Bridgeport Islanders home venue renamed

Article posted by Coliseum, March 15^th, 2022

Image: Bridgesport Islanders

The American Hockey League (AHL) team Bridgeport Islanders (US) and Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment announced on March 7^th that they have entered into a 10-year naming rights agreement with Milford (Connecticut, US)-based regional home financing leader Total Mortgage. The deal will rename the 10,000-seat sports and entertainment venue in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the home of the National Hockey League (NHL) team New York Islanders’ AHL affiliate as Total Mortgage Arena.

The ‘Bridgeport Islanders’ quoted Jon Ledecky, New York Islanders Co-Owner, as stating, “We’re excited to welcome Total Mortgage as our new naming rights partner in Bridgeport. Total Mortgage is both a leader in the mortgage industry and a dedicated community partner, and we cannot wait to start working with their team and continue providing our fans with the premiere entertainment and experience they deserve.”

The Bridgeport Islanders are a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League. They are the AHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders, who own the franchise. The team started playing in the 2001-2002 seasons and was purchased by the Islanders in 2004. Bridgeport has earned two Division Championships, one Conference Championship and one regular season title in its history.

Apply for membership

The Total Mortgage Arena is a 10,000-seat multipurpose arena at 600 Main Street in Downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut in the United States, built alongside the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. The arena opened on October 10th, 2001, and is managed by the Oak View Group (OVG). It is home to the Bridgeport Islanders.

The ‘Bridgeport Islanders’ further stated that as the premiere sports and entertainment venue in Southern Connecticut, the new nomenclature going by the name Total Mortgage Arena will host the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s East Regionals on March 26^th and March 28^th, as well as several high-profile artistes including Katt Williams (American comedian) on April 15^th and J Balvin (Colombian singer) on May 25^th. The Total Mortgage Arena will also host the 2023 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Regional. OVG360, operators of Total Mortgage Arena, will make a series of announcements shortly of upcoming events and attractions for Bridgeport.

Said John Walsh, Founder and Chairman of Total Mortgage, “This is a transformational partnership for Total Mortgage, and cements our dedication to both the Greater Bridgeport community and the State of Connecticut as a whole. The Bridgeport community has given us so much support over the past 25 years, and our partnership with OVG and the Islanders organization will open up even more ways for us to give back to the community that has served us so well.”

Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, Total Mortgage is a rapidly growing leader in the mortgage industry, and has ranked as the No 1 purchase lender in Connecticut for two consecutive years, according to The Warren Group, an independent real estate and financial insights firm. Total Mortgage has been helping homeowners and home buyers get the financing they need for almost 25 years, and are consistently ranked among the top places to work in Connecticut. They take pride in building through the community and look to do exactly that through this partnership. The company was included in Inc. Magazines’ list of America’s Fastest-Growing companies in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014, and ranked as the fastest growing lender in Massachusetts in 2019.

OVG360, a division of Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that help client-partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artistes, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client-partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators.

Stated Mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Joe Ganim, “I would like to welcome Total Mortgage and their entire team to the Arena and the City of Bridgeport as the newest member of our growing business community. This is a key partnership and sponsorship of a venue that brings thousands of visitors from the region to enjoy music performances and sporting events. We are thrilled to join this exciting announcement that further signifies Bridgeport’s emergence as a premier entertainment hub in Connecticut.”

With a commitment from the City of Bridgeport to invest nearly $30 million in the arena, combined with additional investment from the Islanders, the arena will be restored to like-new condition. The Bridgeport Islanders, Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment and the City agreed to a 10-year extension of the venue operating agreement in August of 2021. Improvements will include upgrades to core building heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical and life-safety systems for elevated safety and comfort for arena patrons. In addition, locker rooms and artiste dressing rooms are being refurbished to attract premier entertainment.

Said Peter Luukko, Co-Chair, OVG 360, “It is an exciting time for the Total Mortgage Arena with the new renovations, a new naming rights partner and an exciting lineup of live entertainment. We look forward to working closely with the Islanders, the City of Bridgeport and Total Mortgage in positioning Bridgeport as a premier entertainment destination.”

The transition to Total Mortgage Arena will begin immediately with all signage in place in time for the NCAA Women’s Basketball East Regional.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 250 member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue