NCAA Hockey Coming to Webster Bank Arena

Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment, LLC and the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB) announced today that the NCAA regional hockey championship at Webster Bank Arena will inject up to $1.5 million into the regional economy.

Area hotels and restaurants are expected to see a surge in business when Quinnipiac University plays Providence College and Union College faces off against University of Vermont on Friday, March 28. The winners of the two games play Saturday, March 29 at 3:00 pm.

“The Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau welcomes back this tremendous championship that will bring up to 17,000 attendees to Greater Bridgeport,” said CTCSB President Michael Van Parys. “This NCAA event is projected to generate approximately $1.5 million for the Greater Bridgeport area. Close to 1,000 individual hotel room nights will be used by officials and coaches, athletes, cheerleaders, bands, and fans and attendees. Attendees also will support our local economy by dining in local restaurants and nightspots, and visiting nearby attractions and shops while they are here.”

Howard Saffan, president of Harbor Yard Sports & Entertainment, which manages the Webster Bank Arena, said everyone benefits from the arena’s commitment to college sports.

“We sold out two UConn basketball games this season, the first home games outside of Hartford and Storrs in 25 years. Attendance at those games set a record for sporting events at the arena,” he said. “Big events are great for fans and local businesses.”

Local businesses have been preparing for the arrival of thousands of fans from outside the area, said Michael Moore, president and CEO of the Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District, which represents local businesses.

The DSSD is ecstatic to host the NCAA Men's Hockey Regional Final in downtown Bridgeport. Quinnipiac University, Providence College, Union College and the University of Vermont are excellent hockey programs. These match ups will promise great games,” Moore said. “Downtown Bridgeport and DSSD welcome fans from each school to downtown's many bar and restaurant opportunities. The Regional Final serves as a tremendous economic opportunity for downtown businesses and DSSD is committed to ensuring downtown is a welcome host.”

Webster Bank Arena is southern Connecticut’s premier sports and entertainment venue. The Arena is conveniently located off Interstate 95 exit 27 and Route 8 exit 1 at 600 Main Street, Bridgeport. Upcoming events include NCAA hockey March 28-29, Foam N’ Glow April 11, Disney Live April 25-27 and Cirque du Soleil June 5-8.