UConn Takes Precautions Ahead of Final Four

As the University of Connecticut’s men’s and women’s basketball teams gear up for their Final Four showdowns, UConn police and administrators are taking steps to prevent a repeat of the destructive celebrations that followed last year’s men’s national championship victory.

The celebration following UConn’s victory turned into acts of vandalism as students took to the streets and destroyed property throughout the campus.

The initial report detailed over $135,000 in property damage, including multiple university vehicles being flipped and smashed, and damaged light poles, signage, and doors, among other damage.

In an emailed statement sent to Inside Investigator, University Spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said that costs related to last year’s damages have risen to over $560,000.

“As of 3/31/24, the total cost related to last year’s damages has been calculated at nearly $563,000… Materials: $510,829  Labor: $52,125 Total: $562,954.”

Tearing down light poles was considered among the most significant damage done last year, with one falling and destroying a glass door on campus. In response to the risk of light poles, falling and damaging property or causing injury to fans, UConn facilities staff have removed them in risky areas.

“Given the prevalence of damage to the aluminum campus light poles along Fairfield Way last year, the University is temporarily removing them and has installed wall lights in that area. They provide the same amount of illumination without being vulnerable to being removed and misused, as occurred last year.”

In addition to campus damages, 39 people were arrested, and 16 people were injured.

While UConn officials believe the damage was significant, University Spokesperson Reitz stated that this is not the norm.

“It’s important to emphasize that the vast majority of our students celebrated last year’s championship in a responsible, appropriate manner. It’s unfortunate that a small fraction of people in the crowds chose to be disruptive, but their behavior should reflect only on them, not on our full student body or other Husky fans.”

However, in response to last year’s chaos, the game’s on-campus watch party at Gampel Pavilion will not serve alcohol and will only be limited to active UConn students who have tickets for the watch party event.

“The Gampel watch parties will be limited to UConn students who receive a ticket and show ID, so alumni will not be able to join there.”

University spokesperson Reitz said the university is not disclosing specific strategies or plans being implemented, but emphasized the public’s safety and well-being are their priority.

UConn’s Chief of police could not be immediately reached for comment.

The UConn Women are scheduled to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four on Friday, April 5, at 9:30 PM, on ESPN and ESPN+.

The UConn Men are scheduled to play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Final Four on Saturday, April 6, at 8:50 PM, Max, TBS, and TNT.

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