University of Connecticut Athletics
First Night Returns October 12th
9/26/2018 3:00:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
After a one-year hiatus, the UConn men's and women's basketball teams will tip-off their 2018-19 campaigns with the return of First Night, presented by 97-9 ESPN Hartford and the Connecticut National Guard, on Friday, Oct. 12, at Gampel Pavilion.
Please note that traffic patterns have changed on campus since the end of last season and a portion of Jim Calhoun Way is closed between Separatist Road and I Lot (adjacent to Freitas Ice Forum) for upgrading infrastructure that serves the southwest area of campus. Gampel Pavilion and I Lot will remain accessible from Hillside Road and Alumni Drive. The upper entrance to the South Garage will be accessible via Hillside Road while the lower entrance will be accessible via Alumni Drive to Jim Calhoun Way. Â
The event is open to the public, with free admission and doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Promotions, on-court entertainment, and the pre-show party will begin at 6 p.m. with First Night officially beginning at 7 p.m. Event parking in the North and South garages will be available for $5. Fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to avoid congestion due to on-campus construction. Access to campus via Separatist Road – Jim Calhoun Way is not possible. There is directional signage for all other routes through campus.
Some First Night favorites make a return: an exclusive poster, the first 300 fans to sign up at the South Entrance can participate in a "Selfie Session" with both teams, a drumline performance, additional giveaways, contests, and more.
Both the men's and women's players will once again be divided into Blue and White teams. New this year, a score will be kept between both teams throughout the entire night, including all skills challenges and scrimmages. When fans arrive, they can pick which team they think will win by selecting either a Blue or White raffle ticket. Each fan who picks the winning team will receive a door prize as they exit the arena and also be entered to win one of the grand prizes – a pair of season tickets to both men's and women's basketball, a UConn Bookstore gift pack, or a new TV.
There is plenty to be excited about this year. New for First Night 2018 is a 3-versus-3 scrimmage featuring men's action, women's action, and combined action. Ayo & Teo, a music duo known best for their hit "Rolex", will perform for students from 6:10 p.m. – 6:40 p.m. In addition, the players will participate in a three-point contest, half-court shot challenge, and a dance-off. Make sure to arrive in your seats early – the entertainment is starting earlier than ever before with a pre-show party beginning at 6 p.m.
Schedule of Events
3:00 p.m. – Student Line Starts (North Entrance)
- First 50 students in line receive floor access for Ayo & Teo performance and courtside seats for First Night
- Next 350 students in line receive floor access for Ayo & Teo performance and reserved seats for First Night
- Live DJ from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Pizza delivery before doors open
4:30 p.m. – Selfie Session Sign-Up (South Entrance)
- Selfie session credentials available at south entrance for first 300 fans
- Selfies are in Werth Champions Center and fans will receive reserved seats for First Night
5:30 p.m. - Doors Open for First Night
- UConn Students receive UConn Basketball Tank Tops at North & East entrances (first come, first served while supplies last)
- First Night posters and light up wristbands at all entrances
- Pick which team you think will win by grabbing a blue or white raffle ticket at all entrances
6:00 p.m. - Pre-Show Party Begins
- Entertainment is starting earlier than ever before
- Ayo & Teo performance 6:10 p.m. – 6:40 p.m.
- Light show featuring DJ Skillz
- UConn Drumline and Dance Team performances
7:00 p.m. – Showtime
- Player & coaches introductions
- Three point contest
- Half court challenge
- Dance-Off
- 3v3 Scrimmage
Important Notes
The UConn Athletics bag policy will be in effect. For the safety of all fans and to expedite entry, backpacks and bags larger than 12 x 12 x 6 will not be permitted in Gampel Pavilion. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will be closed when Gampel reaches capacity.
In order to monitor capacity, free admission tickets will be distributed outside of the Gampel entrances which will be scanned upon entry into the arena.
Students should enter through NORTH & EAST entrances ONLY.
General public can enter through the North, East and South entrances.
Follow #UConnFirstNight on social media for capacity updates and all First Night information.
Live Stream
The entire event will be streamed live on Huskies All-Access beginning at 6 p.m.
