The idea of a domed, multi-use arena in Hartford is being
discussed by CT officials, according to Greg Garber of the
HARTFORD COURANT. The plan would include a 50,000-seat facility,
"perhaps with a retractable roof," that would be home for the
Whalers, UConn basketball and football, and the Patriots. While
officials acknowledged the discussions, the $250M cost, along
with the expense of converting Hartford's Civic Center into a
convention center, "would be a tough sell for politicians in a
state still trying to stage an economic recovery." The Patriots
are reportedly close to announcing a stadium package to remain in
MA. One unnamed Patriots official: "We've said from the
beginning we're not going to use Hartford for leverage, and we've
been consistent about that. But they're the second option, no
doubt about that." Whalers GM Jim Rutherford said comparing the
Patriots and Whalers situation is like "apples and oranges," but
that if the Whalers do remain in Hartford, "a new building would
be a necessity" (HARTFORD COURANT, 4/13).
