Connecticut Huskies Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Dan Hurley

Team Mascot: Jonathan the Husky

Year Opened: 1990

Capacity: 10167

City / State: Storrs / Connecticut

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

UConn Huskies vs Syracuse Orange

Rival Team: Syracuse Orange

The rivalry between Syracuse and UConn began in 1956. However, it didn’t peak until both teams entered the Big East in 1979. From 1979 to 2013, the UConn-Syracuse rivalry was one of the best in the Big East producing many incredible matchups including a six overtime thrill in the 2009 Big East Tournament. The rivalry may have dissipated a bit since the original Big East disbanded, but you’ll still be in for a treat when attending a UConn-Syracuse game.

UConn Huskies vs Georgetown Hoyas

Rival Team: Georgetown Hoyas

The rivalry between the Huskies and the Hoyas dates back to 1958. However, things didn’t really heat up until the two schools became members of the Big East in 1979. The rivalry was always one of the best in the Big East, and even with UConn’s departure in 2013, the matchups between these two are still intense. Make sure to get tickets when Georgetown is in town as there is lots of bad blood between these two rivals.

Connecticut Huskies Stadium Guide

In Game

Whether you see the Huskies play at Gampel Pavilion or the XL Center, you’ll have a great time attending a UConn basketball game. UConn has one of the best basketball programs in both the men’s and women’s game, and the fans here have a lot of pride in their teams. Huskies fans show up to every game in large numbers ready to cheer on their team to victory, so come prepared to cheer along with them or go home disappointed.

The fans aren’t the only ones who make attending a Huskies basketball game an incredible experience. As mentioned, both teams will put on quite a show and can hang with the best of them. The dance and cheer teams, as well as the pep band, also create a fun in-game atmosphere that will leave you wanting to come back soon.

The fact the Huskies play at two venues means you’ll want to attend at least two UConn basketball games. Gampel Pavilion provides an excellent smaller venue that puts you right on top of the action. The XL Center, on the other hand, features a full array of amenities you won’t find at Gampel Pavilion, so either way, you can’t go wrong attending a UConn game.

When it comes to food and drinks, Hartford is home to a wide variety of options and if you’re attending a game in Storrs then check out local favorites like Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza Shop or Geno’s.

A UConn basketball game is a must for any college hoops fan and a great chance to see some of the best players in men’s and women’s college basketball.

Things to check out

UConn Basketball Banners

UConn has several banners hanging up in Gampel Pavilion celebrating the Huskies men’s and women’s basketball programs many accomplishments. The basketball programs’ tournament appearances are listed on the wall, and banners celebrating both programs national championships and legendary coaches are hanging up as well. Make sure to take it all in when attending a game at Gampel Pavilion.

Husky Statue

Stop by the husky statue before the game. The statue outside of Gampel Pavilion offers an excellent photo op and is a great way to let fans know that they’re at the home of the Huskies.

J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum

No trip to Storrs is complete without checking out the J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum. The museum is a couple of minutes from Gampel Pavilion, and is home to all kinds of exhibits dedicated to UConn’s incredible athletics history.

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UConn and Hockey Banners

Hanging from the rafters of the XL Center are banners honoring the accomplishments of the UConn Huskies, Hartford Whalers, and Hartford Wolf Pack. The banners do a great job commemorating the greatest moments in each of these team’s history, so check them out when taking in a game at the XL Center.

Bar Area

If you want to grab a drink at a Huskies basketball game, then you’ll be in luck. The XL Center is off campus, so you’ll be able to buy a beer. The bar area inside the XL Center is a great place to grab a drink while taking in some Huskies hoops action

Jonathan the Husky

You can spot both the live and costumed versions of Jonathan the Husky at UConn basketball games. They both do a great job interacting with fans and entertaining the crowd, so don’t miss them attending a Huskies basketball game.

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Big Red Time

When the Huskies go on a run, UConn super fan Big Red appears on the scoreboard and leads everyone in the UConn cheer. Come prepared to get loud and join Big Red in the cheer during your visit to UConn.

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First Night

There’s no better way to kick off the start of basketball season than attending First Night. First Night officially starts the basketball season and is an excellent opportunity to see the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams before games begin, so don’t miss it.

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Fight Songs

  1. U-C-O-N-N Chant

    Throughout the game, the crowd can be heard spelling out UCONN in excitement. Everyone gets into the chant as it’s a great way for everyone to let out their excitement during the game.

    U-C-O-N-N

    U-C-O-N-N

    U-C-O-N-N

  2. UConn Husky

    Official fight song

    U – Conn Husky, symbol of might to the foe.
    Fight, fight Connecticut, It’s vict’ry, Let’s go.
    Connecticut U – Conn Husky,
    vict’ry again for the White and Blue
    So go – go – go Connecticut, Connecticut U.
    C – O – N – N – E – C – T – I – C – U – T
    Connecticut, Connecticut Husky, Connecticut Husky
    Connecticut C – O – N – N – U! Fight!
    (Repeat) 

  3. Alma Mater

    Once more, as we gather today,
    To sing our Alma Mater’s praise,
    And join in the fellowship strong,
    Which inspires our college days.
    We’re backing our teams in the strife
    Cheering them to victory!
    And Pledge anew to old Connecticut,
    Our steadfast spirit of loyalty.

    (Chorus) 
    Connecticut, Connecticut,
    Thy sons and daughters true
    Unite to honor thy name,
    Our fairest White and Blue.

Connecticut Huskies Bars & Restaurants

  1. Arch Street Tavern

    Arch Street Tavern

    Arch Street Tavern serves the best drinks to have for whatever occasion or day it is. Make sure to stop by when you're in town!

    85 Arch St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Pig’s Eye Pub

    Pigs Eye Pub

    The Rocking Horse Saloon is a country bar in Hartford. We pride our selves on keeping up with the latest country tunes, our wide variety of whiskey.

    356 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-278-4747

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Rocking Horse Saloon

    Rocking Horse Saloon beer

    The Rocking Horse Saloon is a country bar in Hartford. We pride our selves on keeping up with the latest country tunes, our wide variety of whiskey.

    181 Ann Uccello St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-247-2566

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Huskies Restaurant & Bar

    Huskies Restaurant and Bar

    Huskies Restaurant & Bar is a great hangout spot in Storrs to grab a bite to eat and have a drink with friends.

    134 N Eagleville Rd #6, Storrs, CT 06268, USA

    860-429-2333

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. The Russian Lady

    The Russian Lady

    The Russian Lady is a multifaceted café and nightlife venue that has established itself as a domineering force in its industry.

    191 Ann Uccello St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-247-LADY

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Ted’s Restaurant

    Teds Restaurant and Bar

    It is a great place to just stop in for food or a drink and is a popular place for UConn nightlife with the best specials around.

    16 King Hill Rd, Storrs, CT 06268, USA

    860-429-9545

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. City Steam Brewery Cafe

    City Steam Brewery Cafe beer

    With its upscale casual menu, award-winning brewery and historic setting in our 1870’s H.H. Richardson brownstone, City Steam has something for everyone.

    942 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-525-1600

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Husky Pizza

    Husky Pizza

    Look no further than Husky Pizza for the best pies in CT. We are your neighborhood independent pizzeria!

    1011 Main St, Coventry, CT 06238, USA

    860-616- 1877

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  9. The Capital Grille

    The Capital Grille

    The Capital Grille is a fine dining restaurant known for its dry aged steaks, award-winning wine list and professional service in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

    44 Front St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-244-0075

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  10. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

    Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

    Authentically delicious food and drinks made fresh to order daily. Art and furnishings handcrafted in Mexico.

    350 Roberts St, East Hartford, CT 06108, USA

    860-289-7212

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  11. Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza

    Blaze Fast Fired Pizza

    Inventive to classic. You decide. Blazing hot oven + dedicated pizzasmith + 180 seconds = fast-fire’d, perfectly crisp perfection.

    12 Royce Cir, Storrs, CT 06268, USA

    860-477-1228

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $

  12. D P Dough

    D P Dough

    Best known for being THE PLACE to go or call when it is crazy late. Who else is gonna deliver you a custom-made calzone after the bars close?

    1232 Storrs Rd #5, Storrs, CT 06268, USA

    860-429-7577

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Gansett Wraps

    Gansett Wraps pizza

    Gansett Wraps offers food made from scratch with fresh ingredients selected for quality.

    12 Royce Cir #101, Storrs, CT 06268, USA

    860-477-1329

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Dog Lane Cafe

    Dog Lane Cafe

    Northeastern Connecticut’s newest European/American café, offering something for everyone from early morning to late at night.

    1 Dog Ln, Storrs, CT 06268, USA

    860-429-4900

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  15. Trumbull Kitchen

    Trumbull Kitchen

    It’s meant to surprise and tantalize a discriminating palate, as well as simply deliver some great comfort food.

    150 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-493-7412

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Sgt Pepperoni

    Sgt Pepperoni

    The stars are the pizza and calzones, both made with dough made fresh daily, stretched thin by hand and their special handmade sauce.

    134 N Eagleville Rd, Storrs, CT 06268, USA

    860-429-8888

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  17. UConn Dairy Bar

    UConn Dairy Bar

    Treat yourself to a famous UConn tradition by trying some of our homemade ice cream!

    17 Manter Rd, Storrs, CT 06269, USA

    860-486-1021

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  18. Wings Over – Storrs

    Wings Over Storrs

    We serve the best wings, boneless wings, ribs, sandwiches and fries for takeout and delivery.

    153 N Eagleville Rd, Storrs, CT 06268, USA

    860-429-WING (9464)

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$