BRIDGEPORT - Saturday, Jan. 30, marked a big day in the history of downtown Bridgeport when the Arena at Harbor Yard hosted the venue’s 1,000th event—a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) men’s basketball matchup between Fairfield University and Rider University. To celebrate the occasion, the first 1,000 through the turnstiles received free hot dogs, and prize giveaways will take place throughout the game.
“My most sincere congratulations go to the Arena as it celebrates its 1,000th event at the magnificent Harbor Yard building,” said Bridgeport mayor Bill Finch. “Since it opened in 2001 with the return of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Bridgeport, the Arena has been a magnet for residents of the City and the region to come to see fast-paced sporting events, magnificent concerts and special events that draw celebrities known the world over. We’re very proud of the management team that runs the Arena, and the fine work they do all year to provide quality entertainment and sporting events to people young and old.”
Doors for the Fairfield/Rider basketball game opened at 3:00 p.m. with events commemorating the occasion occurring throughout the afternoon. Everyone in attendance was eligible to win prizes that included a two-night getaway in the Berkshires at Vacation Village Resort; a 12-seat Executive Suite for the stage production of Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family” at the Arena on March 18th; a $75 gift certificate to Roberto’s Restaurant and four tickets to the Arena’s Carrie Underwood concert on March 16th; a $75 gift certificate to Joseph’s Steakhouse and four tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters “Magical Memories World Tour” at the Arena on February 27th; a $75 gift certificate to Tiago’s Restaurant & Bar and four tickets to the Arena’s Monster Jam monster truck show on March 13th; a $75 gift certificate to Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s and four tickets to Smucker’s Stars on Ice at the Arena on April 20th; a $25 gift certificates to Rita’s Ices and Carvel Ice Cream; and a basketball signed by Fairfield men’s head coach Ed Cooley and the Stags.
"We have enjoyed our time as one of the primary tenants at Arena at Harbor Yard, so being part of the 1,000th event is very exciting,” said Fairfield University Director of Athletics Eugene Doris. “Be it hosting a single game, a doubleheader, or an NCAA event, I am proud to be associated with Arena at Harbor Yard and look forward to many more events over the coming years."
Managed by Centerplate, contract partner to North America’s premier convention centers and entertainment venues, since opening in 2001, Arena at Harbor Yard has hosted marquee events such as NCAA post-season tournaments, the MAAC basketball tournament, world championship boxing events, World Wrestling Entertainment and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in addition to many musical concerts every year.
“We are proud to celebrate our 1,000th event this Saturday and look forward to 1,000 more to come,” said Lynn Carlotto, Centerplate’s general manager for Arena at Harbor Yard. “One of the keys to our success is the ability to create memorable experiences for our guests, from NCAA championship games to musical concerts.”
Since opening, the Arena has presented many concerts including Elton John, Cher, John Mayer, The Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, Nickelback and Fleetwood Mac.
