Total Mortgage Arena
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| Total Mortgage Arena | |
|---|---|
| Name | Total Mortgage Arena |
| Location | Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States |
| Opened | 2001 |
| Owner | City of Bridgeport |
| Operator | Oak View Group |
| Former names | Arena at Harbor Yard (2001–2004, 2007–2010), Bridgeport's Webster Bank Arena (2004–2007), Webster Bank Arena (2010–2022) |
| Seating capacity | Ice hockey: 8,525, Basketball: 9,000, Concerts: 10,000 |
| Tenants | Bridgeport Islanders (AHL) (2001–present), Sacred Heart Pioneers (NCAA) (2022–present) |
Total Mortgage Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on the waterfront of Long Island Sound. Opened in 2001, it serves as the primary home for the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Islanders and has hosted a wide variety of sporting events, concerts, and family shows. The venue is owned by the City of Bridgeport and is currently operated by the global venue management company Oak View Group.
History
The arena was constructed as part of a broader downtown revitalization effort for Bridgeport, Connecticut, spearheaded by then-mayor Joseph P. Ganim. It was built adjacent to the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, home of the Bridgeport Bluefish, to create a sports and entertainment district. The facility opened in October 2001, with its first major tenant being the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers (now the Bridgeport Islanders), the top affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders. Over the years, it has also hosted teams from other leagues, including the Connecticut Coyotes of the National Lacrosse League and the Connecticut Sun of the Women's National Basketball Association during temporary relocations.
Facilities and features
The arena features a standard hockey/basketball configuration with a seating capacity of approximately 8,525 for hockey and up to 10,000 for concerts. Its design includes 22 luxury suites, a dedicated club lounge, and multiple concession areas. The playing surface is known as "The Dock" in honor of the city's maritime heritage. The venue is equipped with modern audio-visual systems, including a center-hung scoreboard and ribbon boards, to enhance the fan experience. It is part of the larger Harbor Yard sports complex, which includes ample parking and is accessible via the Metro-North Railroad's Bridgeport station.
Events
Beyond its primary hockey tenant, the arena has hosted a diverse calendar of events. It has been a frequent stop for major concert tours by artists such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, and Justin Timberlake. The venue has also been the site for NCAA men's basketball tournament games, Harlem Globetrotters exhibitions, and professional wrestling events from organizations like WWE and All Elite Wrestling. In 2022, it became the home arena for the Sacred Heart Pioneers men's and women's basketball teams. It has additionally hosted community events, graduations for local schools including the University of Bridgeport, and political rallies featuring figures like President Barack Obama.
Naming rights
The arena's naming rights have changed several times since its opening. It originally operated as the Arena at Harbor Yard. Its first corporate naming rights partnership was with Webster Bank in 2004, becoming Bridgeport's Webster Bank Arena. After a brief reversion to the original name, the Webster Bank name returned from 2010 until 2022. In September 2022, Total Mortgage Services, a direct mortgage lender based in Shelton, Connecticut, secured the naming rights in a multi-year agreement, leading to the current name.
See also
* Bridgeport Islanders * Ballpark at Harbor Yard * Oak View Group * American Hockey League * List of American Hockey League arenas
Category:Arenas in Connecticut Category:American Hockey League venues Category:Sports venues in Fairfield County, Connecticut Category:Bridgeport, Connecticut Category:Buildings and structures in Bridgeport, Connecticut