Xfinity Theatre Reverts to The Meadows Music Theatre in Connecticut

The Hartford amphitheater on Savitt Way is stepping back into a familiar identity. It’s officially reclaiming the name The Meadows Music Theatre after nearly two decades as the Xfinity Theatre.

This rebrand marks the end of Comcast’s naming rights deal. But don’t worry, big-ticket concerts are here to stay—if anything, The Meadows is doubling down on its role as a cornerstone of Connecticut’s live music scene.

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The Meadows Music Theatre Name Returns to Hartford

Residents of Hartford and nearby towns who grew up heading “to The Meadows” can finally say it again, no corrections needed. The venue’s name has reverted to The Meadows Music Theatre after the long-running naming rights agreement with Comcast expired.

Comcast had branded the facility first as the Comcast Theatre, then as the Xfinity Theatre. Live Nation, which books and operates the amphitheater, says the name change is effective right away.

They’ve emphasized that the shift is mostly cosmetic. Right now, the organization is looking for a new naming rights partner, but the classic Meadows name will stick around for now.

From Comcast to Xfinity and Back to The Meadows

The renaming journey started in 2006. That’s when the venue dropped its original Meadows identity and became the Comcast Theatre.

By 2013, Comcast reintroduced the space as the Xfinity Theatre to match its cable TV brand. Now, with that agreement done, the return to The Meadows hits home for longtime concertgoers from West Hartford, Newington, Glastonbury, and beyond who honestly never stopped calling it that.

A Major Player in Connecticut’s Live Music Landscape

Sitting just off I-91, The Meadows Music Theatre has long pulled fans from New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and New Britain. Folks flock here for a full-scale outdoor concert experience without leaving Connecticut.

The stadium-style seating and wide-open lawn set it apart in New England’s busy touring circuit. With 7,500 covered seats and a lawn that can hold more than 20,000 people, The Meadows ranks among the largest amphitheaters in the country.

That kind of capacity lets Hartford compete with major venues in Boston and New York for those big summer tours.

Iconic Performances and Sell-Out Crowds

Over the years, The Meadows has hosted a who’s who of touring giants. Some of the acts that have drawn packed houses include:

Jimmy Buffett – a summer staple, his “Parrothead” following turned Hartford into a day-long tailgate party.

Aerosmith – Massachusetts rock legends bringing arena-scale shows to Connecticut’s capital.

Britney Spears – helping define the pop era of the late 1990s and early 2000s for a generation of fans.

Morgan Wallen – part of the newer wave of country stars who fill the venue’s lawn with thousands.

The amphitheater has also been home to nationally significant events. The Farm Aid benefit concerts in 2018 and 2021 brought together top country, rock, and Americana artists.

Those shows shined a national spotlight on Hartford and on agricultural issues that hit home from the Connecticut River Valley up through the farms of Enfield and the orchards of Southington.

Seasonal Schedule and 2026 Concerts Already Announced

The Meadows runs on a seasonal calendar, typically opening in the spring and closing out in late fall. That rhythm has become second nature for music fans across central Connecticut, who often plan summers around the venue’s steady stream of announcements.

Even with the name change, the booking strategy holds steady: big tours, a mix of genres, and both legacy acts and current chart-toppers.

Looking Ahead: Machine Gun Kelly and Riley Green

Two major shows are already locked in for the 2026 season. Fans in places like Manchester, Windsor, and Rocky Hill have something to circle on the calendar:

Machine Gun Kelly – June 6, 2026

Riley Green – August 14, 2026

More tours are expected as national routing firms up. Live Nation says there won’t be any disruptions to operations or the usual volume of summer shows.

What the Name Change Means for Connecticut Concertgoers

For fans, seeing The Meadows Music Theatre come back feels like a nod to nostalgia and local pride. Parking, ticketing, and seating—yeah, all that stays the same. The seasonal schedule isn’t changing either.

This place still serves as Hartford’s main outdoor concert spot. People drive in from places like Stamford and Norwich just for a show.

You’ll still get tickets and show details through Live Nation’s online platforms. Want the latest lineup or on-sale dates? Head over to the Live Nation website.

Events now show up under the old-new name, The Meadows Music Theatre. Kind of nice to see it back, honestly.

Here is the source article for this story: Xfinity Theatre no more: CT amphitheater reverts name back to The Meadows Music Theatre

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