The XL Center hosts music concerts, circus shows, monster truck shows and various other types of entertainment as well as minor league hockey games and some UConn basketball games. Opened in 1975 as the Hartford Civic Center, the XL Center serves as an important economic driver for the Hartford region. The six level, 320,000 sf building consists of protected concrete construction and unprotected steel members supporting the roof. Most of the MEP systems were originals, dating from the 1970s and near the end of their useful life. Scope of work includes upgrading exiting locker room, repairing and upgrading the existing MEP and life safety systems, and improving the building’s energy and operational efficiency. As part of the enhancements to fan/guest experience, some lower level seating was removed from the venue to make way for the new interactive fan bar and private loge boxes.
The building remained open throughout the project, so development of logistics, construction sequencing and temporary wall/barricade plans to maintain required facilities and emergency life safety systems and egress was required to support scheduled events and minimize impact on event promoters and guests. The team worked six days per week, with two shifts running to meet the aggressive schedule while limiting or ceasing construction activities during events.
Photography © Robert Benson Photography
