UConn will go a second autumn without First Night, the preseason celebration for its men’s and women’s basketball programs, because of construction at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs.
WTNH’s Jason Levy reported October 15 that an athletics spokesperson said no First Night had been planned amid the renovations. Eastern CT News reviewed the station’s complete report through its AOL syndication; that is one report, not independent confirmation from two outlets.
The last celebration was in 2024 and included a mixed-team shooting competition and scrimmage, according to WTNH. Its absence removes a chance for students and supporters to see both programs together before the season.
UConn’s own renovation announcement, issued March 24, describes a $99.4 million, multi-phase project funded through UConn 2000 bonds. The initial phase includes roof work, renovated player and staff facilities, recruiting and medical spaces, and redesigned concessions.
The university’s construction page still lists November 2026 as the expected completion of that phase. WTNH’s October report says construction extends through October; those descriptions do not establish that all work will finish during October or that the project is already complete.
Further construction is expected to start in March 2027, including hospitality spaces and a student-athlete nutrition area. Those improvements are separate from a confirmed return date for First Night; none is established in the sources reviewed.