First, it was the Hartford Civic Center.
Then, it was christened the XL Center.
Now, the downtown Hartford multi-use arena has yet another new name: PeoplesBank Arena.
At a Monday press event held on the arena floor, dignitaries and executives feted the purchase of the naming rights by Massachusetts-based PeoplesBank.
Bank CEO Tom Senecal said the decision was spurred on by a rising Hartford.
“We chose to invest in this arena because we believe in Hartford,” Senecal said. “We believe in the revitalization happening here, the momentum building downtown, the renewed energy in the business district, the arts, the restaurants, the culture, and, of course, the sports.”
Senecal said another factor made the move a smart investment: the $145 million renovation currently underway at the arena.
“This arena has always been a gathering place – a place for unforgettable memories, shared pride, and community connection,” he said. “As it undergoes a transformation, modernizing to attract bigger acts, more events, and more visitors, PeoplesBank is honored to be part of that future.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said the renovations and new name will come together to attract more activity to the arena and the surrounding area.
“This is a really big deal,” Lamont said. “It’s just extraordinary what we can do here.”
The governor also floated the idea that the arena could host another of the state’s professional teams who could be on the way out of their current home.
“This might be a pretty nice place for the Connecticut Sun to play a few games as well,” Lamont said. “So who knows? You never know.”
The name change takes effect immediately. The arena is currently shuttered during renovation. It’s expected to reopen in the fall, around the start of the Hartford Wolf Pack and University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball seasons.
