University of Connecticut Athletics
A Message From Athletic Director David Benedict About Sportsmanship and Fan Conduct
11/3/2023 6:12:00 PM | Gameday
Dear UConn Basketball Fan:
We are grateful for your support of the Huskies and look forward to seeing you during the coming season. There is nothing that matches the unique excitement of attending UConn men's and women's basketball games in person. We feel very fortunate to have the most passionate fans in the country, which makes for incredible energy in Gampel Pavilion and XL Center.Â
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The NCAA and the Big East have recently communicated their expectations to all member institutions related to sportsmanship, respect and safety before, during and after games. It is incumbent upon all game attendees, including our dedicated fans, to endorse these principles. While we want to create an outstanding home court advantage that boosts our teams, we also want to do it in a way that doesn't reflect poorly on our university or have a negative impact upon the game itself.Â
There is a major difference between enthusiastically cheering for our teams and taunting or demeaning others with derogatory remarks. Please know that any such offensive actions towards game participants, including student-athletes, coaches and game officials, will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the arena.Â
Creating a tremendous home environment is a shared responsibility of everyone in the building. We appreciate your commitment and contributions to making the atmosphere in our home venues second to none. But let's do it the right way. We can be vocal without being vulgar. We can be rabid without ridiculing. We can be thunderous yet not threatening. Let's demonstrate a positive spirit and tone reflecting why UConn fans are the best fans. Â
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. You are an important part of the "Basketball Capital of the World." Go Huskies!
Sincerely,
David Benedict
Director of Athletics
