Home games at Mohegan Sun?

[hthusky74]

I think that was part of the thinking, but more so probably that they are opponents with which that population may have better familiarity and therefore more motivation to see the game. I don't think any fan/supporter/alumni of any of them could seriously consider themselves a rival of UConn, but if they have even an attenuated connection and therefore at least a mild rooting interest in one of these cupcake teams from an otherwise good school, they might see it as an opportunity to take the family to a game; contrast that with the collective groan of the XL faithful when they have to pay for these games in order to buy season tickets. I have tons of friends from the area who attended good schools with lesser basketball teams. Almost without exception, they are all remarkably diehard Husky fans even though they did not attend UConn. But if we play their team, they are good sports about it and get into it even more--always hopeful for the epic upset, but always impressed with the (usually) obviously superior program we have. And their kids tend to become pretty big UConn fans once they see us play. Win/win imo if we can move a couple games per season to take better advantage of that dynamic. IIRC, friends recall seeing UConn playing some games at the New Haven Coliseum after the Civic Center roof collapsed. That was a little before my time; did that happen?



Stony Brook would be a great game to have there.

I seem to remember them playing one or two games a year in the NHC even before the roof collapsed. I remember BC, URI, Yale, and Fairfield to name some that I saw.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I think that was part of the thinking, but more so probably that they are opponents with which that population may have better familiarity and therefore more motivation to see the game. I don't think any fan/supporter/alumni of any of them could seriously consider themselves a rival of UConn, but if they have even an attenuated connection and therefore at least a mild rooting interest in one of these cupcake teams from an otherwise good school, they might see it as an opportunity to take the family to a game; contrast that with the collective groan of the XL faithful when they have to pay for these games in order to buy season tickets. I have tons of friends from the area who attended good schools with lesser basketball teams. Almost without exception, they are all remarkably diehard Husky fans even though they did not attend UConn. But if we play their team, they are good sports about it and get into it even more--always hopeful for the epic upset, but always impressed with the (usually) obviously superior program we have. And their kids tend to become pretty big UConn fans once they see us play. Win/win imo if we can move a couple games per season to take better advantage of that dynamic. IIRC, friends recall seeing UConn playing some games at the New Haven Coliseum after the Civic Center roof collapsed. That was a little before my time; did that happen?



Stony Brook would be a great game to have there.

Stony Brook too!
Plus, a team, particularly like a Fordham gets a fair amount of line space in the Post and the Times.

 

[BoatShow]

Play a game at the Bolton Ice Palace if it means not having 7k show up for UNH at the XL.

 

[joober jones]

Bridgeport hasn't improved much if at all since the 90s. It's not a place I ever go to by choice.

 

[whaler11]

Bridgeport sucks. You get off the highway go to the game and get back on the highway. It's not like you are going to get mugged in the parking lot.

 

[huskymedic]

Bridgeport sucks. You get off the highway go to the game and get back on the highway. It's not like you are going to get mugged in the parking lot.

Well, maybe a swing by Joseph's or Ralph n Rich's for dinner first....

 

[whaler11]

Well, maybe a swing by Joseph's or Ralph n Rich's for dinner first....

I lived in Fairfield for 5 years - I have no idea where those places are but there are dozens of options east and west along the way.

It's amazing anyone goes to Jets and Giants games with so little to do nearby.

 

[huskymedic]

I lived in Fairfield for 5 years - I have no idea where those places are but there are dozens of options east and west along the way.

It's amazing anyone goes to Jets and Giants games with so little to do nearby.

Ralph n Rich's is a quick 5 minute walk from WBA... Under highway and down Main St. Top notch Italian.

 

[Sportsman5]

Based on the comments I'd much rather be in the crowd for the Mohegan Sun game. Everyone who says they'll go to the game at MS is talking about how fun it will be to eat, drink, and have a good time with the whole experience. It seems like everyone who says they'll only go the game in Fairfield county is talking about how they want to get in and out as quick as possible so they can be in bed before the sun goes down...

 

[UC990411]

So you guys are suggesting to play a home game closer to the visiting teams home so their fans can attend? Ok, got it

 

[8893]

So you guys are suggesting to play a home game closer to the visiting teams home so their fans can attend? Ok, got it

It's a nuanced point that may be difficult for some to grasp, but there is a lot of overlap among "their fans" and "our fans."

E.g., my friends from CT who attended college at UVM and Northeastern are diehard Husky fans. If we play "their" school, they have more motivation to attend the game, often making it an event for the whole family. Of course they'll want their team to do well, but they are not delusional: They know we are going to win. And kids like winners. So, when we win, their kids often become Husky fans--if they weren't already.

@hthusky74: Thanks. That's what I thought. I've heard more than a few friends cite those New Haven Coliseum games as their first time seeing UConn play, and they mark their fandom from that point. And that really is my point: These guys remember their fathers taking them to games there when they were kids. They became fans. I think the same dynamic would happen with a couple games in Bridgeport.

 

[Stinger92860]

I grew up by harbor yard and while its not what it once was it is safe for a game. Stay south of Washington ave and you are fine, try Ralph's and richs, two boots, Joseph's steakhouse, bare tapas or drive a bit to Madison ave where there are a number of nice italian restaurants. Omanels on Main Street also has great food, Pepes is also a short drive on state street.

 

[CL82]

PT Barnum Museum. That's about all there is in Bridgeport. Hartford and New Haven blow Bridgeport out of the water.

The towns west of Bridgeport have some fine dining and historical sites.

I've never been, but I've thought about it. Is it worth it?

 

[hthusky74]

It's a nuanced point that may be difficult for some to grasp, but there is a lot of overlap among "their fans" and "our fans."

E.g., my friends from CT who attended college at UVM and Northeastern are diehard Husky fans. If we play "their" school, they have more motivation to attend the game, often making it an event for the whole family. Of course they'll want their team to do well, but they are not delusional: They know we are going to win. And kids like winners. So, when we win, their kids often become Husky fans--if they weren't already.

@hthusky74: Thanks. That's what I thought. I've heard more than a few friends cite those New Haven Coliseum games as their first time seeing UConn play, and they mark their fandom from that point. And that really is my point: These guys remember their fathers taking them to games there when they were kids. They became fans. I think the same dynamic would happen with a couple games in Bridgeport.

Don't forget that the Yale games in the old days were played in the Payne Whitney Gym! I remember sitting in the second or third row floor level bleachers and watching Corny Thompson and Mike McKay play against Yale. Admittedly, we were more excited by our proximity to the cheerleaders than our proximity to the court!!!!