Total Mortgage Arena is known for being home to hockey and live entertainment events.

Now, it's also home to a more than 2,300-square-foot sports betting facility. The Connecticut Lottery, in collaboration with Fanatics, opened the city's first retail sportsbook Monday.

"When you come in, you can just feel it. You can feel the vibe," Bridgeport's David Hulse said. "I used to go to Bobby V's in Stamford or I used to drive down to the Meadowlands."

The sportsbook doubles as a sports bar, complete with high-definition TVs and self-serving betting kiosks.

"There's no other excitement than that. Knowing that if you're form Bridgeport or from New York or wherever, your team is winning and you can rally behind them," Hulse added.

Fanatics and the Connecticut Lottery now have ten retail sportsbook locations in the state, including at the XL Center in Hartford and Sports Haven in New Haven.

The space will be open seven days a week, including days when events are going on inside the arena.

A grand opening ceremony is in the works and will be announced at a later date.