[JayCT]

Originally Posted by ConnecticutSir

A homeless NHL team.

Sure, they "aren't leaving Arizona." They are gonna play in a 5,000 seat college arena, which is the equivalent of someone living in a motel. A roof over their head (barely) but still considered "homeless" by the legal definition.

If our leaders offered them the XL Center (a real home) with promises of extensive renovations and incentives, they wouldn't choose the tiny college arena (the motel).

BTW, their dream of some Arizona city building them a brand new state-of-the-art arena after they tried to avoid paying their taxes and the other shenanigans they pulled is just that, a dream.

The XL Center needs $100 million in improvements. The state has been dragging their feet with this for years now. I doubt then Coyotes would be interested in a tired old arena in a market of 1.2 million between two of the leagues largest and most powerful teams. Maybe if the state had invested the money and the improvements were completed, we might have a chance but as it stands, I don’t see it happening. Jay

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by Johnho771

It's not entirely up to goverment leaders when it comes to enticing Big 4s. However, they definetely can play a large role. Look at the incredible offer CT gavevthe Patriots that almost brought the team to Hartford. A deal to the Pats estimated to be worth almost 1 billion. Unfortunately the deal ultimately feel through do to the complexities of clearing and clensing the steam plant site.

The Patriots were already in-market. It was a lateral move from one site to another within market. That's different. Hartford CT leaders know full well they will never be able to entice a new major 4 into the market no matter what they build going forward. Get after them for zoning, crime bills, and mandates, but with major 4s they have no say or clout.

[JayCT]

This is good news. Hartford’s iconic and historic Italian restaurant, Carbone’s will be soon reopening. Great classic food. Jay

https://patch.com/connecticut/hartfo...n-federal-help

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by JayCT

The XL Center needs $100 million in improvements. The state has been dragging their feet with this for years now. I doubt then Coyotes would be interested in a tired old arena in a market of 1.2 million between two of the leagues largest and most powerful teams. Maybe if the state had invested the money and the improvements were completed, we might have a chance but as it stands, I don’t see it happening. Jay

Even with structural improvements, there's no way we would stand a chance of luring a major league team. It's hard for me to understand why a city isn't taken seriously if there isn't a professional sports venue as its centerpiece, with public tax dollars always funding these privately-owned cribs, I might add (can you say, corporate welfare?) Given our geographic location and minute size, it's unrealistic to think we can hang with the big boys. I'd rather see lawmakers combat real issues like urban decay and food deserts, which Hartford sadly has both of, unfortunately.

[WILWRadio]

Originally Posted by MikefromCT

Even with structural improvements, there's no way we would stand a chance of luring a major league team. It's hard for me to understand why a city isn't taken seriously if there isn't a professional sports venue as its centerpiece, with public tax dollars always funding these privately-owned cribs, I might add (can you say, corporate welfare?) Given our geographic location and minute size, it's unrealistic to think we can hang with the big boys. I'd rather see lawmakers combat real issues like urban decay and food deserts, which Hartford sadly has both of, unfortunately.

To be honest, the reason why Hartford stands little chance to obtain another pro team is mostly political and little else.

Population is not an issue. Within a two hour drive of Hartford there are more people residing than any city in the county except Philadelphia. Just a mere 30 mile radius would include a good chunk of the Springfield and New Haven metro areas which easily brings the total population within that radius of the city to well over 2 million people. The Hartford DMA is currently ranked 30th in the country and has more people than some cities that have teams such as Kansas City, Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Columbus Ohio etc.

Simply put. The powers that be in Boston and NYC consider Hartford to be their territory and will do anything they can to prevent another pro team from going into the city. This is the main reason the city does not have a team.

[mdovell]

Personally I think it's the Hartford area wants to quit any type of Team it would probably be the New England Revolution. Craft has been looking for a smaller Stadium because the attendance is nowhere near that of a Patriots so the cost of operating Gillette Stadium for Evolution game is higher than what it should be. There's been talk about Academia having some stadiums to play in but I still kind of doubt that. Does Dillon Stadium meet MLS requirements?

[SteveM85]

Originally Posted by WILWRadio

Simply put. The powers that be in Boston and NYC consider Hartford to be their territory and will do anything they can to prevent another pro team from going into the city. This is the main reason the city does not have a team.

Exactly that, and only that. CT leaders and politicians have no say. They're powerless.

Yeah, the soccer team could move there. In market. It's a New England team and not a major 4 sport.

[ConnecticutSir]

Originally Posted by mdovell

Personally I think it's the Hartford area wants to quit any type of Team it would probably be the New England Revolution. Craft has been looking for a smaller Stadium because the attendance is nowhere near that of a Patriots so the cost of operating Gillette Stadium for Evolution game is higher than what it should be. There's been talk about Academia having some stadiums to play in but I still kind of doubt that. Does Dillon Stadium meet MLS requirements?

Not even close. I've been to Exploria Stadium the home of the Orlando City Soccer Club and I've also been to Dillon Stadium. They're not comparable in the slightest.

[Beeker2211]

Originally Posted by ConnecticutSir

Not even close. I've been to Exploria Stadium the home of the Orlando City Soccer Club and I've also been to Dillon Stadium. They're not comparable in the slightest.

They had to fudge the approx attendance potential of Yankee Stadium to let NYCFC to move in there due to much of the baseball seating not usable to view even the shortened soccer pitch. And while Dillon is not in the range the Rent certainly is.

[Johnho771]

Originally Posted by WILWRadio

To be honest, the reason why Hartford stands little chance to obtain another pro team is mostly political and little else.

Population is not an issue. Within a two hour drive of Hartford there are more people residing than any city in the county except Philadelphia. Just a mere 30 mile radius would include a good chunk of the Springfield and New Haven metro areas which easily brings the total population within that radius of the city to well over 2 million people. The Hartford DMA is currently ranked 30th in the country and has more people than some cities that have teams such as Kansas City, Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Columbus Ohio etc.

Simply put. The powers that be in Boston and NYC consider Hartford to be their territory and will do anything they can to prevent another pro team from going into the city. This is the main reason the city does not have a team.

This mindset needs to change that Hartford and CT are subject to the control and wants of NYC and Boston. Thinking like this, and CT will never get a Big 4 team again.

Frankly, I find it more surprising that CT does not have a Big 4 team. Hartford went from having the Whalers, Celtics, and were on the cusp of getting the Patriots, to having none today. As you alluded to, the Hartford/New Haven media market is the largest in the country without a Big 4 team. Many smaller markets in the US have Big 4s. Coupled with the fact that CT is home to some of the largest sports media outlets in the country like ESPN and NBC sports, I'm sure some are salivating at an opportunity to get a Big 4 into the market.