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.

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.

Duck Day Festival 2025 Video: Duck Race, Food Trucks, Live Music & Highlights

Experience the excitement of Duck Day Festival 2025! 🦆🎉 Watch thousands of rubber ducks splash down the river in the famous duck race, enjoy a delicious variety of food trucks, groove to live music, and see why Duck Day is Connecticut’s favorite family-friendly festival.

If you’ve ever wondered what Duck Day Festival is all about, let me tell you—it’s a day full of smiles, music, delicious food, and a whole lot of rubber ducks.

First off, don’t stress about being late! The famous duck dump always happens a bit later than scheduled. Even if you roll up half an hour “late,” you’ll still be in time to join the crowd waiting by the river. Just expect to jockey for a good spot—everyone wants to see the big splash!

But honestly, it’s about way more than just the duck race. The whole town comes alive with food trucks lined up serving everything from fry bread and tacos to local specialties, plus vendors selling crafts, aprons, spices, and all sorts of handmade treasures. I got to chat with so many amazing small business owners, each with their own story. Thanks to all the wonderful vendors who took the time to share a little bit of themselves—I can’t wait to reconnect at future events.

And let’s not forget the music! Live bands and performers keep the energy going, while families and friends dance, laugh, and soak up the good vibes. Duck Day is truly a place where you run into familiar faces and make new friends, all while supporting local businesses.

If you missed this year, don’t worry—Duck Day Festival always brings the fun. Bring your appetite, bring your curiosity, and bring your sense of community. Until next year, quack on!

Watch the full video

Event Overview

Duck Day Festival 2025 took place on Sunday, June 1st, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM along the Naugatuck River on Maple Street. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the festival featured a variety of activities, including:

• The Great Duck Day Race: Over 15,000 rubber ducks raced down the river at 2 PM, with exciting prizes for the winners.
• Corporate Duck Dash: A fun race featuring large rubber ducks sponsored by local businesses.
• Duck, Duck, Jeep! Competition: A unique contest showcasing creatively decorated Jeeps.
• Live Music: Performances by the high-energy Madhouse Party Band kept the crowd entertained throughout the day.
• Vendor Market: A diverse selection of local artisans and businesses offering crafts, jewelry, and more.
• Food Vendors: A wide array of food trucks and vendors serving delicious treats.
• Street Performances: Strolling performers added to the festive atmosphere.
• Inflatables and Kids' Activities: Fun for the whole family with games, bounce houses, and more.

Featured Vendors

The Duck Day Market showcased a variety of local vendors, including:

• Blueberry Cat Collectibles
• The Craft Addict
• Farmstyle Woodworks
• For the Furry Friend
• Hangry Spice Company
• The Inner Artist
• Intergalactic Gems
• Make a Bracelet
• Ocean and Sand Permanent Jewelry
• Redeeming Life Nutrition
• Rick Stromoski Cartoons
• Robins Nest Home & Hearth
• Slime Before Time
• Susquis Designs
• Tooth & Nail Tattoo
• Trend My Soul Jewelry
• Yarn Tales

Delicious Food Options

Attendees enjoyed a variety of culinary delights from food vendors such as:

• Big Dipper Ice Cream
• Bricins Festival Foods
• The Coffee Shop
• Fatboys
• Keith’s Ice Cream Truck
• The Local Lemon
• Lucky Dog World’s Famous Hot Dogs
• The Mobile Bartender
• Meatball Bombs
• Not Just Blowin’ Smoke
• Paradise Island

Community Impact

Duck Day Festival is not only a fun-filled event but also supports the local community. Proceeds from the Duck Race benefit more than 80 area non-profits. Over the last 20 years, Duck Day has helped over 500 area nonprofit organizations raise more than $510,000 as part of the Duck Day raffle.