Huskies Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Jim L. Mora

Team Mascot: Jonathan the Husky

Year Opened: 2003

Capacity: 40000

City / State: Hartford / Connecticut

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

UConn vs UMass

Rival Team: UMass Minutemen

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.

Civil Conflict

Rival Team: UCF Knights

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.

Traditions

Husky Walk

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

Things to check out

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

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.

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Victory Bell

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.

University of Connecticut Marching Band

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.

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Fight Songs

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

    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!

  2. 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!

  3. 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)

  4. 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.

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 - $$