Is this normal?

[Man-Man]

UMD women's basketball team hopped on an Amtrack train (the fast one) from Maryland to Connecticut to get to Bridgeport yesterday. I have never heard of a team catching a train to a game, especially a tourney game. Could this be for financial reasons or does this happen often?

 

[pinotbear]

Given the traffic you'd have to deal with by bus, and the paucity of air options into Bridgeport, the train sounds like a good idea. The seats are as roomy, if not better, than by air or by bus. Pretty relaxing way to travel, actually.

 

[huskymedic]

UMD women's basketball team hopped on an Amtrack train (the fast one) from Maryland to Connecticut to get to Bridgeport yesterday. I have never heard of a team catching a train to a game, especially a tourney game. Could this be for financial reasons or does this happen often?

I believe UConn WBB took a train to Philly to play Villanova back in January. Really makes a lot of sense - fiscally responsible, more leg room, ability to move around easily, arguably less risk.

 

[HuskyNan]

I believe UConn WBB took a train to Philly to play Villanova back in January. Really makes a lot of sense - fiscally responsible, more leg room, ability to move around easily, arguably less risk.

I think you're right. Given how awful it is to drive I95 and with the holiday weekend making it even worse, taking the train makes a lot of sense.

 

[Vowelguy]

I believe UConn WBB took a train to Philly to play Villanova back in January. Really makes a lot of sense - fiscally responsible, more leg room, ability to move around easily, arguably less risk.

Also did it a few yrs ago when Maya was on the team.

 

[vtcwbuff]

It soundls like a smart move. The team will probably be in better shape than if they had flown commercial.
Whenever I visit Philly or Washington I take the train. For me the trip is not a lot longer than going by air and it's a heck of a lot more comfortable.

 

[VAUConnFan]

UMD women's basketball team hopped on an Amtrack train (the fast one) from Maryland to Connecticut to get to Bridgeport yesterday. I have never heard of a team catching a train to a game, especially a tourney game. Could this be for financial reasons or does this happen often?

Traveling by train from Washington DC to Bridgeport makes an awful lot of sense. Assuming that you are referring to the Acela Express when mentioning "the fast one", the Acela Express does not normally stop in Bridgeport, though it does not seem impossible for special arrangments to be made in this particular case. If such an arrangment was not/could not be made, then the Terrapins would have had to change trains no later than Stamford for a regional Amtrak train to Bridgeport, or take the Acela Express to New Haven and bus back to Bridgeport(very likely). One can also charter a train car in which the team can sit exclusively(also very likely). Still in all, I absolutely love the idea.

 

[wire chief]

They may have had to pick up some blue hens on the way. At least, that's how I remember bus rides in Mexico.

 

[Kibitzer]

They probably took the Amtrak Acela to Stamford, then took a charter bus from there to Holiday Inn in Bridgeport. I like to think they will simply reverse this as they go back home Saturday evening. I'm sure Brenda would rather that her team enjoy Easter at home rather than practicing in Bridgeport that day. Geno will gladly accommodate her.

 

[zakalex]

The Arena is only two blocks from the train station, hardly further than the parking lot.

 

[pap49cba]

Just read that Maryland traveled by train as well.

 

[Man-Man]

Traveling by train from Washington DC to Bridgeport makes an awful lot of sense. Assuming that you are referring to the Acela Express when mentioning "the fast one", the Acela Express does not normally stop in Bridgeport, though it does not seem impossible for special arrangments to be made in this particular case. If such an arrangment was not/could not be made, then the Terrapins would have had to change trains no later than Stamford for a regional Amtrak train to Bridgeport, or take the Acela Express to New Haven and bus back to Bridgeport(very likely). One can also charter a train car in which the team can sit exclusively(also very likely). Still in all, I absolutely love the idea.

Yes Acela Express.

 

[Man-Man]

Just read that Maryland traveled by train as well.

You may have read it somewhere on the Boneyard board.

 

[semper]

Flown anywhere lately? It is such an awful experience...train whenever wherever you can!

 

[Fiftyish]

In the US, fast train is an oxymoron.

 

[pap49cba]

You may have read it somewhere on the Boneyard board.

Sorry, didn't see your earlier post. Sensitive huh? Get used to it. Happens all the time here on the BY.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Sorry, didn't see your earlier post. Sensitive huh? Get used to it. Happens all the time here on the BY.

Another instance where the OP should have appended one of the little wise ass thingies.

 

[HGN]

Great idea and a great way to travel actually..........Plus , it gives the team a little different experience. Many teams do it.

 

[CL82]

This was more entertaining than I anticipated. Reading the thread title I half expected to see a picture of a mole. Yeah, I clicked on it anyway.

 

[zls44]

The Maryland athletic department is also breathtakingly broke.