a los restaurantes y hoteles”.

Hogar del baloncesto de UConn, el equipo Hartford Wolf Pack, y ahora posible sede de algunos partidos del Connecticut Sun, People’s Bank Arena se prepara para un resurgimiento de actividad. Se prevén entre 12 y 15 conciertos adicionales al año una vez finalicen las reformas.

Pero la historia no termina dentro del estadio. Residentes como Jeremy Howard piden mejoras más amplias en la infraestructura para complementar el renacimiento del estadio y animar a la gente a quedarse, cenar y comprar en la ciudad en lugar de regresar directamente a la autopista tras los eventos.

“El problema es que realmente no hay infraestructura para que la gente haga algo”, señaló Howard. “Se necesitan más razones para que la gente se quede en Hartford”.

Eso es exactamente lo que los funcionarios esperan que genere el relanzamiento del estadio. Junto a más eventos y entretenimiento, el plan de renovación incluye nuevos proyectos de vivienda destinados a devolver la vida — y los residentes — al corazón de la ciudad.

Mientras se terminan las obras a tiempo para la temporada de baloncesto universitario este otoño, un mensaje queda claro:

Es hora de que el estado se una de nuevo en torno a Hartford.

Y en octubre, People’s Bank Arena estará lista — no solo como un recinto, sino como símbolo de una ciudad en ascenso.