50°
The incidents took place in Tolland County on the UConn campus in Storrs as thousands celebrated the win over San Diego State University that was wrapped up late Monday evening, April 3.
According to UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz, the vast majority of those celebrating the Husky victory last night did so safely and responsibly.
"A small number chose to risk their safety and that of others by vandalizing or destroying property after the game," Reitz said. "UConn Police will investigate the vandalism and other potential criminal offenses that occurred. Those responsible will face arrest and, if they are students, sanctions up to and including expulsion."
The vandalism primarily consisted of broken light poles in the center of campus, broken glass in windows in some nearby buildings and a Student Union door, a vehicle turned on its side, and fires set in trash dumpsters and on wooden benches, she said.
Reitz said 15 people have been arrested and charged with various crimes; most of those arrested are UConn students. Sixteen people were transported to area hospitals for evaluation of injuries, none of which were considered to be significant.
"UConn Facilities Operations crews were on campus overnight and into this morning to document and clean up the damage. The damage estimates are still being determined," she said.
But those events didn't tarnish the bright shine of the victory which will be celebrated in style with a "Welcome Home" rally on Tuesday when the Huskies return home to Storrs at Gampel Pavilion.
Fans and students that would like to attend will need to claim a free ticket to the event. Doors to Gampel will open at 4 p.m. with the team expected to arrive at approximately 5 p.m.
Students and the general public should visit UConnHuskies.com and follow the claim links through the website announcement to claim their tickets.
The Huskies will land at Bradley International Airport at approximately 3:30 p.m. with the team buses and an escort making their way to campus via the following route: Bradley Airport to I-91 South to I-291 East to I-84 East and Exit 68 and then Rt. 195 onto campus and Gampel Pavilion, Reitz said.
There will be no public or media access at the airport.
Fans are encouraged to check UConn's main social media accounts throughout the day on Tuesday for any updates.
- Twitter - @UConnHuskies
- Facebook – @UConnHuskies
- Instagram - @UConnHuskies
All-time UConn men's basketball national titles
- 2023 (defeated San Diego State 76-59)
- 2014 (defeated Kentucky, 60-54)
- 2011 (defeated Butler, 53-41)
- 2004 (defeated Georgia Tech, 82-73)
- 1999 (defeated Duke, 77-74)
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hartford and receive free news updates.
