University of Connecticut Athletics
New Features at Pratt & Whitney Stadium This Season
8/27/2018 1:45:00 PM | Football
UConn Football Kicks Off on Thursday Night!
The 2018 UConn Football season begins with a showdown at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field against defending American Athletic Conference Champion UCF in a Throwback Thursday game August 30 at 7 p.m. as we celebrate the "15 Years at the Rent" in East Hartford.
UConn Athletics spent the off-season dedicated to the ongoing priority to enhance and improve the overall gameday and fan experience. Several new initiatives and elements have been added or changed for the 2018 football season based on feedback from last season as well as the ongoing assessment and evaluation that helped identify new opportunities for all fans on gameday.
The new additions and changes have been outlined below as you prepare for the 2018 UConn Football home opener and 2018 season. We need all of UConn Nation at the Rent this season and look forward to seeing all fans on August 30!
Exclusively for the Home Opener
Exclusively for the season home opener, parking lots will open one hour earlier. Season parking pass holders can access the parking lots beginning at 1 p.m. and can park anywhere in their designated lot for the first 2 hours to tailgate next to friends and family. Parking lots for all other fans will open at 2 p.m. Additionally, exclusively for the night game and home opener, tailgating will be permitted for two hours after the game.
Fan Shuttles
Fan shuttle services will be provided for the Blue and Red Lots exclusively for fans who may be mobility, hearing or visually impaired. Fan Shuttles will run 2 designated routes:
Blue Lots 7 and 8 – There are three pick-up and drop-off points in Blue Lots 7 and 8 that will pick-up and drop-off at Gates C and D at the stadium. All pick-up and drop-off points will be marked with signage. Blue Lot fan shuttles will loop the designated route regularly for pre-game only beginning 2 hours before the game and run 30 minutes into the start of the game.
Red Lots I through P – There is one pick-up and drop-off point to service the Red Lots that will pick-up and drop-off at Gate B at the stadium. All pick-up and drop-off points will be marked with signage. The Red Lot fan shuttle will loop the designated route regularly beginning 2 hours before the game and run 30 minutes into the start of the game. Post-game the Red Lot fan shuttle will loop the designated route for one hour beginning at the start of the 4th quarter.
Please see the Parking Map for specific locations.
Happy Hour
An all-new Happy Hour will be implemented for the first 60 minutes of the gates opening and will feature a discount on food and beverage specials as well as a merchandise special every game. Happy Hour specials will take place only at the Fresh Classics concession stand located behind Section 136 near Gate A and will feature $4 12 oz. domestic drafts and a $5 popcorn bucket that can be refillable throughout Happy Hour. The Huskymania Fan Shop will also feature a Happy Hour merchandise offering each game, check UConnHuskies.com/gameday before each game for information on the featured item. With gates opening at 5:30 p.m. for the home opener, Happy hour will run from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
As a reminder, each and every game throughout the season, fans can purchase Rent Dogs and bottled water for only $3 per item.
Fan Fest Presented by Powerstation Events
Fan Fest presented by Powerstation will be better than ever this season with several new initiatives, programming and activation in place to provide a free and entertaining pre-game experience for all fans. The footprint has been expanded and will now be closed to vehicular traffic to create a more fan-friendly area for pedestrian foot traffic. Fans that have previously parked in this area will be re-directed to another accessible parking lot.
Post-Game Experience Field Access
Have you always wanted to take a family photo, toss a football or score a touchdown at the Rent? New this season limited number of fans will be allowed on the field following the conclusion of the game for 30 minutes. The first 200 fans that pick up a "Post-Game Experience" wristband at the Athletics Marketing tent at Fan Fest will be able to access the field to complete your gameday experience. At the end of the game, those fans with a wristband will be escorted onto the field from Section 137. All fans must sign a participant waiver before receiving a wristband. Wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
New Concession Stands and Beverage Offerings
Spectra is excited to announce the addition of new concession stands and the integration of two major beverage brands at Pratt & Whitney Stadium: Two Roads Brewing Company will be located behind Section 107 and Sam Adams Brewhouse behind Section 108. The new concession stands coming to Pratt & Whitney Stadium offer a variety of new and exciting food offerings that will further enhance the overall fan experience. These stands feature locally-inspired dishes that bring new flavors to the eating experience at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Whey Station, voted Connecticut's best food truck, will feature gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches behind Section 105 and the Greek'n Out food truck will be serving up some traditional Greek favorites. Please view the Concessions Map here or for more information please visit RentschlerField.com.
Gameday Ambassadors
Gameday Ambassadors will be located throughout the stadium pre-game and around the concourse in-game to provide assistance, information or answer any questions you may have on gameday. Gameday Ambassadors can be identified by red polos with "Gameday Ambassadors" on the back as well as by vertical signs with messaging "How May I Help You".
Guest Services will continue to be provided behind Section 105 and 120 inside the stadium. Pick up a Tag-A-Guest (TAG) wristband to write in the name and contact information should someone in your party become separated or lost.
Parking Lot Signage
Parking lot signage has been enhanced in the Blue Lots 7 and 8 to better identify areas to more easily find friends and family. Additionally, an egress or exit map has been created to better communicate the exit patterns and traffic flow as fans exit the parking lots and stadium. Please view the map here.
Victory Bell
The "Ring the Bell" tradition after the Huskies score is one that will continue to happen and have an even bigger role and tradition on gameday. The Victory Bell has been moved from the concourse to the field level to have a bigger visual impact and role on gameday. We hope you join us in helping this tradition to be even bigger and better this season.
Jonathan the Husky XIV
Jonathan the Husky will have a larger presence on gameday with his very own dog house on the field for him to take breaks as he cheers on the Huskies! Jonathan will also be incorporated into the pre-game show, something you will not want to miss!
Student Season Ticket Holders
This season the first 500 UConn student football season ticket holders will receive a "mystery" item to encourage them to arrive early and cheer on their Huskies. The mystery item will be first-come, first-served while supplies last at the student entrance.
Team Introduction
We won't spoil this one, but be on the lookout for some new additions and changes to the team running out of the tunnel!
Gameday Central
UConn Football Gameday Central at UConnHuskies.com/gameday is the go-to web page for all gameday related information including game times, Fan Fest presented by Powerstation schedule, promotions, themes, giveaways, game times, weather updates, stadium maps, etc. Be sure to check it weekly for updates!
Football Gameday A-Z Fan Guide
The Football Gameday A-Z Fan Guide on Gameday Central at UConnHuskies.com/gameday is a quick resource for all gameday questions including ticket office information, when the stadium gates open, bag policy, etc.
UConn Athletics spent the off-season dedicated to the ongoing priority to enhance and improve the overall gameday and fan experience. Several new initiatives and elements have been added or changed for the 2018 football season based on feedback from last season as well as the ongoing assessment and evaluation that helped identify new opportunities for all fans on gameday.
The new additions and changes have been outlined below as you prepare for the 2018 UConn Football home opener and 2018 season. We need all of UConn Nation at the Rent this season and look forward to seeing all fans on August 30!
Exclusively for the Home Opener
Exclusively for the season home opener, parking lots will open one hour earlier. Season parking pass holders can access the parking lots beginning at 1 p.m. and can park anywhere in their designated lot for the first 2 hours to tailgate next to friends and family. Parking lots for all other fans will open at 2 p.m. Additionally, exclusively for the night game and home opener, tailgating will be permitted for two hours after the game.
Fan Shuttles
Fan shuttle services will be provided for the Blue and Red Lots exclusively for fans who may be mobility, hearing or visually impaired. Fan Shuttles will run 2 designated routes:
Blue Lots 7 and 8 – There are three pick-up and drop-off points in Blue Lots 7 and 8 that will pick-up and drop-off at Gates C and D at the stadium. All pick-up and drop-off points will be marked with signage. Blue Lot fan shuttles will loop the designated route regularly for pre-game only beginning 2 hours before the game and run 30 minutes into the start of the game.
Red Lots I through P – There is one pick-up and drop-off point to service the Red Lots that will pick-up and drop-off at Gate B at the stadium. All pick-up and drop-off points will be marked with signage. The Red Lot fan shuttle will loop the designated route regularly beginning 2 hours before the game and run 30 minutes into the start of the game. Post-game the Red Lot fan shuttle will loop the designated route for one hour beginning at the start of the 4th quarter.
Please see the Parking Map for specific locations.
Happy Hour
An all-new Happy Hour will be implemented for the first 60 minutes of the gates opening and will feature a discount on food and beverage specials as well as a merchandise special every game. Happy Hour specials will take place only at the Fresh Classics concession stand located behind Section 136 near Gate A and will feature $4 12 oz. domestic drafts and a $5 popcorn bucket that can be refillable throughout Happy Hour. The Huskymania Fan Shop will also feature a Happy Hour merchandise offering each game, check UConnHuskies.com/gameday before each game for information on the featured item. With gates opening at 5:30 p.m. for the home opener, Happy hour will run from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
As a reminder, each and every game throughout the season, fans can purchase Rent Dogs and bottled water for only $3 per item.
Fan Fest Presented by Powerstation Events
Fan Fest presented by Powerstation will be better than ever this season with several new initiatives, programming and activation in place to provide a free and entertaining pre-game experience for all fans. The footprint has been expanded and will now be closed to vehicular traffic to create a more fan-friendly area for pedestrian foot traffic. Fans that have previously parked in this area will be re-directed to another accessible parking lot.
- Expanded to begin 3 hours prior to game time
- A live band will be featured on the Fan Fest stage each game
- "Ring the Bell" will now alert and cue fans to make their way to Fan Fest for Husky Walk as the team arrives at the stadium
- A promotional giveaway item every game to encourage fans to Husky Walk
- Limited food and beverage options will be available for sale
- A live outdoor stage from 97-9 ESPN Hartford for the pre-game radio show
- Live programming including interviews, contests and promotions
- Several new photo opportunities including the U-C-O-N-N letters, photo backdrops, social media booth and more
- Charging station for mobile phones
- Interactive displays and games including inflatables, vehicles, and more
Post-Game Experience Field Access
Have you always wanted to take a family photo, toss a football or score a touchdown at the Rent? New this season limited number of fans will be allowed on the field following the conclusion of the game for 30 minutes. The first 200 fans that pick up a "Post-Game Experience" wristband at the Athletics Marketing tent at Fan Fest will be able to access the field to complete your gameday experience. At the end of the game, those fans with a wristband will be escorted onto the field from Section 137. All fans must sign a participant waiver before receiving a wristband. Wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
New Concession Stands and Beverage Offerings
Spectra is excited to announce the addition of new concession stands and the integration of two major beverage brands at Pratt & Whitney Stadium: Two Roads Brewing Company will be located behind Section 107 and Sam Adams Brewhouse behind Section 108. The new concession stands coming to Pratt & Whitney Stadium offer a variety of new and exciting food offerings that will further enhance the overall fan experience. These stands feature locally-inspired dishes that bring new flavors to the eating experience at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Whey Station, voted Connecticut's best food truck, will feature gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches behind Section 105 and the Greek'n Out food truck will be serving up some traditional Greek favorites. Please view the Concessions Map here or for more information please visit RentschlerField.com.
Gameday Ambassadors
Gameday Ambassadors will be located throughout the stadium pre-game and around the concourse in-game to provide assistance, information or answer any questions you may have on gameday. Gameday Ambassadors can be identified by red polos with "Gameday Ambassadors" on the back as well as by vertical signs with messaging "How May I Help You".
Guest Services will continue to be provided behind Section 105 and 120 inside the stadium. Pick up a Tag-A-Guest (TAG) wristband to write in the name and contact information should someone in your party become separated or lost.
Parking Lot Signage
Parking lot signage has been enhanced in the Blue Lots 7 and 8 to better identify areas to more easily find friends and family. Additionally, an egress or exit map has been created to better communicate the exit patterns and traffic flow as fans exit the parking lots and stadium. Please view the map here.
Victory Bell
The "Ring the Bell" tradition after the Huskies score is one that will continue to happen and have an even bigger role and tradition on gameday. The Victory Bell has been moved from the concourse to the field level to have a bigger visual impact and role on gameday. We hope you join us in helping this tradition to be even bigger and better this season.
Jonathan the Husky XIV
Jonathan the Husky will have a larger presence on gameday with his very own dog house on the field for him to take breaks as he cheers on the Huskies! Jonathan will also be incorporated into the pre-game show, something you will not want to miss!
Student Season Ticket Holders
This season the first 500 UConn student football season ticket holders will receive a "mystery" item to encourage them to arrive early and cheer on their Huskies. The mystery item will be first-come, first-served while supplies last at the student entrance.
Team Introduction
We won't spoil this one, but be on the lookout for some new additions and changes to the team running out of the tunnel!
Gameday Central
UConn Football Gameday Central at UConnHuskies.com/gameday is the go-to web page for all gameday related information including game times, Fan Fest presented by Powerstation schedule, promotions, themes, giveaways, game times, weather updates, stadium maps, etc. Be sure to check it weekly for updates!
Football Gameday A-Z Fan Guide
The Football Gameday A-Z Fan Guide on Gameday Central at UConnHuskies.com/gameday is a quick resource for all gameday questions including ticket office information, when the stadium gates open, bag policy, etc.
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