East Hartford Velodrome

41°46′02″N 72°39′39″W / 41.767335°N 72.660853°W / 41.767335; -72.660853Capacity8,000SurfaceGrassConstructionOpenedJune 28, 1926[1]Closed1929Demolished1929Construction cost$75,000TenantsHartford Blues/Giants (NFL/Indep.) (1926–27)
East Hartford High School

The East Hartford Velodrome was a velodrome in East Hartford, Connecticut. In its three-year lifespan, it hosted football and boxing events before it was demolished in 1929.

The Hartford Blues played their 1926 and 1927 seasons at the velodrome, a then-new bicycle track located across the Connecticut River in East Hartford. The grass football field barely fit inside the wooden track. Its capacity was 8,000 spectators.[2]

Football

The Velodrome was the home for the National Football League's Hartford Blues for their 1926 and 1927 seasons.[3]

Boxing

The Velodrome has hosted many boxing events. One event was main evented by Connecticut's own Christopher "Battling" Battalino, when he defeated Archie Rosenberg by knock-out.

Date Winner Loser Type Rd., Time Attendance Ref.
June 6, 1928 Battling Battalino Archie Rosenberg KO - -
September 23, 1929 Battling Battalino André Routis PTS 15 -
August 18, 1930 Battling Battalino Bud Taylor PTS 10 -
September 24, 1930 Kid Kaplan Battling Battalino PTS 10 -
September 15, 1931 Battling Battalino Eddie Shea PTS - - [4]

References

  1. ^ Club, East Hartford Rotary (2009). East Hartford. ISBN 9780738565378.
  2. ^ Hogrogian, John (1982). "The Hartford Blues Part II" (PDF). Coffin Corner. 4 (9). Professional Football Researchers Association: 1–5.
  3. ^ "East Hartford Velodrome History". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  4. ^ "BoxRec: Event".

See also

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  • Previously based in Waterbury, Connecticut (1924–25)
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†= Team's stadium under construction or refurbishment at time
1 = A team used the stadium when their permanent stadium was unable to be used as a result of damage.