The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is a sports and convention complex. It was opened in 1975 and has been renovated several times over the past four decades. It houses an exhibition hall which is used for trade shows, conventions, banquets, craft shows, meetings and other events. It has held many notable well-known artists like Van Halen, U2, Luciano Pavarotti, Madonna, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and more. The XL Center also hosts some UConn men's and women's basketball games, and is also home to the Connecticut Whale professional women's hockey team.