City Requests Proposals To Manage Arena, Seeks Long-Term Partner To Anchor Downtown Entertainment District

The Bridgeport Islanders hockey team, after a 25-year run, is vacating the municipally owned arena as the anchor tenant – current naming rights Total Mortgage Arena – for a venue in Canada.

The hockey team, under an agreement, was expected to be around until 2031, but the early exit opened up the RFP and final payment to city requiring nearly $500,000.

Apex capacity is 10,000 seats for concerts. In addition to hockey and concerts (the sold-out Foo Fighters April 28) the venue has hosted college and professional basketball, WWE wrestling, Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus, Monster Trucks, college graduations and a 2010 visit from Barack Obama.

The destination is a boon to Downtown’s growing restaurant scene. A criticism of the arena’s recent private management is too many dark nights, something the city wants to reverse in a request for proposals “to anchor the next chapter of Bridgeport’s Downtown evolution.”

Who can be most creative in diversifying the venue for more action?

The state has skin in the game as well, having contributed sizable dollars to its construction and recent renovations to modernize the 25-year-old facility.

News release from Mayor’s Office:

The City of Bridgeport, in partnership with the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Total Mortgage Arena. The City is seeking a world-class partner to enter into a long-term development and operating agreement of at least 10 years to anchor the next chapter of Bridgeport’s downtown evolution.

The City is inviting diverse proposals that range from maintaining the venue’s traditional sports and entertainment roots to introducing entirely new, innovative concepts. Regardless of the specific use, the selection committee will prioritize the “highest and best use” of the facility—identifying a partner who can ensure the venue is utilized on a regular, year-round basis and serves as a primary driver for Bridgeport’s economy and downtown restaurants and businesses.

“We are looking for a partner with a vision for how this venue can contribute to Bridgeport’s identity as the ‘Arts and Entertainment Capital of Connecticut’”, stated Mayor Ganim. “The goal is to create a year-round destination that keeps our downtown vibrant 365 days a year.”

A Premier Regional Hub

The Total Mortgage Arena sits at the center of a high-density transit and entertainment ecosystem. Defining the southern edge of Downtown Bridgeport along the I-95 corridor, the facility is connected via skywalk to the Bridgeport Train Station—a major stop for both Metro-North and Amtrak—and is immediately adjacent to the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry, which serves over one million passengers annually. This unique location places the venue within walking distance of the University of Bridgeport, Housatonic Community College, and the Steelpointe Marina, making it the most accessible large-scale entertainment facility in the region.

Submission Details

The RFP process includes three scheduled site tours for interested respondents on April 23, May 9, and May 14, each day at 11:00 AM.  Proposals must be submitted to the City of Bridgeport’s Purchasing Department no later than 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Key Dates:

 

• RFP Issued: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
• Deadline for Written Questions: Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM
• RFP Responses Due: Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM

Prospective respondents should visit the project page on the City of Bridgeport Procurement Portal to register, ask questions, and download the full RFP package.