XL Center Seeking Upgrade

The head of the American Hockey League’s Connecticut Whale team in Hartford, Conn., has designs on drawing the NHL back to the city with a major renovation to the team’s home, XL Center.

Howard Baldwin recently unveiled details of his $105 million plan for the arena to the Hartford Courant that included seating enhancements, luxury boxes, upgrades to facilities, restrooms and concessions, a food court, team store, IMAX theater, broadcast studio, restaurant and bar.

Though Baldwin’s price tag may seem optimistic for such a massive undertaking, he assured the paper it could be done.

“We don’t need to raze roofs and knock down walls,” he said. “This plan is very cost effective.”

Financing for the project would come from a public/private partnership, the paper reported, with additional funds from economic development grants and loans.