STORRS, Conn. — The University of Connecticut is taking steps to prevent chaos from ensuing on campus after crowds got destructive in 2023 following the men’s basketball team advancing to the Final Four and winning the national championship.
The university temporarily removed aluminum lampposts around Gampel Pavilion after crowds of students ripped light poles and street signs from the concrete, using them to break windows and doors and ram into the student union building. Mounted lights were also placed on buildings to ensure the campus is well lit.
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As activities for students get underway for the Final Four games this weekend, officials said on-campus watch parties at Gampel Pavilion will be open only to students and no alcohol will be sold.
Students think that UConn's decision is a good thing.
“I get it for safety and just like costs and stuff, so I think it's pretty good. I think it's safe. It's probably fair,” said Jesse Cannoy, a sophomore.
Grace Wong, a sophomore, said, “There were a lot of people who are really like angry in like big mobs. So, I think that not having things that would incite that makes sense."
A UConn spokesperson wrote in a statement, “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.”
The riots led to 39 arrests of mostly students who faced disciplinary actions including suspension and being expelled from the university, with some in their final semester.
University officials are encouraging students to cheer on the Huskies responsibly.
Jake Garcia is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jgarcia@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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