Mohegan Sun Arena's $30 Million Renovation: What to Expect This Winter

Renovation Aimed at Elevating Fan and Artist Experience

The 25-year-old Mohegan Sun Arena will spend much of this winter undergoing a $30 million upgrade that executives at the 10,000-seat arena say will improve the experiences of those who attend events there.

Much of the work will be done doing at two-month window from mid- December to mid-February. During that time period, there will be no events of any kind held in the arena.

The arena’s renovation will include all-new seating, the first phase of restroom improvements, a makeover in how food and drinks are dispensed in the concourse area, elevator upgrades and a new grill and kitchen for expanded dining options.

Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun casino and resort, told CT Insider last month that part of the concession upgrade at the arena will include a serve yourself technology that is already in use at TD Garden in Boston.

“You swipe your card to go into a dedicated area,” Hamilton said of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology. “Cameras will pick up whatever food you grab and that’s what you will be charged for.”

A nearly 4,000-square-foot VIP lounge that will accommodate up to 150 people is planned for 2027.

Joe Soper, vice president of sports and entertainment for Mohegan Sun, said the arena has hosted more than 4,250 performances and with nearly 18 million attendees since it opened in 2001.

“Mohegan Sun Arena has set the standard for live entertainment in the Northeast,” Soper said. “We’re really excited for this next chapter of Mohegan Sun Arena. The goal is simple: to create a more immersive, comfortable and thrilling venue for fans as well as our artists and promoters.”

The arena will reopen with a concert by the band Breaking Benjamin on Feb. 28.

Once the renovation of the arena is complete, Hamilton said Mohegan Sun will move on to a $22 million renovation of the resort’s Earth Tower hotel. Work on that upgrade of the resort is scheduled to begin next summer.

The Connecticut Sun WNBA franchise, which is moving to Houston, played its final game in the arena on Sept. 24.