A $250 million improvement plan for the XL Center goes before the public at a hearing scheduled for Nov. 29.
The hearing, held by the Capital Region Development Authority, is set for 6 p.m. in Room 21 of the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford.
Originally opened as the Hartford Civic Center in 1975, the 16,500-seat arena is home to sporting events that include the UConn basketball and hockey teams and the Hartford Wolf Pack, as well as concerts, trade shows and community events.
Michael Freimuth, executive director of the CRDA, has argued for the improvements, which the state needs to approve in the next legislative session in order for the center to cater to a national sports market.
A 2015 study by SCI Architects concluded that at least 100,000 square feet of additional space is necessary to bring the XL Center up to modern venue standards, improve circulation, meet certain ADA and building code requirements and enhance the fan experience. Sufficient space to meet these needs is available in the large atrium, unused retail space and a portion of the parking garage adjacent to the center, the study found.
“This transformed arena will look and feel like an entirely new building,” SCI wrote at the time.
Since CRDA assumed control of the building in 2012, leasing it from the city of Hartford, it has invested nearly $40 million in the building to modernize mechanical systems, repair the ice-making system, upgrade elevators and security systems, and make other improvements.
