The XL Center has some crazy history. Opened in 1974 in the heart of downtown Hartford it has gone through more expansions and renovations (even a roof collapse in ’78) that you can count. The arena is ranked the 28th largest among college basketball arenas. The most recent $35 million renovation was just completed this fall enlarging the concourse, new bathrooms, locker rooms, jumbotron, loge boxes, improved concessions, and a bar area.
The XL Center seats a little under 16,000 now after the renovation. Sight lines can vary and if you are in the very top rows you may be squinting a bit but this is by far not the worst arena I have been to as far as nosebleed views. I would recommend getting something in the lower 2/3 of the upper bowl (or obviously the lower bowl) to really take in the game.
The new bar area is a pretty cool addition to the stadium. They serve wine ($6), local beer ($9 for 22oz) and a full bar ($10 cocktails). There are several rows of bar seats that look over the court. They are first come first serve so many people line up and rush in to secure those seats. Drinks are also served all throughout the concourse so if the bar is full no worries about not getting your drink on.
Below the court there is a conversion center where the AAC will be holding tournament events. You can see below (or go to the XL Center Site) for a full list but in my opinion the Basketball Hall of Fame and Beer Garden could be fun as well as the Kid’s Zone and Game Room for families.
We are also getting a “Taste of the American” where specialty foods items from the different regions of the American Conference can be bought. I like the thought here be we will see how good and expensive this food really is. I would probably rather go to a real restaurant outside the stadium as Hartford has some pretty damn good restaurants.
The new bar area is a pretty cool addition to the stadium. They serve wine ($6), local beer ($9 for 22oz) and a full bar ($10 cocktails). There are several rows of bar seats that look over the court. They are first come first serve so many people line up and rush in to secure those seats. Drinks are also served all throughout the concourse so if the bar is full no worries about not getting your drink on.
Below the court there is a conversion center where the AAC will be holding tournament events. You can see below (or go to the XL Center Site) for a full list but in my opinion the Basketball Hall of Fame and Beer Garden could be fun as well as the Kid’s Zone and Game Room for families.
We are also getting a “Taste of the American” where specialty foods items from the different regions of the American Conference can be bought. I like the thought here be we will see how good and expensive this food really is. I would probably rather go to a real restaurant outside the stadium as Hartford has some pretty damn good restaurants.