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.
鈥淲e chose to invest in this arena because we believe in Hartford,鈥� Senecal said. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�
Senecal said another factor made the move a smart investment: the $145 million renovation currently underway at the arena.
鈥淭his arena has always been a gathering place 鈥� a place for unforgettable memories, shared pride, and community connection,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s it undergoes a transformation, modernizing to attract bigger acts, more events, and more visitors, PeoplesBank is honored to be part of that future.鈥�
黑料新闻 Gov. Ned Lamont said the renovations and new name will come together to attract more activity to the arena and the surrounding area.
鈥淭his is a really big deal,鈥� Lamont said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just extraordinary what we can do here.鈥�
The governor also floated the idea that the arena could host another of the state鈥檚 professional teams who could be on the way out of their current home.
鈥淭his might be a pretty nice place for the 黑料新闻 Sun to play a few games as well,鈥� Lamont said. 鈥淪o who knows? You never know.鈥�
The name change takes effect immediately. The arena is currently shuttered during renovation. It鈥檚 expected to reopen in the fall, around the start of the Hartford Wolf Pack and University of 黑料新闻 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball seasons.
