The operator of downtown Hartford’s XL Center is soliciting public opinion on the aging 16,000-seat arena as it looks to recast the venue.
The quasi-public Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has invited individuals to share their opinions on potential new seating opportunities and amenity enhancements at the arena through a new online survey.
The survey asks whether visitors purchase premium seating packages, which types of events they attend and where they choose to sit. It also asks about how much patrons are willing to spend per seat and how they rate their level of satisfaction with certain elements of the arena, among many other questions on comfort, amenities, pricing, parking, sound quality and merchandise.
Participants are also asked to rate the importance of the many events held at XL Center, including concerts, UConn athletics (men’s and women’s basketball and hockey) and NCAA tournament games.
Respondents are asked to complete the survey by Dec. 23.
The survey results will build on a feasibility study being completed by a Texas-based consultancy to examine the financials and future opportunities for the venue. CRDA authorized the $85,000 study in September and is expected to receive a final report on the findings by year-end.
There have been several XL Center studies completed in the last 15 or so years, but CRDA has said an updated study was requested by Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration and UConn, which is especially concerned about the arena’s future because of its pending move to the Big East Conference by July 2020.
The study is being completed as state lawmakers have been unwilling to back major investments to spur future renovations at the arena. The venue typically draws annual operating losses, largely offset by the state, of $1.5 million to $2 million.
In an interview last month, Lamont said he wants to avoid a situation where the state commits a major outlay of taxpayer dollars “and then hope to god if we build it, they will come.”
“We’re going to have a really good appraisal and take it out to investors,” Lamont said.
The governor expressed frustration that the XL Center is not located in a federal Opportunity Zone, which could make it more attractive to private investors. Hartford has 10 such zones, and one of them starts just one-third of a mile up the road, around Union Station.
Efforts earlier this year to entice the state’s two casino-operating tribes to invest in the the XL Center, with a potential for on-site gambling, didn’t gain traction.
Lamont said he wants to find a solution, whatever it is.
“I want to get that XL Center coming to life,” he said. “I don’t know what that life is going to be, but it’s got to come to life. It’s part of the hub of Hartford. It brings people in.”
Matt Pilon contributed reporting to this story
