Numbers vary, but everyone agrees that the 43-year-old arena needs updating and a new operator. A $250 million renovation plan was supported by the Malloy administration that ultimately went nowhere, and now a slimmed down $100 million rehab plan is being floated. Sure, that’s a smaller amount, but can the state really afford it when facing billions in debt and pension liabilities? The stadium has lost $2 million per year for the last five years, so obviously there must be changes; however, the state cannot afford to give up on the arena, as it would mean giving up on Hartford.