In case you missed it, the insurance company, XL Group, failed to renew its contract with Oak View Group on June 30. While the Hartford arena will continue to be called the XL Center until another corporate sponsor buys its naming rights, our group of writers will give their take on what they believe the Huskies Hartford home should be named.
Sam Calhoun
Staff Writer
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‘The Hartford’ Civic Center
For those who were too young or not alive to remember, the XL Center was called the Hartford Civic Center from the day it opened in 1975 until 2007. Since then, the downtown Hartford home of UConn basketball and hockey, along with the AHL’s Wolf Pack, has been called the XL Center. The current name is fitting, as Hartford is known to be the Insurance Capital of the World. Another insurance company based in the state capital is The Hartford.
The Huskies have been very successful in Hartford under that name, including a 33-game winning streak from the 1993-94 season to the 1996-97 season for the men’s basketball team. Most of the women’s basketball team’s 197-17 record came under its original name. I could go on and make this roundtable response the longest in Daily Campus history, but I think I have proved my point that The Hartford should bid on the naming rights and bring back its original name in this era of nostalgia.
Connor Sargeant
Associate Sports Editor
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The Eatjoy Amphitheater
When thinking about what the XL Center should be renamed to, I didn’t care if it was feasibly possible, but instead what the best name for the stadium would be. Considering that most of the food at the dining halls in Storrs is garbage, most students will find themselves eating out often. I frequent Eatjoy in downtown Storrs the most, as their poke bowls not only offer variety, but are healthy and tasty. Not only this but in a media availability last season, numerous UConn men’s basketball players have gone on the record noting the deliciousness of the store at 1 Royce Circle.
So, enough debate, let’s give the people what they want and rename the XL Center to The Eatjoy Amphitheater. Since UConn is the best college basketball school in America, it must also feature the best eatery of any college town in America. Look no further than The Eatjoy Amphitheater to meet that goal and give the Huskies Hartford home a name all can get behind.
Ryan Lombardi
Campus Correspondent
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Insomnia Center
A good name does two things: it represents the school and strikes fear into opposing teams. Now consider the 2 a.m. guilty pleasure for so many UConn students in downtown Storrs: Insomnia Cookies. And picture opponents having to face off at a place called the “Insomnia Center.” It’s hard to think of a name more intimidating than that. It might even be plausible financially, given that a couple of private investment groups just bought a majority stake in Insomnia for $350M this summer. This could be a win-win for both the investment companies and UConn fans alike. We get an unrivaled name for our arena, and Insomnia becomes an even more recognizable brand. After all, getting naming rights to one of the homes of the basketball capital of the world would be a great way to get more customers to shell out their tuition money for late night cookies.
Nahum Valiente
Campus Correspondent
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Dunkin Center
Dunkin has been a morning staple not just for the state of Connecticut, but the New England region. The breakfast chain has a heavy presence at UConn and is popular with students. No matter the time of day, it seems that the Dunkin in the Student Union is packed with students finding a fix for their caffeine needs. As the University sponsor, students are always treated to occasional gift cards. Whether it is gameday or casually walking by the union, Dunkin is inescapable. With three Dunkin locations around campus, expanding its presence to Connecticut’s second home court makes the most logical sense! Additionally, across from the XL Center is Dunkin Park, the home of the Hartford Yardgoats.