above: Howard Saffan, owner, developer and president of the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Photographs by Katie Settel
Howard Saffan has lived in Weston for 27 years but he reserves a generous wedge of his heart—and most of the hours in his day—for the nearby city of Bridgeport. Among his numerous business ventures, Saffan is the owner, developer and president of the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport. Its canopy rose from the cloud of the Covid pandemic like an emblem of optimism—crowds would gather again, waves of song from the world’s greatest musicians would roll over them, wine and craft beer and premium liquor would flow, and the region’s best food vendors would sate any appetites not already full from the experience any seat of the 5,700 provides. Never mind taking in the acts on the ginormous stage (e.g., Sting, Foo Fighters, James Taylor)—just a dizzying look up at the state-of-the-art canopy roof is worth the price of a ticket.
Saffan appreciates the history of Bridgeport, and the venue—visible from I-95—displays a penchant for showmanship and a circus motif. Bridgeport’s “Greatest Showman” and one-time mayor P.T. Barnum would approve. The goal was “a boutique amphitheater…designed to wow,” and wow it does. The design incorporates the ballpark vibe (the Bluefish used to play here); the dugouts are now bars.
An industrial bent melds with the city, complete with trains chugging past just behind the parking lot (tickets include parking; ease is another theme). Add marble bathrooms throughout, numerous premium suites, and a 27,000-square-foot, back-of-house luxury residence for the bands (complete with outdoor fireplace, massage room and chef), and it’s no surprise suites are mostly sold out and bands are clamoring to book multiple nights.
Why did you settle in Weston?
I love Connecticut. I grew up on Long Island. After graduating from Brooklyn Law School, I swore I’d never move back to Long Island, and Connecticut was very special.
Before the amphitheater, what were you doing?
I was running the NY Islanders and Bridgeport Sound Tigers and overseeing the Nassau Coliseum and the Webster Bank Arena. I also own Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton. I have a real estate development company, and we own many commercial properties throughout Fairfield County.
How did you get involved with the amphitheater?
My office at the Webster Bank Arena overlooked the baseball field. This is where the Bridgeport Bluefish played. One day I was at Michael’s restaurant with Jimmy Koplik, the president of Live Nation CT. He said, “We’re thinking of building a boutique amphitheater in Danbury.” I said, “Why there?” He said, “There’s nowhere else.” I called him the next day and said, “I have an idea.”
What inspired you?
I was fortunate to own a window and door company, Bishop Manufacturing, in Bridgeport. At a young age, I had the opportunity to sell it. This is my giveback to Bridgeport. I love Bridgeport. I believe in Bridgeport.
What was your dream as you began the project?
The dream was to host twenty concerts a year and be a significant community provider. We have done that and then some. This season we will have 50+ concerts and host fourteen graduations and two dozen community events.
When did the amphitheater open?
July 2021. The opening concert was REO and Styx. Then Foo Fighters put us on the map. I’m not a music person whatsoever. I’m a sports guy. I leave that to Jimmy and Jeremy of Live Nation.
What are some highlights of this summer’s lineup?
We just had Neil Young. James Taylor, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Billy Strings are all coming back and requested two nights. We have Earth, Wind, and Fire and Chicago playing together. We have Cage the Elephant. There’s something for everyone.
What’s the most epic moment you have experienced at the amphitheater?
When the Foo Fighters came on-stage. I didn’t understand the gravity of having a band like that until the building exploded with a volume I’d never heard.
Which concert or event are you most looking forward to this summer?
Pizza Fest on August 11! We will have over 40 pizza vendors as well as craft beer vendors.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this project?
Building the venue. The budget started at $18 million and ballooned to $50 million, due in part to my insatiable urge to create an experience for our customers. We have marble bathrooms, cupholders in each seat, a star suite, a who’s who of food trucks. There are even twinkle lights, a tribute to my dad, who used to take me to the San Gennaro Feast in Little Italy.
500 Broad St, Bridgeport, CT
hartfordhealthcareamp.com