Hartford Business Journal

10 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 Ben Weiss (left), general manager of the PeoplesBank Arena, and Michael Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority, inside the partially renovated arena in downtown Hartford. HBJ Photo | Steve Laschever Venue Revival PeoplesBank Arena set to reopen Oct. 17 after $145M overhaul; upgrades already draw more shows the black," Weiss said. Entertainment promoter Live Nation has three shows coming up before the close of the year at the Hartford arena — as opposed to just one in all of 2024 — including Stevie Nicks on Oct. 25, Playboi Carti on Nov. 8 and Pentatonix on Dec. 6. Two of the events are nearly sold out. Live Nation also booked a Mary J. Blige concert in May. "Looking at ticket sales, it's very clear the public wants to go back to that venue," said Jim Koplik, Live Nation's president for Connecticut and upstate New York. "The interest is definitely much greater for people coming to the PeoplesBank Arena. We are seeing it." The OVG deal Denver-based OVG, which manages the arena for the city and Capital Region Development Authority, has pledged $20 million to support ongoing renovations as part of a new 20-year management deal. Starting next July, OVG will keep the first $4 million in annual net profits, share anything above that with the city, and absorb any operating losses. The structure shifts much of the financial risk away from the city, while giving OVG a strong incentive to grow revenue and reverse what have been annual deficits of about $2 million. OVG points to its success reviving similar facilities in Savannah, Georgia, Austin, Texas, and Baltimore, Maryland, where a $250 million renovation turned the 1962-era CFG Bank Arena into one of the highest-grossing venues in its class. "Baltimore was doing a handful of shows a year," Weiss said. "I think they are doing over 40 or 50 shows a year now. That's the model we are following. We have seen it done in other places, so we are pretty confident." By Michael Puffer mpuffer@hartfordbusiness.com N early five months after closing for a $145 million renovation, Hartford's PeoplesBank Arena will reopen Oct. 17, when the Hartford Wolf Pack takes the ice. At first glance, longtime fans may not see sweeping changes. The overhaul is largely focused on behind-the-scenes upgrades — premium spaces for VIPs and performers, new escalators and loading areas, and infrastructure designed to make the 50-year-old venue more attractive to touring acts. Still, some improvements will be obvious. The arena's 6,000 lower-bowl seats will have been replaced with padded chairs, the walls now sport fresh blue and gray paint, concourses will be modernized and the rebuilt stage has been pushed further back, freeing up about 1,000 more seats for concerts. "The real magic is making this building work for the industry," said Michael Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), which oversees the arena. "That doesn't always translate to the guy sitting in the seat. He might say, 'How's it any different?' There's a lot of back-of-house stuff." Booking momentum Promoters are already responding. PeoplesBank Arena General Manager Ben Weiss said he has seen an increase in concert date holds. "I've been here almost eight years, and this is the most interest we've had from artists, management or promoters that are putting holds on our calendar," Weiss said. "They are asking for date availability and putting holds on dates based on their tour schedule." Historically, the arena averaged six to eight concerts each fiscal year. This year, despite losing the first quarter to construction, operator Oak View Group (OVG) expects at least 15 shows. In future years, Weiss said, the venue could host 25 to 30 concerts annually. "The renovations, added premium seating, increased bookings — all of that will allow us to run the building in WHAT'S NEW AT PEOPLESBANK ARENA? When PeoplesBank Arena renovations are complete, fans, teams and performers will see a wide range of upgrades, including: • Replacement of roughly 6,000 lower-bowl seats • Addition of lodge boxes and bunker suites • A new exclusive event-level club • A multipurpose room for events and gatherings • Upgraded and modernized main concourse • New locker rooms for UConn and the Wolf Pack • Staff locker facilities • Installation of a new main roof • Upper-bowl ceiling tiles and updated lighting • A relocated main stage with new rigging • Fresh paint and updated signage on the top-level concourse • Expanded areas for broadcast trucks

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