Hartford, CT – Construction is currently underway on an extensive renovation to PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford.
SCI Architects is the architect enlisted to transform the arena, which was originally known as the Hartford Civic Center and most recently the XL Center until June 2025. It is undergoing a major transformation and will reopen this fall. The $145 million renovation includes a completely reimagined lower seating bowl, a refreshed concourse, new premium spaces including bunker suites and loge boxes, upgraded food and beverage offerings, enhanced amenities for the UCONN men’s and women’s basketball and hockey teams, and upgrades to the Hartford Wolf Pack locker room, as well as enhancements to both the performer and fan experience. In addition, a new roof and major mechanical, plumbing, and electrical infrastructures have been upgraded.
L61 concourse
“The complexity of this project came from serving multiple needs as the team at PeoplesBank wanted better locker rooms, fans wanted better amenities and offerings, performers needed proper facilities, and the building’s core systems needed to support and advance the long-term functionality of the venue. You have to be surgical about the design, production, and construction of all these pieces to make it work,” said Helga Wiens, project director at SCI Architects. “A big advantage we had in addressing these priorities and needs was bringing everyone to the table early. We talked to the teams, operations staff, ownership, and user groups from the start. This helped us figure out where the focus needed to be, what the best design solutions were, and what would have maximum impact for everyone involved.”
New mechanical equipment was added to service the renovated spaces and the existing HVAC equipment is being refurbished. The underground sanitary piping has been replaced, and the electrical infrastructure is being upgraded to allow for additional capacity for shows. Two escalators and three elevators are also being replaced. Premium seating has been added, along with a new event level club which includes two new bars and food stations, and five private lounges. The concourse has received a facelift, and digital signage is being added throughout.
Event level lounge/kitchen
Challenges of the project include the renovation of an aging building that needed serious infrastructure work, which required juggling budgetary needs with clever construction phasing so the building could remain fully operational through the event season, which hosts over 80 ticketed events.
The venue will reopen this fall with the start of the Hartford Wolf Pack’s 2025–26 AHL season. Stevie Nicks will be the grand reopening performance on Oct. 25, followed by comedian Bert Kreischer on Nov. 13 and Andrea Bocelli on Dec. 13. Additional concerts, sporting events, and special programming will be announced in the coming months.
“The design was focused on creating additional revenue generating opportunities for the facility. With the renovation to the building, the hope is that it will attract more concerts and events throughout the year, which will bring more people to downtown Hartford. The surrounding businesses will also benefit from that,” said Kerri Zavistoski, LEED AP, senior project manager at Dimeo Construction Company. “This is now the fourth project that I have done at the arena. To be able to continue on, working in this building, is exciting and I am grateful for the opportunity as I am invested in seeing this building succeed.”
Additional project team members include Capital Region Development Authority, facilities manager; M-E Engineers, MEPFP engineers; Severud Associates, structural engineer; and Colburn Guyette, food service consultants. Construction kicked off in August 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2026.
