Hartford’s Civic Center Reborn: People’s Bank Arena Ushers in New Era with $145 Million Transformation
It’s the end of an era — and the beginning of something bigger. After five decades of memories as the XL Center, Hartford’s beloved arena now has a new name, a bold new vision, and a $145 million facelift. Welcome to People’s Bank Arena.
Now officially renamed through a 10-year partnership between People’s Bank, Oak View Group, and the Capital Region Development Authority, the arena is poised to become a centerpiece in the revitalization of downtown Hartford.
The transformation isn’t just cosmetic — it’s structural and strategic. The redevelopment includes upgraded seating for 16,000 attendees, five new bunker suites, and expanded premium seating areas designed to elevate the guest experience. The goal? More events, more people, and more energy flowing into Connecticut’s capital city.
“I think it’s terrific,” said longtime local Nancy Macy. “It sounds good. We want more basketball, more events — that’s what sustains the restaurants and hotels.”
Home to UConn basketball, the Hartford Wolf Pack, and now a possible host site for Connecticut Sun games, People’s Bank Arena is gearing up for a resurgence in activity. Officials predict up to 12–15 additional concerts annually once renovations are complete.
But there’s more to the story than just what’s inside the arena. Locals like Jeremy Howard are calling for broader infrastructure improvements to complement the arena’s revival and encourage people to stay, dine, and shop in the city instead of heading straight to the highway post-event.
“The problem is there’s really no infrastructure for them to do anything,” Howard noted. “There needs to be more reasons for people to stay in Hartford.”
That’s exactly what officials hope the arena’s relaunch will spark. Alongside more events and entertainment, the broader redevelopment plan includes new housing projects that aim to bring life — and residents — back into the city’s core.
As the dust settles and renovations wrap up in time for college basketball season this fall, one message rings clear:
It’s time for the state to rally around Hartford again.
And come October, the People’s Bank Arena will stand ready — not just as a venue, but as a symbol of a city on the rise.
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