Driving into Connecticut, you may notice a blue sign that says, “Welcome to Connecticut: Home of the Basketball Capital of the World.” With the University of Connecticut’s reputation for a stellar basketball program, it’s no surprise that the state takes great pride in it. I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, attended a tiny high school, and never really found an interest in sports. They seemed fun on the outside, but I never felt the need to go to many games and matches. Then, I entered UConn and joined a community centered around athletics and spirit. My eyes were finally opened to the passion poured into teams, with bursts of excitement during wins and comfort shared during losses.
As a graduating senior, I’ve also gotten to experience what other schools couldn’t have offered: NCAA National Championship wins every year (so far) that I’ve been a student at UConn. With a total of 18 championship wins between the women’s and men’s teams (12 women’s and 6 men’s), I’ve gotten to experience some of the incredible, jaw-dropping moments specific to UConn. As I near the end of my time at this university and am reminiscing on my experiences, the UConn women’s basketball team is currently ranked No. 1 and bringing insane energy to games. So, here are 12 of my top reasons why you should attend one of their games before you graduate, even if you claim to be a non-sports fan.
1) HIGH SCORES AND TENSION
With well-trained players and a solid strategy for each game, the UConn women’s basketball team plays to win every single time, leading to their current No. 1 ranking. You can experience the excitement from high scores, as well as the tension from the closer scoring games, in the same place as other students and fans. After one game, you’ll never want to go back to just watching it on TV!
2) EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE ARENA
Gampel Pavilion is one of the most notable buildings on the UConn Storrs campus. With its golfball-like structure, it stands out as an iconic landmark to visit. It’s not only home to the basketball teams, but it has also hosted other sporting events and concerts, making it a must-see before you graduate.
3) CHEER ON THE CHEERLEADERS
The UConn women’s basketball team isn’t the only exciting part of game days. With cheerleaders, the band, and other exciting performances at each game, there’s never a dull moment. Bring your excitement and cheer on the team alongside other students to show them your support!
4) SPECIAL GUESTS
If you are a fan of any WNBA or NBA team, there’s a chance someone from UConn has played for them before. Attending games on campus could lead to you seeing (or even chatting with) iconic basketball players who originally played for the university, like Sue Bird, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
5) HIGH-FIVE THE TEAM
After every game, the UConn women’s basketball team does a lap around the arena, high-fiving fans and sharing their thrill. Many fans camp out for hours (or even days) to be at the front of the student section for a chance to get close to their favorite players!
6) MASCOT SELFIE
If you haven’t met Jonathan the Husky (both the actual dog and the person mascot), you need to do that before you graduate. The mascots often attend basketball games to show school spirit and sometimes even interact with the other mascots, so be sure to stay on the lookout for them!
7) SIGN-MAKING FUN
Want to get noticed by your favorite player, or just show up more easily on TV? Make a sign! Whether it’s a pun or a funny photo, you might snag the attention of people around you or of the cameras capturing the game. Have fun with it and be creative.
8) MERCH, MERCH, AND MORE MERCH
If you bought a UConn shirt as a freshman and haven’t worn it yet, this is your chance. Showcase your favorite merchandise while supporting the basketball team. Whether it’s a hat, jersey, water bottle, or temporary tattoo, bring it with you to the next game. Maybe it’ll even get you on the Jumbotron!
9) CHANCES TO WIN
If you love winning free stuff, then you need to go to a UConn women’s basketball game. During breaks, the emcee, usually “Gameday” Conor Geary, will invite fans to compete in challenges to win anything from free flights to a bunch of food. Make sure to cheer on other students as they compete, too!
10) LEARN THE CHANTS
With a lot of traditions and chants to learn for the basketball games (just like with any other UConn team), you’ll want to attend multiple games to get used to them all. Join in the mix of voices coming together from different backgrounds, but similar interests, to uplift the team playing.
11) BLEED BLUE WITH PASSION
UConn women’s basketball fans have a lot of shared traits, with the biggest one being their passion. Some fans grew up watching games with their families, while others (like myself) only became fans once they started attending the university. However, all fans “bleed blue” and share the same enthusiasm coursing through their veins.
12) MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Even if you’re attending a game alone, you have so many chances to make new friends. You may have different career paths, personalities, or interests. Still, you’ll find yourself right at home attending UConn women’s basketball games, and could even walk away with not just incredible memories, but also new friends to stay in touch with.
You don’t need to be the most intense sports fan to find something to appreciate in the Basketball Capital of the World. If you haven’t attended a UConn women’s basketball game yet, stop waiting and get that ticket! Not every school is home to an incredible basketball team holding many records (and 12 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship wins). So, be sure to enjoy your experience to the fullest and go see this team in action!