State Spotlight:
Connecticut

Connecticut may be one of the nation’s smallest states, but it delivers an outsized advantage for sporting events. Ideally positioned between New York City and Boston, the state offers easy access to more than 23.5 million people within a two-and-a-half-hour drive, making it an ideal draw for regional and national competitions. That prime location is complemented by quality venues, welcoming communities, and a diverse mix of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. “As a small state with different regions, Connecticut can offer more customized, affordable, personal service to organizers and athletes than larger metropolitan cities can,” says Robert Murdock, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau. “We really roll out the red carpet to welcome and service them.”

State Spotlight:
Connecticut

Riding the track in Trumbull. Courtesy USA BMX

Connecticut may be one of the nation’s smallest states, but it delivers an outsized advantage for sporting events. Ideally positioned between New York City and Boston, the state offers easy access to more than 23.5 million people within a two-and-a-half-hour drive, making it an ideal draw for regional and national competitions. That prime location is complemented by quality venues, welcoming communities, and a diverse mix of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. “As a small state with different regions, Connecticut can offer more customized, affordable, personal service to organizers and athletes than larger metropolitan cities can,” says Robert Murdock, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau. “We really roll out the red carpet to welcome and service them.”

Eastern Connecticut

Charming coastal towns and a unique history welcome visitors to Eastern Connecticut, which is known as home to the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena.

Major Facilities:
  • Mohegan Sun Arena is a 10,000-seat multipurpose arena in the Uncasville area of Montville
  • Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket hosts a variety of sports, including MMA, dance and cheer competitions
  • New London-Waterford Speed Bowl hosts drag, car, and truck racing
  • One of the premier motorsports facilities in the Northeast, Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park has the first purpose-built road course and asphalt high-banked oval in the country
  • The University of Connecticut Storrs campus offers multiple athletic venues, including the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion and the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex
Fairfield County/Western Connecticut

Nestled in the southwestern corner of the state is Fairfield County. The area is known for its diverse landscape, scenic views, and numerous entertainment options to enjoy before or after the game.

Major Facilities:
  • Danbury Ice Arena has two NHL-sized rinks
  • Lime Rock Park in Lakeville hosts NASCAR, professional sports car, and SCCA pro racing events
  • Chelsea Piers Connecticut offers a 400,000-square-foot sports complex in Stamford
  • Pickleball America in Stamford has 27pickleball courts
  • Trumbull BMX T.R.A.C.K. is a BMX competition and training site
Greater New Haven

The Greater New Haven Region is known as the home of Yale University and many other colleges and universities.

Major Facilities:
  • Yale Bowl hosts football
  • M&T Bank Arena at Quinnipiac University is a 185,000-square-foot multipurpose sports facility
  • Canal Dock Boathouse on New Haven’s Long Wharf is a 30,000-square-foot facility with a dock for boat launches
  • Connecticut Sportsplex has five lighted baseball fields, four synthetic outdoor turf athletic fields, a 12,000-square-foot indoor baseball facility, and a 75,000-square-foot dome for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, football, and more
  • Northford Ice Pavilion is a 2,000-seat multipurpose arena with three ice rinks
  • Reese Stadium seats 3,000 and hosts lacrosse and soccer
  • Floyd Little Athletic Center completed renovations and now includes a new NBA-quality basketball court and Olympic-grade rubberized track
Contact:

The Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, ctmeetings.org

Hartford

Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, is located in the heart of the state. The city frequently hosts sports events, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon, the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship, and the Oakwood Soccer Premier Invitational.

Hotel Rooms: 40,000
Hotel tax rate: 15 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Dunkin’ Donuts Park is a 6,146-seat minor league ballpark
  • PeoplesBank Arena is a 16,000-seat multipurpose venue located downtown
  • Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field is a 40,642-seat stadium that hosts football, lacrosse, and soccer
  • Trinity Health Stadium is a 5,500-seat soccer facility
  • Fastpitch Nation Park is the largest dedicated fastpitch softball complex in the Northeast, with 12 fields
  • Husky Volleyball Den has premiere training facilities in Windsor and Newington
  • Day Hill Dome in Windsor is a 95,000-square-foot indoor sports dome for soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and flag football
  • Located in Simsbury, the International Skating Center of Connecticut is a 78,000-square-foot, twin-rink venue
Convention Center:

The Connecticut Convention Center features 540,000 square feet of space, including a 140,000-square-foot exhibition hall.

Contact:

Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau,  CTmeetings.org.