Conference Realignment - What's next?

The fan/revenue equation at UConn is also incredibly interesting and one of the reasons I don’t think they fit as an all sports addition in the Big 12.

There are two basketball venues that UConn plays in - XL center in Hartford (30+ minute drive from campus) and Gampel Pavillion (right on campus). However, it is a state law that UConn has to play X% of their games (the majority, as a matter of fact) in the XL Center. The catch? UConn actually has to pay for the usage. They pay every dime, down to even parking the team bus and turning the lights on in the building, to use that facility.

The same for their use of the football stadium in East Hartford.

The distance from campus eliminates a real college atmosphere vibe in those venues (tho hoops will always be better than football), and runs the bill up on the athletic department.

So when you all turn on the game in a few years and Oklahoma State is playing in front of a raucous crowd of 100 people, let me be the first to apologize. And for those who make the trip, don’t expect much in terms of tailgating. UConn football will be an embarrassment to our conference.
 
PickleRick said:
The fan/revenue equation at UConn is also incredibly interesting and one of the reasons I don’t think they fit as an all sports addition in the Big 12.

There are two basketball venues that UConn plays in - XL center in Hartford (30+ minute drive from campus) and Gampel Pavillion (right on campus). However, it is a state law that UConn has to play X% of their games (the majority, as a matter of fact) in the XL Center. The catch? UConn actually has to pay for the usage. They pay every dime, down to even parking the team bus and turning the lights on in the building, to use that facility.

The same for their use of the football stadium in East Hartford.

The distance from campus eliminates a real college atmosphere vibe in those venues (tho hoops will always be better than football), and runs the bill up on the athletic department.

So when you all turn on the game in a few years and Oklahoma State is playing in front of a raucous crowd of 100 people, let me be the first to apologize. And for those who make the trip, don’t expect much in terms of tailgating. UConn football will be an embarrassment to our conference.
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I am hearing that the UCONN all sports add is just a leverage play to get AZ to join CO in coming. That we are most likely only going to add UCONN basketball.
 
OSUPSYCHO said:
I am hearing that the UCONN all sports add is just a leverage play to get AZ to join CO in coming. That we are most likely only going to add UCONN basketball.
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This absolutely could be true. I was told otherwise - but I think Yormark is savvy enough to not show his full hand in any of these convos.

I can tell you for certain that Yormark sold UConn on being an all sports add - but that the main meetings were with the basketball administration.

What I can’t tell you for certain is whether or not these convos about being an all sport addition were hypothetical, “best case scenario”, “plan B if so and so doesn’t join”, etc.

I definitely did not ask enough follow ups to be sure of that.

I do know that UConn was told - for lack of a better term - to wait until the PAC12 stuff shakes out - so you could be dead right on this.

I’m all in on a basketball-only addition. I’d be really bummed to have to see Oklahoma State play at Rentschler Field.
 
I like the idea, my wife has family in CT, and I think they would definitely add to basketball prestige. I also think football would work if they committed to the sport as part of a major conference. The NE doesn't really have a prominent college football team. BC is too small and private and hasn't shown much since the 80's outside a few above average seasons and a couple of really good seasons with Matt Ryan. Rutgers and Syracuse don't really give a crap about football. UConn could do well in a league like ours with some commitment to the sport. Memphis would also get a look if they would build an on campus stadium, or at least replace the Liberty Bowl.
 
Pistol Pete's Mustache said:
I like the idea, my wife has family in CT, and I think they would definitely add to basketball prestige. I also think football would work if they committed to the sport as part of a major conference. The NE doesn't really have a prominent college football team. BC is too small and private and hasn't shown much since the 80's outside a few above average seasons and a couple of really good seasons with Matt Ryan. Rutgers and Syracuse don't really give a crap about football. UConn could do well in a league like ours with some commitment to the sport. Memphis would also get a look if they would build an on campus stadium, or at least replace the Liberty Bowl.
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If you ever find you way up here on a game day - please reach out! I host the CT Watch Party and we have great food, a full sports court for games, and plenty to drink!
 
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No way we're taking UConn as a football member.
Pistol Pete's Mustache said:
I also think football would work if they committed to the sport as part of a major conference. The NE doesn't really have a prominent college football team. UConn could do well in a league like ours with some commitment to the sport. Memphis would also get a look if they would build an on campus stadium, or at least replace the Liberty Bowl.
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Penn St. might take issue with that assessment. I'd be fine adding UConn bball, but UConn FB is a perennial doormat. Perhaps someday they could be relevant, but there's no way the Big12 takes that gamble. They would draw zero eyeballs.
 
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