UConn and UMass having been battling on the gridiron since 1897 when the Minutemen shutout UConn 36-0. The rivalry was played every year from 1952 to 2000 when the Huskies moved up to Division 1-A. However, the rivalry will look to be reignited as the Minutemen moved up to the FBS in 2011. The two bitter rivals are scheduled to play a home and home in 2016 and 2017, so make sure to get your tickets when the Minutemen come to town.
The rivalry between UConn and UCF is somewhat disputed. In June 2015 UConn announced the creation of a rivalry and rivalry trophy with UCF. However, UCF had no knowledge of the announcement leading to UCF head coach George O’Leary dismissing the rivalry. There is a lot of debate whether this is a rivalry or not, but UConn leads the all-time series 2-1 and has won the last two meetings.
Huskies Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Upon arriving at Rentschler Field, you’ll encounter a sea of blue adorned fans and tents as all the Uconn fans and students love to show off their Huskies pride on game day. You’ll want to arrive bright and early to get the most out of your UConn game day experience, as the lots here open up four hours before kickoff allowing you plenty of time to grill and knock down a few beers with friends and family.
No great tailgate can be had without great food and at UConn you’ll find mostly traditional fare like burgers and hot dogs. However, you may be able to find some more diverse offerings such as fried or rotisserie food.
A UConn tailgate offers an excellent chance to eat before the game and throw back a few beers with family and friends, so arrive early and join in the festivities.
One of the best tailgating traditions at UConn is the Husky Walk. During the Husky Walk, the players get off the bus and are greeted by fans as they enter the stadium. This is a great opportunity for fans to get up close and perhaps slap five with some of their favorite players. If you really want to get into the Huskies game day spirit than there is no better way to do so then by taking part in the Husky Walk.
Blue and Gold Pass Parking LotsThe parking lots around the stadium allow for a great spot to set up your tailgate. Here you’ll find plenty of fellow Huskies fans to tailgate with, and you’ll have a great time carousing with everyone around you.
Fan FestFanFest, located between Gates A and B, provides a great place to tailgate for the entire family. At FanFest you’ll find inflatables, giveaways, and UConn student-athletes signing autographs.
Thirst & TenThis tailgate ambulance is one of the most tricked out and impressive tailgate vehicles at a UConn tailgate, so stop by and meet some of the most diehard tailgaters you’ll find at a Huskies game.
Huskies Stadium Guide
In Game
A UConn game offers you everything you could ever want in a big-time college football game. Here you’ll find a great band, lots of traditions, and passionate die hard fans. All of these things go a long way in make UConn one of the best college football experiences in the Northeast.
UConn fans do an excellent job filling the stadium as the crowd is usually near capacity ranging from around 85 percent to 90 percent full. It’s not just the abundance of fans at UConn that make the fan support great, but the constant support they show for the team throughout the game. All throughout the game, you’ll hear plenty of cheers and chants including the famous “U-C-O-N-N” chant as well as “Stick it in, stick it in, stick it in.” No matter what the weather you’ll find Rentschler Field filled to the brim with die-hard Huskies fans and students.
The excellent fan support of Huskies fans, as well as the outstanding gameday traditions you’ll find at UConn, make a trip to East Hartford one that is surely worth the time of any diehard college football fan out there.
The Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Located on the inside of the stadium, the Hall of Fame honors the best coaches and athletes throughout the history of the state. If you get a chance before or after the game stop by and take a look at this tribute to some of the greatest coaches, athletes, and athletic events in the history of Connecticut.
Jonathan the Husky is UConn’s live husky mascot who leads the team onto the field before kickoff. Jonathan and the team’s entrance is an outstanding tradition that really shows off the pride and passion Huskies fans have for their team.
After every touchdown that the Huskies score, a bell is rung for each point the Huskies have. The ringing of the bell pumps up the crowd and shows off Huskies pride.
The band at UConn is a big part of the gameday traditions as they perform a pregame, halftime, and postgame show. These shows provide an excellent addition to the action on the field and contribute to the big time college football atmosphere found at UConn.
After each time the Huskies score, 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 over the Huskies score.
U-C-O-N-N!
UCONN!
UCONN!
UCONN!
Stick it in, stick it in, stick it in
This chant traditionally takes place whenever the Huskies are in the red zone. The chant refers to the crowd’s desire for the Huskies to stick the ball in the end zone and it really motivates the team while also amping up the crowd.
Stick it in,
stick it in,
stick it in!
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)
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.
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