We have been here 3x to see the Hartford Wolfpack hockey team play, and have had great experiences. We have taken the train to avoid all the hassles of the traffic and parking in Hartford ; the XL Center is a short walk from the train station. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. There are several food and beer and liquor vendors and all are overpriced, but that seems to be the norm at any large venue. Plan to eat and drink at one of the close by restaurants before your event for better quality and price. We have never had a hassle or issue and were able to relax and enjoy ourselves. Ticket prices for the hockey games are most reasonable. The place and the restrooms are kept clean. read more

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Great food/concession options. Drinks were good. Bar area was cool but just packed! Going here for college basketball was fun!

Easy but slightly expensive parking. Loved my seats, will have to remember for next time. The show started promptly at 8 which I appreciated. Katt Williams and Friends - 3 hours of entertainment read more

Came here to watch UCONN women's basketball team play against USC. First time here and in the city period. Traveled all the way from Tennessee for this game. Very nice facility and was glad to have experienced such an electrifying crowd of fans from both teams. read more

The XL Center is the leading venue for UCONN men's and women's basketball games. They used to host some big name concerts, but it's been years since that's happened. You might still find some bridal expo and such events here. Last night I was here for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Yes the circus was inside the venue, not in a traditional red and white striped tent. Getting dropped off here, made it so easy, to get in, go through security and find my seat. I arrived at 6:57, and I was in my seat at 7:00, exactly in time for the show to start. The seats were comfortable and the view was excellent. When I purchased my ticket it said my seat was in the rear section. I felt like it was very much in the front. During the intermission you might spend the whole 20 minutes waiting for the bathroom. They seemed to have an adequate supply of food and drink choices. We got a huge bag of popcorn, that between the four of us we barely made a dent in. When the show was over, it can take forever to get out of the garage, it took us no time to get picked up. While the XL Center isn't my go to venue for entertainment, it's still pretty good for an occasional show of fun! read more

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Like many of you, I've been here dozens of times. The renovations and addition of a sport book looks nice but adds little except a traffic jam when trying to walk by that area. The focus of this review though, is food selection. There is nothing for vegetarians and certainly nothing for vegans or those on a low glycemic index /low carb diet. There isn't even a veggie burger anywhere, not that those are typically all that "healthy". I just don't get it. How difficult would it be to offer a meat alternative burger or chick n sandwich and some sweet potato fries? I think management can do better and hopefully will soon. They are way behind the times. read more

I love the XL center for any event. I've mostly been here for hartford wolfpack games and it's always a fun time. I've also been here for a concert and monster jams! They have lots of food stands included chik-fil-a and portly pig. I love that the parking garage is connected to the venue so I don't need to walk through hartford, but it's an extra charge and not included in your ticket. Definitely catch a wolfpack game here this season if you have a chance!!! read more

XL Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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While grateful that we are able to host big names in Hartford I wish this arena would improve the signs for seating areas as soon as you enter and the food vendors. When your ticket is 214 but you follow the sign that says from 200-220 to the left, you follow that sign right? Walk your way fighting the sea of people who are walking super slow looking at the very poor food options, just to get to one end of the arena and find out you have to go back because your section is actually on the other side!! Nothing like seeing an Andrea Boccelli concert and smelling like popcorn and fries! read more

I had a great experience at the XL Center this past Friday! They have a special every Friday for $2 beers and $1 hotdogs - although be warned they are small cafeteria style hotdogs but you cannot go wrong for a dollar. However, there are many other delicious food options there that I was sure to try. While walking around the stadium I saw Tacos & Tequila as well as Portly Pig BBQ. I decided to try the BBQ and am really glad I did. The BBQ bowl was DELICIOUS - mashed potatoes, cheese, corn, gravy, and bbq pulled pork. The staff was helpful as well and got us in (which was nice due to the cold weather this past weekend) and out of the stadium quickly. read more

XL Center - Portly Pig BBQ Bowl - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Whenever I go to the XL center , I am reminder of its age, and today its management showed its utter incompetence. We bought tickets to the CT Ice Hockey Tournament and in between games (nearly 1.5 hours) they would not allow departure & reentry. Sadly, our group had to cancel our dinner reservation at Black Eyed Sally's. Instead, we were forced to pay for their grossly overpriced, nearly inedible food while standing in the hallway at the XL center. Oh, and a Miller Lite in a plastic cup runs $14. Just terrible. It will be a long time before I come back to anything at XL center. read more

I like the events at XL center, but the venue is really focused on alcohol. They have Pepsi products or one coffee spot on some days, but SO MUCH ALCOHOL!!! They even created a sports bar on top of all the other vendors who sell beer. I just wish they offered a fun mocktail, something that's not soda or water, or even offer athletic brewery... which is local non alcoholic beer (and at other CT venues... thanks, Bridgeport). SO MANY DRUNK PPL! They have your typical fries, hotdog and hamburgers, nachos, pizza , BBQ, and chickFL. There is one tiny cooler with healthy items, aka a Cobb salad or something similar and wraps. I'm not sure if anyone eats that stuff?? Candy, chips, cotton candy, popcorn. I get it's a large spot, but the lack of variety for season pass holders or healthy options is daunting. Please XL center, up your game a dash...even with a taco booth or something, that takes care of having a gluten-free 6 that's very easy preparation. The seating is fine. Hope you sit next to someone who understands personal space. I watched a drunk lady spill a beer all over a young lady, and I've watched drunk ppl spill beer all over the stairs, which no one cleans up, but guests slipped on. I've asked staff about that b4, and there are just shrugs. Bathrooms can be a hassle, ESPECIALLY for drunks who are drinking tall boy seltzer, ugh and disregard children's tiny bladders...seriously....the lines get long, especially during intermission. Sections and seats are marked fine. There is enough staff to keep lines going, and it is properly lit, in and outside. A policeman directs traffic and is very attentive during events. Parking is ok. There are options attached to the building, parking lots close by or free parking spots about 4 blocks away. I suggest eating beforehand if you like options over than fried or a truly good hotdog. read more

Unfortunately, the building is old. Concessions could use a big boost. Sports book has bad food and is overpriced and is losing money because nobody wants to go. It's antiquated. read more

This is a great venue for concerts and games with plenty plenty seating. I've come here for an array of events basketball games, watching ice hockey from the executive club box to circus, Disney on ice, monster truck, home improvement exhibit this arena can transform to host a wide variety of events. Usually 2 hrs before hockey games they have a happy hour $5 appetizers include: Fried Mozzarella, Ultimate Nachos, Quesadillas, Buffalo Wings, Three-Cheese Garlic Bread and Chicken Tenders & Fries. To go along with the appetizers $2 draft beers. Do NOT miss out on this .... it's is awesome! read more

XL Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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This is The Comcast Coliseum Club located on the 4th Floor - We have been coming here for a couple years before Hartford Wolfpack games and it's a hidden gem! 2 hours before game time they have $2 beers and $5 appetizers. The appts are the real bargain as portions are generous (especially chicken fingers & fries) and food is good. It's located in the CL Center, but a little tricky to find.,You should be able to get there from inside the actual arena, but you can't. Before you go through security take escalator or elevator to 2nd floor, then another elevator to 4th floor, there's signs to help find Comcast Coliseum Club. You need event tickets to get in - they scan you in and then out when you leave. Once inside you can be seated at a table or head to the bar. The closer to game time, the busier (and louder!) it gets. Lots of TVs and you can see the game live from there as you're actually in the arena on the highest level ! We love the food and atmosphere and always sit at the bar. The staff is always the same and they're pretty good - but early is better if you want good service. Highly recommend the chicken fingers basket - huge portions and all white meat for $5 with fries!!! read more

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Brought my fiances cousins are visiting from Sicily to come watch the uconn Huskies play against the MD eastern shore Hawks. Decent sized stadium seating just over 16000 people. Not much of a surprise visiting any form of a sports arena. Over priced beer & food is to be expected so you cant complain about expensive products that aren't going to "blow you away". Paid $10 for an IPA from two roads, not much different from what you'd pay at a bar. I personally didnt have any food but it looked much better from other arenas I have been to. Overall it was a great show and experience for my cousins first time visiting the US. Parking wasnt too far away and only $10 for the event. In case you were wondering there are no backpacks allowed in the venue, so if you're in laws try saying it will be fine, you can assure them.... it wont be :) read more

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The UCONN men's hockey team plays in Hartford at the XL Center, so a great venue for watching the games. That's where it stops. The employees are always pleasant, but here's the negatives- -We had been enjoying the Coliseum Club for years. It would open 2 hours before the games and offer $2 drafts and $5 apps. Unfortunately, that has disappeared or been reinvented. They sell wrist bands for $5 for unlimited apps in a space where you must stand and get your own $2 beer. -Since we didn't know you could not get waitress or bartender service for the $5 apps, we were slightly blindsided. We did still get a $2 beer, so that was a plus. But when we ordered an $8 app and it came out immediately, we knew it wasn't fresh. I understand that the audience numbers haven't been what they used to be, and I get having to scale back. Being a season ticket holder, I'd like extra perks. ‍ read more

Enjoying a great evening of hockey! Loved the chicken tenders and fries- very crispy and tasty! I don't know if the food vendors are set up this way but having a greater variety of healthier non fried or non bread items would be great at each side or ends of the arena! Staff is extremely helpful when trying to locate our seats. read more

I mean it's okay. We went here the other day for an event. It's not the nicest; it could do better, but had decent options for food

Yes, A-OK seems about right. I've gone to a lot of Wolfpack hockey games, including last night. Been to concerts here, Once went to a women's pro league game here (Remember the New England Blizzard of the ABL? They lasted 3 years). The weirdest thing I ever went to in this arena was a motivational business seminar where I heard Rudy Giuliani, Laura Bush, and Joe Montana among others. I agree with a lot of the Yelpers - it's not a plush arena, the aisles aren't spacious, the seats aren't roomy, the concession stands aren't impressive, and most galling is that beers are $9. BUT- the sight lines are great. The scoreboard and sound system are excellent. The staff we interacted with were all professional and pleasant. So rather than whine about how bad it is (C'mon - it's not really bad at all), instead I'm grateful that we have a convenient and versatile arena of this size just thirty minutes away. read more

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Unfortunately, I lived through the boom years of the Hartford Civic Center - now known as the XL Center - when it was a vibrant location. They had a 3-floor department store, retail shops, a huge music store, several restaurants, including some right off the parking garage, and many, many offices on the top floor. It was a place where one could go and spend the day. Now, sadly, about the only thing going is the arena. Don't get me wrong, I love going to watch the Wolfpack, concerts, and other events...but it's just so depressing to walk through the empty halls where once people amassed to enjoy an event, or dinner, or one of many other draws to the hub of downtown. I wish there were things to do inside before and after an event. Every so often you hear of another management company wanting to take over the property. I genuinely hope that they include some plans to revitalize the whole ball of wax, not just the arena. read more

XL Center - The view South and upward, from the expansive lobby - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Parking was a breeze at the garage near the center and $10 if you do come for a event . Walking in you get right to the food areas and bathrooms. They make it very easy to read and find your section and seats without help. Prices are decent for the food and having a Ted's Steamed Cheeseburger stand was a nice choice. You get plenty of options from the many vendors here. Lines get long for the bathrooms,so be prepared to wait in lines . The seats are very outdated in the areas your basically side by side squished next to each other . Today luckily nobody sat next to us but other family members with our group. read more

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Went to the Villanova-UConn game last night. Very surprised at the size of the arena and options for food and drink. Great experience but definitely need to replace Truly with White Claw. read more

The Hartford Civic Center (HCC), okay, okay, XL Center for those of you X-Generationalists is a grand old entertainment hub of Hartford deserving some credit amongst the revelry to replace her, which I support. Like many of you, I have attended countless sporting and entertainment events, as well as, exhibits in the underbelly of the XL/HCC. For me the HCC has built many memories since opening in the mid 70's. To mention a few: the Whalers, Bruins, Wolfpack, UConn, Celtics, Globetrotters, Conventions, Home Shows, Dog Shows, Monster Trucks, Ringling Bros Circus, Ice Capades, many fogged over concerts, KISS, Daniels, and yes, even Britney Spears (tween age daughters). Most recently Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen, which sparked this review. As we waited for Bruce to meet his loyal fans once again, I caught myself reminiscing and looking around in awe. Memories of the roof collapsing in 1977 and the it's long comeback reopening in '79-'80. Taking the bus to shop in its once high end Mall, oh, the hours & dollars I spent at Eastern Mountain Sports. Then thoughts ran into the enormous transformations this dynamic structure has under gone everytime the "stage" has had to change. Yes, the facilities are dated, undersized, and cramped for even it's 17.5k seats and vending, well let's leave it there. Maybe it's time rebuild, however in the meantime remind yourself, "If She never had been?" Enjoy Her while you can. read more

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I went to the XL Center to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and have been there before for a few other lower key events. So for the pros: the building is insanely clean, even the bathrooms are much cleaner then I anticipated. The parking garage was (eventually) easy to find, and I don't hold Hartford's one way roads and mousetrap-esque design against them. All of the employees were informative and kept things moving for the event, and when a minor crisis of seat arose they assisted in getting it resolved quickly. The cons: It started in booking online, where you have no choice over what seats you get. I understand the thought process, but honestly I'd be willing to pay even a small surcharge just to make sure I get an aisle seat. You're already paying for the honor of printing your own tickets, why not to get a seat you know you can live with instead of being surprised at the venue? (Yes, I suppose I could have called and asked, but we live in 2019, why can't I pick a seat online?) We had floor seats for the concert, specifically section 6. There wasn't a way to get there besides going down the stairs, at least not one that was advertised. This wouldn't be too bad except the stairs are steep and a member of my party is afraid of heights. We got to the seats, and they're designed to pack as many people in as they can. Everyone except for little old ladies are literally sitting shoulder to shoulder and rubbing elbows with their neighbor. There was also a draft, and this particular section was next to a door leading to restrooms and concession, so the constant movement was a little distracting. We were told about an elevator that could be used for going up, but the entrance to it was blocked off before the show ended. My take away: Nice venue, I love the attention to cleanliness, but never again on the floor seats. It was as bad, if not worse, then air travel. read more

This place was very sloppy in terms of customer service and accessibility. There were no employees directing people where to go upon entrance (even though they had one "supervising"). None of the elevators were working, and in order to get downstairs via elevator (for strollers and/or handicap) you had to get escorted to the outside elevator. Not sure why. I had to wait for quite some time for an employee to escort me on the way out to use the elevator, as no one was answering their walkie talkies. The employees were very nice and very helpful, it was just a mess and had no organization. read more

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Surprisingly outdated center considering the number of high profile events that take place here. Looks very abandoned and forgotten inside and out. Convenient parking garage with reasonable rates. Helpful staff! Came for a home improvement expo; lots of interesting and valuable info. Would definitely like to come here for Monster Jam! Thanks! read more

Pros: They have a great sound system! It has an intimate and cosy feel to it, and as long as you are not seated at an overpriced floor, there doesn't seem to bad seats in the house. Cons: Their concessions are over priced and their bathrooms are poorly maintained. And the price gouging on the ticket fees for a print at home that requires them to do nothing on their part is unbelievable, shocking and shameless! Seriously? We bought 3 tickets each of them 200 USD per ticket. But they tacked up fees for what non-existent service exactly, that we had to pay 669 USD?!! That was 223 USD a ticket of which 23 alone went for ticket fees, and taxes!!! This is ridiculous! If it weren't for Roger Waters concert, I would have declined to patronize this establishment! I am taking my business elsewhere! Sorry, and no thank you! read more

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I went here for the NCAA games. There were four games total, two in the first session and two in the second session. Entrance into the first session was easy. We went through security and was in the venue pretty quickly. I believe it was because there was ample time for people to come in early. However, the second session was a whole other story. They made everyone evacuate the building and to "clean" before letting everyone back in. After it was "cleaned" it still smelled like the basement of a frat house. Since they made everyone evacuate there were just masses of people at all entrances standing waiting to get back in. There were no lines, just absolute chaos. They didn't open the doors until the game was just starting! Most people missed most of the first half of the third game! They were either severely understaffed or just underestimated the number of people that would go. Nonetheless, the entire process was extremely poorly managed. Once in, you can tell that this venue is old. Around the edge where the vendors are were packed shoulder to shoulder. People waiting in line for food were waiting in the walking area and it was a complete mess. Additionally, the food vendors! There were three people in line ahead of me and it took 30 minutes to get French fries! They had nothing prepped and they had so many employees just standing around. Again, it was poorly managed and perhaps under anticipated the number of people that would go. If given the option I would go to any other venue and skip this one. On the plus side, the games were good read more

XL Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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At least the roof didn't collapse The XL is almost 40 years old and is definitely showing it's age. Sure they changed the name to the XL Center and added a new scoreboard and a few other things but it's still basically the old Hartford Civic Center. The Originally Hartford Civic Center is famous or perhaps infamous for a catastrophic roof collapse during a huge snow storm back in 1978. Fortunately nobody was injured but the place was packed a few hours earlier and the result could have been very different. They rebuilt the place but it's not exactly MSG or TD North Boston. Although not a terrible place to watch a game it does have several major problems germane to it's age. The first problem is that the seats are small. Extremely narrow, it would be hard to see how a very doughy or fleshy sort of person could even fit his or hers butt into one of these seats. I felt like my knees were in my face the whole time. Very little padding or comforts of any kind. The second major problem is that the area outside the actually arena is small. Lots of vendors out there and it gets absolutely packed which makes moving around very hard. I felt like I was an ant moving around an anthill. Sure other arenas get crowded but not like this. Takes forever to get anywhere. The third and perhaps biggest problem are the bathrooms. Or more accurately lack of bathrooms. The crappers themselves are no more disgusting than what you would expect in a large public place. Sticky floors with unknown substances on them and paper all over the floors, but that's the fault of the people and not the arena. It's impossible to keep one of these areas clean. Makes you wonder if some of these people urinate on the floor or throw trash on the floor in their own homes. My wife had to wait a full 15 minutes to use the women's room during the game and the line was stretching way down the hall. It seems a few less hot dog vendors and few more bathrooms would have been a pretty good idea. The XL Center isn't a terrible place to watch a game and we all had a good time. At least there is plenty of parking in the area and everyone seemed polite and friendly. I still couldn't helping looking at the roof at times and wondering what it was like when the old place went down. I keep hearing that the state is thinking of building a new arena in Hartford. It's probably about time. I just hope someone with some common sense and decency decides to put in a few more bathrooms. read more

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That was one of the best Stars on Ice I I ever went to oh my God are they fantastic. You guys are the greatest hey girls mostly girls what a bunch of legs are you girls thank you so much for a great show read more

Too cold, the ice cream couldn't be eaten as it was frozen. I had to gnaw on the packaging to cut thru the frozen tundra of ice within this cream. Shame!!! read more

$35 million. A number everyone was talking about in 2014. According to the Hartford Courant, renovations to the arena could cost up to $250 million, and creating a new one altogether was estimated at $500 million. As a Wolf Pack and Uconn Basketball fan, I don't really know if it's worth it. Yeah, there's a new bar area inside the arena that's really nice, luxury seating in the lower area, a better jumbotron and other upgrades to the concourse, locker rooms and building -- but we don't even have an NHL team signed to the XL center let alone any other professional sport/team.. For a 40 year old building, I've noticed the recent upgrades. Bathrooms are bigger, there's more food/vendor space; but situated between Boston and New York -- the XL Center has stiff competition, especially from the casinos! When it comes to concerts, Hartford gets beat because Mohegan and Foxwoods just have better facilities. Truth be told, I've never been to the XL center for anything else besides Whaler Hockey or Husky Basketball. The recent renovations were nothing more than a temporary fix, though the improvements were noticeable -- I don't know what the future holds for the XL Center. Located in the heart of downtown has its limitations too and I'd be interested in seeing what else is planned for the arena. Until then, "lets go Whale!" read more

XL Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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Review Following 2014 Renovations The XL Center is 45 years old. Prior to this summer, its last major renovation followed the 1979 roof collapse. Especially given the limitations that faced XL given its age and dated design, the 2014 renovation is not only a major improvement, its shockingly impressive. I won't belabor the impact of massive upgrades to behind the scenes bricks, mortar, and systems because they are beyond me, except to note that the heating and cooling systems are quite obviously majorly improved. You can now comfortably watch a hockey game without wearing your coat and mittens. In addition to the old coliseum club (way, way up high with the skyboxes) there is now a new fan club right at midlevel which is integrated into the stadium and hallway. The fan club is open to all ticketholders and features stools, tables, a bar, and access to upgraded, distinctly-better-than-standard-arena fare. Yesterday's offerings included several varieties of housemade macaroni and cheese, and a sliced-to-order sirloin sandwich with caramelized onions and mushrooms. The hallways around the stadium are modern, bright and upgraded, and the beer offerings have been notably expanded from the "would you like a Bud Light or our other choice, a Bud Light?" offerings of prior years. Concessions, generally, are radically enhanced and the XL Center is now a terrific place to see a game or a concert. read more

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I'll always have a place in my heart for the Civic Center (Yea...that's right...intentionally not using the new name). That being said, it's not really a great venue for anything other than an event where you can get cheap, up close seats, and unless you're standing outside (new pretty facade ...oooOOohhh...aaAAAhhhh!), or sitting box seats or the stadium club, it still all looks old and dirty. Seating / Layout - The design may have been fine in the day, but by current standards it's poor, utilitarian and somewhat dangerous. The sides are steep with no intermediate sections in case of a fall. You'll be winded by the time you get to the top, and the on-foot food vendors pretty much never come around for the same reason. Good luck selling food/drinks when the crowd doesn't want to have to climb a second time. Also, it takes forever to get anywhere, and there's zero chance of seeing anything from anywhere other than your seats. Audio - The arena speakers sound pretty terrible, and the music selection is laughable. Seems like a nice mix of dad and his 11 year old daughter picking songs. Food/Bev - I have to admit, the beer selection is pretty damn good for this type of place, but the prices are offensive. The shittiest beer you can get is $9, others are $11. Really? You need to make THAT much money per? You constantly hear of people refusing to buy one at such laughable pricing, and I agree. Drop the prices to $6.00 and $8 and I guarantee you'd sell twice as many and actually make more money (assuming the vendors keep up). Technically probably more than twice as many, as I know I'd personally buy at least two, and that's more than twice ZERO. But regardless, I'm sure I'll still be back, because let's face it, I live in Connecticut, so what the hell else is there to do for sports in this state? read more

The world famous XL Center home to the Connecticut Whale and former home of the Hartford Whalers. It also hosts both Uconn basketball teams. This arena gets 3 stars for nostalgia. However, it's time for a real renovation. The building is very dated and concessions are extra bland. The PR system has a very annoying buzzing sound. The sight lines are pretty good. If the Whalers are ever coming back this places needs to be updated. All that being said going to Connecticut Whale game is fun. They play the greatest hockey song ever- The Brass Bonanza. This song evokes fond memories of my childhood. It's very trendy to wear Whalers stuff, which is cool. I have a ton of gear too, but if we truly want a NHL hockey team back we need to support this minor league. Games are really cheap. read more

XL Center - Pucky! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Meh. I've never seen a concert here and I'm not sure I want to. It's very cramped so if there's a sell out for someone like Taylor Swift, it'd be bedlam in the common areas around the venue. Bathrooms are tiny and not very clean...and I've been there for CT Whale games. I also can't forsee any reasonable stage setup without some people having awful views. This place ought to be a sporting venue and that's it. It also needs a complete overhaul if Hartford has a snowball's chance in hell of having Whalers 2.0 NHL Hockey again. This place was dated 15 years ago when I came here to see the circus on a field trip in 3rd grade...and the intervening years have not been kind. read more

I've been here for concerts, hockey games, and other various activities. It can be a little confusing if you go around the circle more than once and lose your bearings, but otherwise it's a decent place. They usually have a lot of local vendors available for food and/or drink, which is a nice change of pace from the standard no-brand food and "Lite" beers for $8 or $10. If I'm spending my paycheck on a beer, it better be a local brew and good quality. It definitely needs an upgrade, but it works for now! read more

I've been to better & more modern arenas but the XL Center is worth at least 3 stars & I'm adding one more for the fact that I've been coming here for 3 decades. My first experience was sitting in the nosebleeds to see the Celtics play the Pacers. I remember Whalers games! I sat ringside at Wrestlemania 11 & saw Metallica play here. Most of my memories involve UConn men's basketball. I sat in section 203 on my last trip there for the AAC tourney & had a great view of the court. I didn't bother hitting the concessions cuz I'm a little tight with money right now so I can't comment on them. People always complain about Hartford (myself included) but the XL Center gets enough decent acts considering the nearby competition. It's not my first choice of venue but definitely suitable & not as bad as some of the other reviews. read more

Filled with tradition and Connecticut pride, You'll find UConn and Wolf Pack games inside. Not updated much, but it's still really great, Makes me proud to be from this wonderful state. I grew up watching Whalers games at the "Hartford Civic Center", so this place will always have a place in my heart. Now it is where I go to watch the UConn men's basketball team crush the competition. From Richard Hamilton to Kemba Walker, it's always been an electric place to catch a game. I've also seen a number of concerts here from Mötley Crüe to Michael Buble, and the sound has always been great. Sure, you have to wait in long lines for the bathroom, but that applies to any modern stadium as well. You can park in a garage or on the street for free after 6:00. They now have some new, unique food vendors. CT...Represent! read more

XL Center - Slam dunk the funk! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

(Read for my Pro-Tips at the end please!) Crowded as all hell for a long time and surprisingly rarely any staff or ushers to direct the lines. Rarely any supervision but there are security guards lurking around or standing, bored. Also rarely any ushers if you don't know where your seat is. (If you are row AA, you're behind Z by the way). I believe there is a map online that shows the seating charts so you can get an idea of where to exit when the show is over. Went for a Roger Waters show which was amazing with supreme visuals. Maybe next time I go to a show I will come early... standing in a disarray for an hour was just not a pleasant experience. Also, if you're a relatively attractive woman, don't be surprised by the creeps trying to scream at you for attention - it's kind of embedded in their clientele. I was shocked that after the Roger Waters show, there was a clearly wounded man outside by the garage lot, just before the bridge, asking for help, no one helped him as it seemed English wasn't his first language. Of all people I would think Pink Floyd fans would do something... nevermind the fact it was disturbing as hell (I still have flashbacks) to see someone's open wound. I told a security guard who said he couldn't do anything - I asked if it was due to liability or because it is off grounds, and he just didn't seem to have a clue. Okay, sure. Asked another male security guard who also said they can't do anything. Asked a third, female security guard who assured me they will do something. I just thought out of decency as a CITIZEN someone would just call 911. Well, later I did see an ambulance but also police cars. My other friend at the show reported that there was a woman who might've been harassed or wounded, at the other side of the bridge across the man, who was screaming. It's Hartford... that's all I will say. Pro-Tips: Bring cash for typically overpriced concessions (pretzels, drinks, water). They will toss your water bottle out and serve you bottled water in a cup for ~$5. They're not as expensive as in, say, Madison Square Garden or in Boston Blue Hills Pavillion for example, however. If you are picking up for Will Call, at the entrance go to the FAR LEFT where the ticket booths are. I was stuck at the far right and didn't see the booths as it was so damn crowded. In terms of merch, not all booths supply the same things so check a bunch out and you may find something you like that isn't at another booth. I like to go online and see the merch beforehand - I didn't find the shirt I wanted until the last minute at another booth but I already got my budget. Was still very happy with my cap with the Floyd symbols and ANIMALS tee. :) Hopefully my next experiences with Dead and Company, Guns'n'Roses will be alright. Am considering coming much earlier to avoid the crowd instead of 30-45 minutes before the "show time" 8 PM (usually shows begin 30-45 minutes after). read more

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