CAF New Capsule Collection Dedicated to Hartford’s Civic Center
EXPLORE THE “HOME COURT” CAPSULE COLLECTION DEDICATED TO OUR TRUMBULL STREET LOCATION.
In June, The CAF bid farewell to our flagship store at 231 Trumbull Street, closing a chapter we will always cherish. For two incredible years, we called this iconic space our home. Situated in the heart of downtown Hartford and attached to the legendary XL Center—formerly known as the Civic Center—our store became more than just a retail destination; it was a hub of connection, creativity, and community. We made countless memories and forged relationships that will endure long after our doors have closed.
The XL Center, with its deep-rooted history, has always been a symbol of Hartford’s vibrant past. Originally opened in 1975 as the Hartford Civic Center, this arena has witnessed decades of sports history, from the Hartford Whalers' unforgettable games to college basketball's thrilling moments. The Civic Center was more than just a venue; it was a cultural landmark, bringing the community together for sports, concerts, and even carnivals that defined an era. As retail in Hartford continued to face challenges in recent years, our store at 231 Trumbull did our best to carry the torch of this storied past, hopefully sparking reminiscence of the vitality that once pulsed through the streets of downtown.
As a tribute to the glory days of the Civic Center, we’ve launched a special capsule collection that embodies the spirit of the arena and the sporting lineage that it represents. Each item in this collection is a nod to the heritage of Hartford sports and the memories we all hold dear. It’s our pleasure to share with you our “Home Court” capsule collection by CAF/Cafeteria.
Production Credit
Photo: Dom Cass, Styling: Ocion Mollison & Kahari Wallace, Art Direction: Joshua J. Jenkins, Model: Manuel Acheampong
The first piece in this collection is the CAF Block Jersey. This vintage basketball jersey is crafted from deadstock 90's Russell Athletic© jerseys. It features a newly issued CAF block letter graphic the front with our former street address in bold on the back. It has a soft, traditional mesh jersey feel with a touch of stretch. Secondly, we have the CAF Civic Center Jersey. The Whalers are arguably the most missed entity from Hartford’s yesteryears which made adapting our spin on a hockey jersey a no-brainer. Made from a lightweight and breathable cotton/poly blend, we incorporated a dark blue print of the former Civic Center logo on the front, and our signature CAF patch logo on the back. With an oversize, boxy fit, it’s designed to serve both environments of play and contemporary styling.
The CAF plans to explore other cultural nuisances specific to our beloved city as we move forward. Let us know if there are any concepts you’d love to see us pull off for the next one. Stay tuned for more releases from this collection and join us in celebrating the history that continues to inspire us today.
