PeoplesBank Arena
The original facility opened in 1975 as the Hartford Civic Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Exhibit Center. It is owned by the city of Hartford and operated by the CRDA. The Oak View Group (OVG) contracts with CRDA to oversee the venue operations, including catering, event bookings, and sales. The 16,000-seat arena is the off-campus home of the UCONN Huskies Men’s and Women’s National Championship basketball teams, the UCONN Men’s Hockey team, and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack. In addition to major sporting events, family shows, trade shows, and exhibits, the arena continues to host world-renowned artists such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Travis Scott, and Blake Shelton.
In 2024, the State of Connecticut authorized $118 million to renovate the Civic Center as part of a $145 million program with $20 million in funding for OVG and additional capital from CRDA. The reconstruction (summer 2025) is underway, creating new suites, clubs and loges, and lower bowl amenities for artists, athletes and fans. This is complemented by improvements to the building’s mechanical, electric, plumbing and data systems. Completion is scheduled for mid-2026, but the building will operate a full load of events from October 2025 into 2026.
Fanatics Sports Book
With the passage of Public Act 21-23, the General Assembly approved in-person and online sports wagering in Connecticut. The PeoplesBank Arena Center was identified as one of 15 possible locations around the State where in-person sports wagering may be conducted. CRDA collaborated with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to develop the concept into the Fanatic Sportsbook.
The PeoplesBank Sports Bar and Fanatics Sportsbook adds a new element of excitement for sports fans in the greater Hartford region. With its official opening on September 18, 2023, the facility provides a vibrant new lounge space for patrons. Bar seating renders a view of the arena bowl while a bank of large windows and redesigned entrances replaced the “concrete bunker” appearance on the west side of the building, opening the PeoplesBank Arena up to the surrounding neighborhood. The bar has seating for 90 but can accommodate a crowd of 300 when standing room is included.
The lounge is open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Hartford Arena Study
In October of 2014, CRDA retained SCI Architects (SCIA) to assist with the development of a long-term strategy for the arena. SCIA was charged with examining various options for the building, including demolition and construction of a new arena elsewhere in the city. SCIA presented the results of its study to the CRDA Board of Directors on February 19, 2015. The study concluded that a comprehensive transformation of the existing structure was the most practical option and presented a concept plan for such a transformation. The concept plan included: 1) opening up the arena into the adjacent atrium, 2) construction of a new upper concourse to address circulation issues, 3) construction of new premium seating areas, as well as, 4) new restrooms and concession options. Also included in the plan were options for addressing the security, accessibility, code, and circulation issues that currently hamper PeoplesBank Arena operations. Inherent in SCIA’s plan was the fact that the current footprint is so constrained that the best way to modernize the building and resolve these deficiencies is to expand the arena footprint through the acquisition of additional square footage. With the venue essentially landlocked by Asylum, Ann Uccello, and Church Streets, the practical solution would be to acquire the atrium and adjacent space along Trumbull Street.
- Construction feasibility
- Program development
SCIA presented the results of its study that led to improvements underway in 2025.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the study.
