XL Center vs Gampel Pavilion
by CTBasketball
Not many college basketball programs have two home arenas. The University of Connecticut’s basketball teams is one of them. They have their “home away from home” at the XL Center in Hartford, CT which has hosted basketball games since the early 1980’s. The other of course is the small, but electric Gampel Pavilion on-campus in Storrs, CT. Many fans in the state of Connecticut and the surrounding area agree that having two arenas has its advantages. Some die-hard fans argue that Gampel Pavilion, the on-campus court in Storrs, CT provides a much better home-court advantage.
Attendance was almost perfect at both Gampel and the XL Center after UConn won its second NCAA title in 2004. Since then the attendance at Gampel has wavered a bit, dropping to its lowest mark in 2009-2010 when it averaged just less than 90% capacity. On the other hand, the XL Center has fallen off the board. Since 2007, attendance at the XL Center has been declining almost (with the exception of 2011-2012). The graph created below shows the percentage of seats filled at both XL and Gampel since 2004-2005. Attendance took a hit in 2006 through 2008, when the program went through off-court issues with certain players. In 2012-2013, the team was ineligible for the post-season; the attendance nosedived, especially at the XL Center. The common fan and state supporter did not come out to the games like in years past, and the records show it.
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The condition of the XL Center is another reason why the attendance may be slipping. The concourse is like a dark windy passageway through the bowels of Hartford. It always looks dirty and is outdated. Today’s arenas usually have an open concourse, so nobody can miss the action if they go to get a drink or a bite to eat. The condition of Gampel Pavilion is in no better shape, but the design is much more fan-friendly than the XL Center. But the primary reasons why the XL Center is still used for 10+ games per season is because of big-time sponsors and its central location. The XL Center is easily accessible from either I84 or I91 from any part of the state. New Haven county and upper-Fairfield county residents can get to games in under an hour and a half.
However, the statistics do show that UConn wins more at Gampel Pavilion. Since 1990, UConn has put up an impressive record of 151-22 at Gampel. The die-hard fans are correct about the home-court advantage. When compared to the XL Center, the upper level of seating isn’t even half full. The student section is usually patchwork, especially during winter break. The status of the XL Center has been brought up as of late. The athletic department has begun exploring other Connecticut arenas for potential off-campus game sites; arenas such as Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville and Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport. Could these potential arenas replace the XL Center? That question is still in the air, but the possibility is there.
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