UConn women’s basketball just flipped the script on what a fan experience can be, dropping an auction that lets someone actually snag a spot on the bench for two preseason games. Yeah, you read that right. We’re talking about sitting right there with Geno Auriemma and his crew, a place usually reserved for the absolute cream of the crop, like the eight former five-star recruits already on the roster or their ex-pro coaching staff.
Forget the Stands, You’re Practically a Husky
This isn’t some backroom deal, this is a legit auction put on by The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc., and it’s already running. It kicked off Friday afternoon, with opening bids set at $2,000 for each game. The whole thing wraps up Thursday at 9 p.m. ET, so if you’ve got the cash and the UConn blood, you better move fast. What’s in it for that price tag? A totally unique view of UConn basketball, for sure, but also a premium parking pass, hospitality passes to the Champions Club, and a team-issued Nike polo so you can look the part while you’re chilling courtside. Seriously, how cool is that?
The Rules Are Tight, But the Experience Is Tighter
Now, UConn isn’t just letting anyone on the bench. There are some serious rules in place, probably to keep things totally above board with all those college sports regulations. You’ve gotta be at least 25 years old, for starters. And no, you can’t be in high school or college right now. Plus, if you’re coaching prospective student-athletes or think you’re gonna start giving pointers to the Huskies, forget about it. That’s a hard no. They’re making sure this is purely for the ultimate fan experience, not any kind of recruiting loophole. The lucky fan will be on the bench for the October 19 exhibition against Texas at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford and the October 25 exhibition against Army right there on campus at Gampel Pavilion.
For those who miss out on this wild auction, you can still catch UConn’s exhibitions against Army and Texas, with tickets starting at $17 through SeatGeek. And don’t forget, the Huskies’ preseason opener goes down Monday evening against Syracuse at Mohegan Sun Arena. Tipoff’s set for 6:30 p.m. ET, with tickets for that one starting at $74. Get ready for some hoops!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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