Connecticut Legislature Approves $35M In Upgrades To Hartford's XL Center

Hartford officials on Thursday said that improvements to the XL Center are "expected to get underway in late summer" now that the Connecticut legislature has approved" $35M for upgrades, according to Kenneth Gosselin of the HARTFORD COURANT. The funding approved by the state legislature "would be matched" by $2.7M from new manager Global Spectrum. The Capital Region Development Authority said that upgrades to the XL Center include "building systems such as plumbing, electrical, elevators and security plus amenities such as bathrooms, concessions, seating, sound, floors and walls." Global Spectrum said that improvements "could include premium suites lower in the arena." Additionally, the legislature approved $3M for "improvements to The Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford." The largest portion --$2M -- will "go towards a new score board, which is expected to be in place before the start of the fall football season" (COURANT.com, 6/6).