You’d be hard-pressed to find someone in Connecticut who has never been to the XL Center, formerly the Hartford Civic Center.  In the past 38 years the coliseum has hosted NHL and NBA games, presidential rallies (both Reagan and Obama spoke there,) conventions, concerts, the circus, and the list goes on.

There’s been talk of renovating or replacing the landmark, but for now the status quo is its future.     Landmark is a key word.  For many people, the XL Center is a place where memories were made.

This Sunday on Face the State, we are joined by Chuck Steedman, the general manager of the XL Center.    We talk about what needs to be done to improve the venue, and yes, I do ask the question many of you ask me:  can our state ever get an NHL team to replace the beloved Hartford Whalers.

Steedman was part of the Red Sox management team that realized that Fenway Park could also be a tourist attraction.    No one is saying the XL Center is on a par with such a revered sports shrine, but again, there is history there that could be embraced.

How about returning the Hartford Whalers Hall of Fame to the lobby?

You can watch the entire interview this Sunday morning at 11 on Face the State.   UPDATE: watch the segment right here: http://www.wfsb.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7941060

Also read what the UConn chief economist has to say about the XL Center

http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/uconn-economist-renovated-xl-center-is-vital-to-economy/

and former Whalers owner Richard Gordon

http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/ex-whalers-owner-gordon-bring-back-the-bishops/

plus, ESPN anchor John Buccigross   http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2012/02/24/espns-buccigross-on-nhl-return-to-hartford/