BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WFSB) – The New York Islanders will move their hockey team out of Bridgeport at the end of their 25th season this spring, the city confirmed Thursday.
The Islanders said they will be moving to Hamilton, Ontario, pending approval of the AHL Board of Governors.
Total Mortgage Arena has been one of Connecticut’s premier entertainment venues and served as home for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and more recently the Bridgeport Islanders hockey teams.
Originally known as the Arena at Harbor Yard, the venue opened Oct. 10, 2001, as part of Bridgeport’s waterfront revitalization effort. The facility was designed as a modern multi-purpose arena capable of hosting sports, concerts and large-scale entertainment. It represented a major public investment in Connecticut’s tourism and entertainment infrastructure and helped position Bridgeport as a destination for visitors and regional events.
Total Mortgage Arena has seating capacity for up to 10,000 for concerts and more than 8,000 for hockey, making it one of the largest indoor venues in the region.
Over the past two decades, the arena has hosted events including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Monster Jam and concerts by Bruce Springsteen and Elton John.
“We thank the New York Islanders and Oak View Group for bringing sports fans and concert goers to Bridgeport for more than two decades,” Mayor Joe Ganim said. “Bridgeport has earned the reputation as the ‘Arts and Entertainment Capital of Connecticut,’ and the Arena has been a major part of that story.”
Ganim said he is committed to working with state partners on a public process that will reimagine the facility and continue to foster Bridgeport’s arts and entertainment identity.
No specific plans have been announced regarding when the public process will begin. City leaders have begun to engage stakeholders at various levels of government and are committed to working together to determine a new future for the facility.
All stakeholders are committed to ensuring that the arena remains open, enhances the economic vitality of Bridgeport and contributes to the arts and culture of the city and region, according to the city.
More information about next steps for a public process will be available as details are announced.
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