HARTFORD, CT — Nearly five decades after first opening as the Civic Center, Hartford’s landmark downtown arena has a new name: PeoplesBank Arena.
The rebranding was made official Monday during a press conference with Oak View Group, marking the start of a 10-year naming rights agreement.
Originally opened in 1975, the arena has carried multiple names but remained an anchor for sports, concerts, and civic events in the city.
In its peak, the venue was home to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers and hosted touring legends such as Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, and Elton John.
Located on Trumbull Street, the venue is currently closed for extensive renovations that began earlier this year. Work on the multi-phase $107 million modernization is expected to conclude by October.
Once reopened, the facility will offer upgraded amenities, enhanced event capabilities, and a refreshed fan experience aimed at reestablishing it as a regional entertainment hub.
“This naming rights agreement is another major milestone in the revitalization of this historic venue,” said representatives from Oak View Group, the management company overseeing the arena’s operations and redevelopment.
PeoplesBank, based in Massachusetts but expanding in the Connecticut market, emphasized its community-focused brand alignment with the arena’s public mission.
The naming agreement is the latest in a broader effort to elevate Hartford’s position in the Northeast’s competitive entertainment and sports landscape.
Though the building’s name has changed, its legacy remains central to Hartford’s downtown identity.
The arena is expected to reopen just in time for the fall events season, ushering in a new era under its new name.
