“We’re rocking and rolling … from a construction standpoint,” said XL Center General Manager Ben Weiss. “The construction is everywhere, and we’re dealing with it.” Weiss and construction manager Robert Houlihan updated the Capital Regional Development Authority on Friday with the latest in the $145 million revamp of the aging arena. Between 30 and 40 construction workers are now on the job at the XL Center, getting ready to demolish the current bowl and make way for a revamped arena with upgraded seating, locker rooms, an elite club and a new commercial kitchen. Construction hasn’t impacted attendance so far at the arena, which drew 12,300 people for pop singer Sabrina Carpenter’s sold-out concert on Oct. 2, according to CRDA Executive Director Michael Freimuth. Work is also under way for a new commercial kitchen at the XL Center, with plans to upgrade the food offerings for premium areas as well as the arena as a whole, Freimuth said. Better food has the potential to boost the arena’s per-attendee spending and overall revenue.
https://www.nhregister.com/business/article/ct-hartford-xl-center-renovations-uconn-games-19879966.php