Harford police and city leaders reminded folks looking to enjoy seven major events in the city to get downtown early.
From what we witnessed, it appears people listened.
Sure there was some congestion, but the capitol city truly was the place to be Saturday night.
From Whalers Alumni Night at the Hartford Yardgoats game, “It’s a fun night. It’s a beautiful night and we’re enjoying it,” Brian Marchese of Springfield, Massachusetts said.
There was Wiz Khalifa performing at Xfinity and ConnectiCon too.
And, how could you forget the historic night at Dillon Stadium?
The debut of the Hartford Athletic, “It was incredible. Normally wouldn’t make it out to a game, but definitely was a priority to see the inaugural game.”
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Hartford Police were estimating about 65,000 people were going to be in the city to enjoy seven big events and, of course, other Saturday night fun.
Police in uniforms were on almost every busy corner we stopped at.
They were patrolling the events, directing traffic and helping crowds cross busy streets.
Local high school football players were wisely taking advantage of all the activities, raising cash for future college visits.
“It’s really good to see people actually giving us a change to go see places like Clemson, UConn, Alabama. It’s really nice,” Emanuel Silva, a soon-to-be-senior at Capitol Prepatory Magnet School said.
Some families we spoke to are pleased to see so much hubbub in Hartford.
It makes them look forward to the future here for their kids.
“I know it’s exciting because Hartford usually doesn’t have a lot going on so just with this experience to have a choice makes a big difference for the city,” Curtis Mighty of South Windsor said.
On a historic night in Hartford, the city ended the evening with a bang, with Riverside Fireworks.
We did witness some families spooked by groups of teens sprinting through the Riverside firework crowds causing some chaos, but Hartford Police’s public information officer says there were no issues they were aware of.
Aside from typical traffic, all events went smooth.
