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The City of Bridgeport, in partnership with the State of Connecticut, is seeking proposals for the reuse, redevelopment, and operation of the Total Mortgage Arena. The goal is to rejuvenate the facility, generate jobs and economic impact, strengthen tourism, enhance transit-oriented development, and deliver equitable community benefits. Respondents should be experienced developers and operators of entertainment venues or similar large-scale assembly uses. Key aspects include strengthening connections with surrounding neighborhoods, improving pedestrian access, and presenting a sustainable vision for the facility. A development and operating agreement, likely for at least ten years with renewal options, will be entered into with the successful respondent. This agreement will stipulate private investment, capital improvement timelines, maintenance and operating reserve funding, performance requirements, and financial terms. The timeline includes non-mandatory site tours on April 23, May 9, and May 14, 2026. The deadline for question submission is May 21, 2026, with responses due May 22, 2026. The final response submission deadline is May 28, 2026.
The bid notice does not specify a delivery deadline for the proposals. The response submission deadline is May 28, 2026, 2:00 PM.
The bid notice seeks highest and best use proposals that will utilize the facility the greatest number of days and nights possible, attract the most attendees, produce the greatest economic impact, hire the most employees, support the dynamism of the arena entertainment district, and enliven and improve the broader downtown and adjacent south end neighborhood.
Respondents must have a commitment to strengthening the physical, functional, and economic connections between the arena and its surrounding neighborhoods, and articulate a clear and sustainable vision for the facility.
There are three non-mandatory site tours scheduled: April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM; May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM; and May 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM, all at 600 Main St.
The bid notice does not require sample submissions.
The bid notice does not specify a deadline for challenging the bid.