Hartford arena in PeoplesBank name deal

Image: XL Center, KyleConstable, CC BY-SA 4.0

The 16,000-seat sports and entertainment XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, has changed its name to the PeoplesBank Arena.

Hartford Business said Massachusetts-based PeoplesBank has acquired the naming rights for the arena as part of a new sponsorship deal agreed with operator Oak View Group.

It will pay an average of about $2 million annually for 10 years for the naming rights, with two, five-year extension options.

The newly renamed PeoplesBank Arena is home of the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack, affiliate of the New York Rangers.

It is also the home arena of the 12-time National Champion UConn Women’s Basketball team, and the six-time National Champion UConn Men’s Basketball team, UConn Men’s Ice Hockey, premier global concerts, and entertainment events.

The 10-year partnership was executed by OVG Global Partnerships, the sponsorship and naming rights division of Oak View Group that connects world-class brands with world-class live entertainment properties.

The deal marks a significant milestone in the PeoplesBank Arena renovation project, as the next phase of construction is officially underway.

Renovations will include upgrades to the seating area, the addition of new lower-level luxury suites, and the development of enhanced concession areas designed to elevate the overall guest experience.

Peter Luukko, Co-Chairman, Oak View Group said, “PeoplesBank’s deep-rooted commitment to putting people and communities first perfectly aligns with our purpose-driven mindset that fuels everything we do at Oak View Group.

“This partnership is more than naming rights—it’s a shared vision to deliver dynamic experiences, elevate the fan journey, and create lasting impact where it matters most: in the communities we serve.”

The arena experience is being redefined from the ground up—for fans, athletes, artists, and crews alike. From upgraded seating and premium hospitality to world-class food and beverage, enhanced concert rigging, and top-tier amenities for performers and athletes, every detail is getting an overhaul.

PeoplesBank Arena’s $145 million transformation is set to be completed this fall as it will re-establish Hartford as a must-play destination on everyone’s touring schedule, OVG said.

Dan Griffis, President of Global Partnerships, Oak View Group added, “We’re proud to partner with the Capital Region Development Authority on this transformative project and to welcome PeoplesBank as the official naming rights partner to a historic building in Hartford.

“Partnering with a naming rights sponsor is a major milestone for Hartford. It represents not just a financial investment in our facilities, but a deeper commitment to the growth, vitality, and long-term success of our city.”

Since opening its doors in 1975 as the Hartford Civic Center, PeoplesBank Arena has served as a premier destination for world-class entertainment and sports.

Over the decades, the arena has welcomed some of the most influential names in music and entertainment—including Elvis Presley, Billy Joel, The Grateful Dead, U2, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Andrea Bocelli—as well as hosted NHL, AHL, NBA, and collegiate basketball events.

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