UConn prepares for busy basketball weekend with the men and women in Final Four matchups
UConn has a lot to celebrate this weekend as the women’s and men’s programs prepare for the Final Four in their respective NCAA tournaments.
The UConn campus is preparing too, continuing to ensure the situation after the men’s NCAA championship isn’t repeated.
Crews were spotted taking down some of the last light posts along the roadway outside Gampel Pavilion on Thursday, ahead of the women’s game Friday night.
“Everyone is excited to watch the games together, sort of that camaraderie you see,” said Aidan Byrne, a junior who has only ever known championships.
Most of the UConn student body is no stranger to the end of March Madness, but this year, some say it feels different, as both teams are dominating.
“Vibes are definitely high, it’s nice to see the men and women do the sendoffs and everyone coming out,” said Byrne.
“Now with both in the Final Four, I think excitement has just reached a whole new level,” added Nathan Snyder, a fellow junior.
Students are making plans to spend the weekend watching basketball.
“I will be attending the watch parties if I get the tickets, going out with my friends to watch the games, and just celebrating the hype if they make it,” said Ryann Barba.
The fans are also ensuring they play their part in the championship runs.
“Me and my buddies are watching the men’s all together, we call it a lucky spot,” Snyder said of his friends returning to the same spot the last few rounds of the tournament, even sitting in the same seats.
The campus is preparing for anything, regardless of how the games play out.
Following the men’s NCAA championship victory in 2023, celebrations erupted and some turned dangerous. Fifteen students were arrested, and damage was done as light poles were brought down and a window was smashed in the student union building.
Since then, in the two subsequent championships, UConn has preemptively taken down the light posts, and security has been increased. Students have also celebrated without events turning chaotic.
“They definitely tighten security a little bit, but we definitely understand we need to be a little more controlled, but obviously we should go out, have fun, be together,” said Aadam Milik.
“We can have our fun, we can gather but not do anything super crazy, I don’t think there are going to be any lampposts left if you wanted to do anything,” added Cameron Bill.
All the students agree that celebrations are necessary, but in a safe manner.
“Go Huskies, obviously, but we don’t want to cause any damage, so we are just going to celebrate the right way,” Byrne said.
“UConn should just enjoy it, there is little chance we are going to see anything like this again where we both win a national championship, so much as well enjoy it,” said Snyder.
The school added that they plan to send the student body an email reminding them to have fun while being respectful and safe. They added that they will address security and safety if either team makes it to the NCAA Championship game.
This year, there are no watch parties inside Gampel Pavilion for the Final Four matchups, but if the teams make it to the championships, watch parties will return.
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