I don't think Hartford is losing. Rowland, burned by boasts of definitiveness during the Patriots imbroglio, took pains Thursday to say the latest version of the project will change many more times before any ribbons are cut. That most likely means an arena that would replace the Hartford Civic Center. Moving the stadium to Rentschler Field means it can be open for UConn football in time for the 2003 season, Rowland said, and also removes deadline pressure for Adriaen's Landing. Rowland said, noting that the offer from UTC was unsolicited and occurred during a meeting on another topic.
Some time pressure remains.
The project is expected to include retail components, housing and possibilities such as an expanded Wadsworth Atheneum and ESPN Zone theme restaurant. Building a sports venue at Adriaen's would mean a diminished role, or no role, for the Civic Center arena. Whether a riverfront development would threaten the existing entertainment district around the Civic Center depends on which of the two areas would most benefit from the average of 250 events a year a coliseum brings to the city. Clearly, some decisions have to be made soon. All rights reserved.