DOWNTOWN ARENA: THE FUTURE IS NOW

MAYOR TO NAME TASK FORCE TO EXPLORE PUBLIC/PRIVATE EFFORT

---NEWS RELEASE---

(January 22, 2008)---Mayor Eddie A. Perez says that the City of Hartford must be ready when and if the state gives back control of the XL Center (formerly the Hartford Civic Center) in 2013.  He says, “In five short years, we must be prepared with an action plan that will best utilize the property to its maximum benefit.  A special task force--- representing state, regional, and corporate entities--- is being assembled as we speak to determine the level of private sector support for the facility.  The Task Force will be announced by mid-February.”

According to a new feasibility study, conducted by HOK--- an internationally recognized sport architectural firm--- the current XL Center is considered the best location for a new state-of-the-art arena that would host our champion UCONN Huskies, a professional NHL or NBA team, and the numerous first-class events that are showcased.

However, the study shows that the current facility does not meet today’s professional stadium standards:  lighting needs updating, there are not enough restrooms, and the exterior concrete pads and steps need repair.  Plumbing and piping needs to be replaced, food service equipment is old, and there are not enough food vendors.

Seven potential sites were considered and evaluated:

1.       Myrtle Street (At Walnut, Myrtle, and Spring Streets)

2.       High Street (At High, Main, and Trumbull Streets)

3.       Main Street (At Windsor Street, Bank of America, and Crowne Plaza)

4.       Asylum Street (At Church, Ann, and Asylum Streets and Union Place)

5.       The existing XL Center (Church Street to be vacated between Ann and Trumbull)

6.       Adriaen’s Landing (New project moving forward, so site was eliminated from contention)

7.       Sheldon Street (At Taylor Street and Charter Oak Boulevard)

The existing XL Center is preferred because:

1.       Provides best opportunities for development and enhancement for Downtown

2.       Adjacent to significant investments of Hartford 21, Goodwin Hotel, and established retail

The issue is funding and the answer is a creative public-private joint venture.  The study shows that our median income and corporate inventory match up favorably with other demographic comparisons.  However, other potential strategies will need to be utilized including a possible admissions tax, premium seating, naming rights, and advertising/sponsorships to name a few.