Agency to Pursue XL Center Renovation Worth $250 Million

The Capitol Region Development Authority's board voted Thursday night by a margin of 8-1, that it would pursue a plan that would renovate the aging XL Center, to the tune of $250 million.

The plan would be aimed at modernizing the arena for UConn Men's and Women's Basketball games with modern amenities like luxury boxes and better food option, while also hoping to draw more major entertainers.

Michael Freimuth, the Executive Director of the CRDA, said if the city and state want to have a professional-level venue for major sporting and entertainment events, then the authority has to pursue funds for a remodel.

Freimuth said, “I think the dilemma we have with the XL Center is we just can’t keep patching patches. It’s forty plus years old, the systems break and we can’t even get parts for them anymore.”

The money would come from taxpayers through the General Assembly's appropriations and bond commission process. Either the governor or lawmakers would have to include funds in the biennial spending plan to pay for the improvements in the form of bonds. It's highly unlikely the state would provide cash to pay for any improvements in the short term.

Freimuth expects any renovation would take between three and four years, while keeping the arena in operation.

He admitted that, "it's tough to figure out the priorities," when it comes to bond and spending projects.

Governor Dannel Malloy has in the past remarked that he views a successful Hartford as one that has a successful arena. He hasn't said whether he would specifically support the proposal put forth by the CRDA.

Freimuth says the city and state are at a crossroads with the arena. The arena has outlived its usable life and decisions have to be made on what to do next.

“We’re muddling along right now. We can pursue the path that New Haven opted for and take it down. We can’t keep doing what we’re doing, though.”

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