Connecticut stands at a crossroads. For years, we’ve watched neighboring states attract the type of large-scale investments that drive sustained economic growth, create jobs, and redefine urban centers. Connecticut now has a generational opportunity to do the same in Bridgeport and deliver major benefits for the region and state.
The proposed $1 billion+ mixed-use waterfront development drives economic revitalization, addresses the critical shortage of housing, and stands as an optimistic statement about building a better future for Connecticut.
The economic impact analysis of this project conducted by the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at UConn (CCEA) makes a powerful argument that this project will pay large dividends in jobs, housing, new tax revenues, and, critically, visibility.
The numbers speak for themselves.
A multi-billion-dollar boost to the economy
A 10,000-seat stadium that would be home to Connecticut’s MLS NEXT Pro soccer team, a planned National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, and a venue for year-round entertainment, is the anchor that makes this entire vision possible. Without it, the surrounding (much larger) investments in housing, retail, and public spaces will not materialize.
The development would be one of the largest capital projects in Connecticut’s history, with nearly three-fourths of funding coming from private sources. Total economic impact is projected to reach $2.2 billion, sustaining nearly 700 new full-time jobs annually on average. This isn’t speculation – it’s a data-driven projection of how large-scale, mixed-use developments can drive prosperity.
Beyond job creation, the financial returns to the state and local governments are undeniable. The CCEA analysis projects generation of $600 million in incremental tax revenue, far exceeding the level of public investment. In a time when Connecticut is seeking sustainable revenue sources without burdening taxpayers, this development represents a win-win scenario.
An alternative scenario featuring a 22,500-seat stadium that would host a top-tier men’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team and an NWSL team remains on the table. Total economic impact increases to $3.4 billion with the larger stadium, with over 1,300 new jobs added annually and over $1 billion in new tax revenue.
Critically, the rapidly growing engagement with and excitement around soccer would draw thousands from across the region including from neighboring states to Bridgeport and Connecticut. That dynamic will deliver benefits well beyond what the CCEA study can fully capture.
A mixed-use vision that solves pressing challenges
At its core, this project is about building a vibrant, interconnected, welcoming community. With over 1,000 new apartment units, the development directly addresses Connecticut’s housing shortage, providing modern living spaces – including affordable live-work units – in a transit-friendly location. A four-star hotel will attract visitors and boost tourism revenue, while the retail and dining spaces will offer new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The inclusion of a public park and riverwalk ensures that this project benefits everyone, not just those who live or work nearby. By aligning with the broader Trust for the Public Land’s 20-mile shoreline pathway project, the project is making a long-term investment in walkability, health, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
Catalyst for additional investment
The chosen site – currently a neglected, underutilized area – represents an opportunity to connect Bridgeport’s waterfront with its downtown core, raising property values and drawing new investment. With direct access to the train station, ferry terminal, major highways and bus routes, the development will serve as an accessible destination for residents throughout Connecticut and neighboring states, boosting quality of life.
It will also serve as a highly visible symbol of a resurgent, reimagined Connecticut; a clear signal to investors, businesses, and residents that Connecticut is ready to compete. It’s a chance to move beyond outdated perceptions and embrace a modern vision for economic growth and community engagement.
Metro markets across the country have leveraged sports-anchored mixed-use developments to reinvigorate urban centers, enhance their visibility, attract businesses, and cultivate a sense of local pride. Connecticut needs development like this to assert itself as a dynamic market unto itself – a place where people want to live, work and play – not just a drive-thru state connecting New York and Boston. This development would make Connecticut nationally visible and invigorate its image.
Defining moment for Connecticut
This development is not just another construction project – it’s a moment for redefining Connecticut’s future. The economic case is clear: billions in impact, thousands of jobs, and hundreds of millions in new revenue. The social and cultural benefits are equally compelling: improved housing, vibrant public spaces, and a premier sports venue that will put Connecticut on the map.
As policymakers and the public weigh this opportunity, I urge them to consider what’s at stake. This development is a necessary investment in Connecticut’s long-term success. Uncertainty at the national level only underscores the importance of this project to Connecticut’s economy. Now is the time to be bold, to embrace growth, and to make this transformative vision a reality.
Fred Carstensen is Director of the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at the University of Connecticut.