BYU Fan inbound .. what are my must do's?

[BYUandBeer]

Big-time BYU & College FB Fan here. I'm a fairly well traveled FB fan that enjoys going to new venue's, meeting other fans, seeing what each school's vibe, campus life, tailgating, etc is all about. Looking forward to adding UCONN to my list.

My brother and I arrive in three weeks and it's finally time to start planning what to do and see while we are there (gotta do something to pass the painfully slow weeks leading up openers!). I need suggestions for game day shenanigans, tailgate info, campus must see's, good food, local watering holes, etc.

I've been told this is the crowd to help me out .. don't let me down

 

[BlueMAB]

On campus: UConn dairy bar. Best ice cream east of Penn St.

Off campus depends on what you like. What are your interests? Got kids? You got a family, or looking for adult activities?

Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are a good time. Casinos, shopping, clubs. Nearby is Mystic Aquarium if you have kids.

Hartford has a couple decent places but it largely depends on what you like. The bars/clubs/restaurants are all within 4-5 blocks but each can be very different.

West Hartford is nice. Blue Back Square has a few nice places and a movie theater. Bartaco and Barcelona have good food and turn into decent night spots with others close by.

If you are here for more than a day or two you should drive to New Haven and take the train to NYC for a day or two (IF you've never been).

Suggestions on things to do and see really depends on what your interests are.

For Gameday there isn't much outside the stadium. Actually nothing. The stadium is off campus. I would stay away from the red lot. Take 84 to Silver Lane. Park across the street from the stadium at the softball fields. Friendlier tailgating.

After the game, everything closes by 2am so you'll only have a couple hours but downtown Hartford has a couple decent bars but west Hartford is a little more sophisticated.

 

[BYUandBeer]

Great list so far! Kids are not invited. Definitely looking for more adult activities, nightlife, co-eds We are going to arrive thursday and stay the weekend so we have time to explore and play a bit. Right now we are leaning more to a day in Boston over NYC (been there done that * 100).

 

[coachcap]

One thing to add to your list. Pepe's Pizza in New Haven is purported to be the originator of pizza in the USA. The family has franchised out & there is a Frank Pepe's Pizzaria in Hartford. You should try it to be able to say you've tried the original recipe. Or, if you have time, go to the original.

 

[Pudge]

It's still summer here August 29. You sound young. I'd go to Misquamicut Beach (obvious mis-spelling ) or the Cape Cod drive for interesting young women in Bikinis.

It will be the first week of School at UConn. You can sneak into a dozen places & act like your just one of the 1000s of new guys looking to hook up. Walk the campus - it's very walkable.

Casinos.

I'd think the West Hartford & Hartford advise are probably not your age group.

 

[HuskyFan16]

One thing to add to your list. Pepe's Pizza in New Haven is purported to be the originator of pizza in the USA. The family has franchised out & there is a Frank Pepe's Pizzaria in Hartford. You should try it to be able to say you've tried the original recipe. Or, if you have time, go to the original.

Oh lord. Not another pizza debate thread.

 

[Milo65]

Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos...It will have everything you need (I prefer Mohegan Sun). Mohegan Sun even has a Pepe's Pizza there, it's not the original, it is very good. Not much on Campus, it is literally in the middle of nowhere, but it is beautiful and the Dairy Bar does have the best ice cream. Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield, Mass, it's around 20 min outside of Hartford. There are lots of clubs and bars in Hartford, but if you are looking for a place that has it all in one place, I would book my stay at Mohegan Sun and party hard. The Casino is around a 40 min drive from the Stadium. While at the Sun, you can also Golf, hit the Rhode Island beaches.

 

[DSquiz]

For Gameday there isn't much outside the stadium. Actually nothing. The stadium is off campus. I would stay away from the red lot. Take 84 to Silver Lane. Park across the street from the stadium at the softball fields. Friendlier tailgating.

Ok I'm in my 20's and will make a list of the bars in Hartford/Storrs you should hit later this weekend but I will correct one thing first. If you want to have fun do not listen to the above statement, you want red lot or you will never forgive yourself.

UConn's stadium was built right outside Hartford on a airstrip (you can still see the runways). Because of that all the main tailgating happens in one huge field surrounding the runway. It's unlike any tailgating I have ever been too (and I've been to a lot of college/NFL). It's almost like a giant college party.

Everyone is on the grass with cars parked in lines just going nuts. People set up bars, inflatable T-Rex, drinking games are everywhere, it's nuts. If you park in one of the "nicer" more expensive and family friendly lots you haven't really seen UConn tailgating.

 

[06029]

Great list so far! Kids are not invited. Definitely looking for more adult activities, nightlife, co-eds We are going to arrive thursday and stay the weekend so we have time to explore and play a bit. Right now we are leaning more to a day in Boston over NYC (been there done that * 100).

Where are you staying?
In Hartford for night life -
Russian Lady, Black Eyed Sallys (blues). For food Dish is not bad, Black Eyed Sallys, Max Downtown (high end), City Steam Brewery (micro brewery bar), Feng, Trumbull Kitchen. Best area restaurants are in West Hartford Center/Blue Back Square.

Further south at the casinos nightlife -
Foxwoods - Shrine
Mohegan Sun - Avalon
Food at the casinos is very pricey for what you get but for seafood Jasper White's at Mohegan is okay.

For a beach (all are in RI) - easier to get to than Misquamicut is Westerly town beach. Not a lot of parking. But don't wander onto Taylor Swift's property. If you want a beach with parking, Misquamicut could work or go a little further to Scarborough. Better overall beach in my opinion.

Boston is a place that can be visited any time of year. Alternatives to Boston -
For a really unique day trip that includes a beach, go to Block Island. There is a high speed ferry from New London, CT. https://www.goblockisland.com/
Pack a cooler. Rent a bike from Aldo's and bike to the light houses, hang out on Mansion Beach and then head to Ballards (next to ferry dock) to watch some beach volleyball while enjoying adult beverages. For food, trust Trip Advisor. I have eaten at all of the top 20 and they all have decent food and all are close to the ferry dock. Grab your last drink before leaving on the porch of the National Hotel. Don't miss the last ferry home. You have an hour to get your head straight on the ferry ride home and can hot the casinos on the way back towards Hartford.

If you have never been to Newport, RI, the mansions are something to be seen. Do the cliff walk. http://www.cliffwalk.com/ Not to mention the amazing yachts in the harbor. Great viewing on the Newport/Jamestown ferry for the yachts. http://jamestownnewportferry.com/ Some great food (a few world class establishments that charge accordingly) and nightlife there too. Beware the cops in Newport and have a designated driver because the bridges on the way home should not be attempted under the influence.

Lobster and clams. Everyone has their own favorite places but I will offer Abbotts Lobster in the rough in Noank (near Mystic). Seasonal Place that is BYOB. Pricey compared to some other lobster shacks but great view (my sailboat is the prettiest girl in that harbor, although I am biased) and high quality food. Get some steamers and have a local show you how to clean them, dip them and eat them. http://abbottslobster.com/

 

[thatguyed]

One correction and one fresh point.

Pepe's is in Manchester and West Hartford, not Hartford proper, as well as in Mohegan Sun. We've eaten at the Manchester and Mohegan Sun locations (Fairfield also) and they're every bit as good as the original in New Haven.

The fresh note to add is just to point out that beer is available in the Rent. It's not cheap but it is an option that's not available in many college stadiums.

Enjoy the trip, enjoy the experience and hopefully don't enjoy the game too much.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Ok I'm in my 20's and will make a list of the bars in Hartford/Storrs you should hit later this weekend but I will correct one thing first. If you want to have fun do not listen to the above statement, you want red lot or you will never forgive yourself.

UConn's stadium was built right outside Hartford on a airstrip (you can still see the runways). Because of that all the main tailgating happens in one huge field surrounding the runway. It's unlike any tailgating I have ever been too (and I've been to a lot of college/NFL). It's almost like a giant college party.

Everyone is on the grass with cars parked in lines just going nuts. People set up bars, inflatable T-Rex, drinking games are everywhere, it's nuts. If you park in one of the "nicer" more expensive and family friendly lots you haven't really seen UConn tailgating.

That pic really gets the blood flowing...........3 weeks. I'm ready.

 

[BlueMAB]

Ok I'm in my 20's and will make a list of the bars in Hartford/Storrs you should hit later this weekend but I will correct one thing first. If you want to have fun do not listen to the above statement, you want red lot or you will never forgive yourself.

UConn's stadium was built right outside Hartford on a airstrip (you can still see the runways). Because of that all the main tailgating happens in one huge field surrounding the runway. It's unlike any tailgating I have ever been too (and I've been to a lot of college/NFL). It's almost like a giant college party.

Everyone is on the grass with cars parked in lines just going nuts. People set up bars, inflatable T-Rex, drinking games are everywhere, it's nuts. If you park in one of the "nicer" more expensive and family friendly lots you haven't really seen UConn tailgating.

So all of that goes on in the lot with the softball fields and the blue lot, but without the drunk 19 year-olds verbally abusing fans of other teams.

It's not like a giant party, it is a giant party.

If he has a thick skin and doesn't mind not-so-good natured ribbing, and is prepared to wait an hour or more to get out of the red lot instead of 15 minutes then red lot is the place to be.

 

[UCFBfan]

I feel like Mohegan is more for the younger crowd while Foxwoods is on the older side. So if you're looking for a younger crowd with good bars/restaurants/clubs, head to Mohegan. I agree that West Hartford is more sophisticated and not really a place to go to to find singles/mingle, etc. Hartford isn't horrible and all the bars are close together.

It will really all depend on where you end up staying.

I also agree that Boston is far better for a day trip/overnight then NYC.

As for Red Lot, it's not as terrible as people make it out to be. Get there early enough and you're more likely to avoid the obnoxious under 21 students who give the rest of the student body a bad name. I've parked in Red lot most years and find it a blast. Then again I'm not an opposing fan but as long as you have some thick skin and just play along or ignore, you'll be fine.

 

[Waquoit]

I think a ride to the shore for a lobster roll is in order.

 

[spsct]

I think a ride to the shore for a lobster roll is in order.

Or to Newport for a clambake!

 

[Husky25]

The "family freindly" lots alluded to above really arent all that family friendly. Kids cannot throw a ball or frisbee and there's hardly any drinking games because cars are packed in like sardines. The only thing to do really is make your food, drink, and talk. I've seen guys pull out a poker table, but that's not much fun for kids. Even if a part of the blue lot is not yet being filled up (as in it is roped off), security chases them out. Basically, the rows are too close together. I think they should reconfigure the Blue lots so that three current rows are made into two, but that's just me. On the other hand you are no further than 200 feet away from the gate.

So basically, the Red Lot is more conducive for family friendly activities (in terms of room), but the actual activities going on and the language...not so much. Whereas the Blue Lot is a bit more tamed, audio-wise. But boring as duckK for an 8 year old.

BTW The Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield MA which is more like 30-40 minutes north of Hartford. I don't want you getting off at the exit for Bradley Intl. Airport expecting to see a Larry Bird exhibit.

 

[coachcap]

The "family freindly" lots alluded to above really arent all that family friendly. Kids cannot throw a ball or frisbee and there's hardly any drinking games because cars are packed in like sardines. The only thing to do really is make your food, drink, and talk. I've seen guys pull out a poker table, but that's not much fun for kids. Even if a part of the blue lot is not yet being filled up (as in it is roped off), security chases them out. Basically, the rows are too close together. I think they should reconfigure the Blue lots so that three current rows are made into two, but that's just me. On the other hand you are no further than 200 feet away from the gate.

So basically, the Red Lot is more conducive for family friendly activities (in terms of room), but the actual activities going on and the language...not so much. Whereas the Blue Lot is a bit more tamed, audio-wise. But boring as duckK for an 8 year old.

BTW The Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield MA which is more like 30-40 minutes north of Hartford. I don't want you getting off at the exit for Bradley Intl. Airport expecting to see a Larry Bird exhibit.

It's only 30-40 minutes if you drive the poste 55 mph speed limit. Nobody does!

 

[Husky25]

It's only 30-40 minutes if you drive the poste 55 mph speed limit. Nobody does!

So you sleep in your car? You go from 0 to 65 mph in 0.0 seconds? Is your house right on the exit? It is 27 miles from Downtown Hartford to Downtown Springfield as the crow flies and my guess is there are a couple traffic lights between any hotel in Hartford to the Basketball Hall of Fame. I'm just saying that from stepping out the front door to getting to a car to getting on the highway and to the HoF, it takes longer than 20 minutes. It's still worth making the trip, but let's call a spade a spade here.

 

[BYU Dad]

Why in the world would BYU fans need a list of bars to go to? We are the most sober fan base in the nation and keep it classy. It's Utah St. fans and especially Utes fans that would be out looking for bars.

 

[phillionaire]

Why in the world would BYU fans need a list of bars to go to? We are the most sober fan base in the nation and keep it classy. It's Utah St. fans and especially Utes fans that would be out looking for bars.

because being sober prevents someone from being classless
/s

 

[whaler11]

Why in the world would BYU fans need a list of bars to go to? We are the most sober fan base in the nation and keep it classy. It's Utah St. fans and especially Utes fans that would be out looking for bars.

Send them instead they sound like more fun.

 

[Stinger92860]

One thing to add to your list. Pepe's Pizza in New Haven is purported to be the originator of pizza in the USA. The family has franchised out & there is a Frank Pepe's Pizzaria in Hartford. You should try it to be able to say you've tried the original recipe. Or, if you have time, go to the original.

I believe Pepes 'invented' white clam pizza.

 

[BYUandBeer]

Why in the world would BYU fans need a list of bars to go to? We are the most sober fan base in the nation and keep it classy. It's Utah St. fans and especially Utes fans that would be out looking for bars.

Since this came up ... I put this in my profile to leave religion of out of but here ya go:

"As a side note; my username should make this a bit obvious, but I'm a rather untraditional BYU fan/alum. I am not LDS(Mormon) like the majority of our fan base (yes we do exist). The only reason I bring this up is it's a major part of BYU's identity, and my opinions/actions/perspectives are often not a reflection of the overwhelming majority of my fellow Cougars. You've been warned "

 

[dylanrob]

Why in the world would BYU fans need a list of bars to go to? We are the most sober fan base in the nation and keep it classy. It's Utah St. fans and especially Utes fans that would be out looking for bars.

Don't troll

 

[HuskyHawk]

Since this came up ... I put this in my profile to leave religion of out of but here ya go:

"As a side note; my username should make this a bit obvious, but I'm a rather untraditional BYU fan/alum. I am not LDS(Mormon) like the majority of our fan base (yes we do exist). The only reason I bring this up is it's a major part of BYU's identity, and my opinions/actions/perspectives are often not a reflection of the overwhelming majority of my fellow Cougars. You've been warned "

If your name reflects your interest, there are some cool breweries in the area. In Monson Massachusetts (not all that far from Campus actually, maybe 35 mins), there is Treehouse making amazing beers (but not for onsite consumption). NEBCO closer to New Haven also has several great beers. City Steam brewery in Hartford could be worth a trip. Some kick ass craft beer pubs in Boston too.