XL Center Name Change Announcement: What to Expect Live

# Hartford‘s XL Center to Become PeoplesBank Arena in Major Rebranding Deal

Connecticut’s XL Center in Hartford is about to get a whole new look—and a new name. State officials and venue management just announced that the iconic arena will soon be called PeoplesBank Arena.

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This rebranding comes alongside a $100 million renovation project. The goal? Modernize the facility and give downtown Hartford a much-needed boost.

Historic Venue Gets New Identity

The name change isn’t just about swapping out the sign on the building. The Oak View Group, Capital Region Development Authority, and Governor Ned Lamont all joined forces to make the announcement.

Partnership Signals Investment in Hartford’s Future

PeoplesBank grabbed the naming rights, which says a lot about their belief in Hartford’s comeback story. It’s a noticeable shift, especially since so many businesses have poured money into New Haven or Stamford lately.

“This partnership represents a major vote of confidence in Hartford’s growing business district,” said Governor Lamont. “We’re seeing momentum building not just in Hartford but across central Connecticut communities like West Hartford and Manchester.”

Comprehensive Renovation Project Underway

The venue has closed its doors for the summer. Crews are moving quickly on the $100+ million renovation project.

They want to turn the aging arena into a top-tier entertainment spot that can actually compete with places in bigger cities. That’s a tall order, but the plans are ambitious.

Enhanced Spectator Experience

Folks coming in from Waterbury, Bristol, and beyond will notice a lot of changes, including:

New loge boxes for premium viewing

Completely refreshed general seating throughout the arena

Addition of exclusive bunker suites

Redesigned and modernized concourse areas

A new high-end event level club for VIP experiences

These upgrades are meant to deliver the kind of experience people expect nowadays. With these changes, Hartford could start drawing crowds from as far as Greenwich or Danbury for big events.

Upgraded Facilities for Performers and Athletes

Behind the scenes, athletes and performers will get first-class locker rooms and redesigned dressing rooms. These spaces matter—a lot—when it comes to booking top concerts, shows, and games.

“When artists and teams have a great experience, they’re more likely to return,” said a rep from Oak View Group. “We’re creating spaces that will impress performers who might be coming from venues in New York or Boston.”

Economic Impact on Downtown Hartford

The investment in PeoplesBank Arena should spark some real economic activity downtown. Local restaurants and hotels are hoping for a steady stream of new customers.

Folks in nearby towns like East Hartford and Windsor might notice more visitors in the area. The project fits right in with Connecticut’s bigger plan to revitalize its cities and create lively downtown districts.

Timeline for Completion

Construction crews are hustling to finish renovations by October 2025. They want everything ready for the Hartford Wolf Pack’s hockey season.

This tight schedule should keep the venue’s regular events on track. It’s a big ask, but folks seem determined to pull it off.

The XL Center’s transformation into PeoplesBank Arena isn’t just a surface-level update. Honestly, it feels like Hartford’s staking its claim as Connecticut’s go-to spot for culture and entertainment.

Here is the source article for this story: WATCH LIVE: New name to be announced for the XL Center

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