Governor Rell Proudly Declares

‘UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend’

Opportunity to Show Connecticut is College Basketball Capital of World

            Governor M. Jodi Rell, in honor of the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball teams, announced today she is declaring Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5, as “UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend.” Both teams play this weekend in the men’s and women’s national semifinals of the Final Four for a chance to play for the 2009 NCAA National Basketball Championship.

            “March Madness has turned into April Madness in Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “Although most of us will not be in Detroit or St. Louis to cheer on the Huskies, we can certainly do our part in showing our unwavering support for them right here in Connecticut. In addition to winning a national championship, UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend will go a long way in proving that the State of Connecticut really is the college basketball capital of the world in 2009.

            “The 2009 men’s and women’s Final Four means more than just basketball for many of us,” the Governor said. “This is our chance to say ‘thank you’ to the players and coaches for not only treating us to another exciting basketball season but also helping many of us take a timeout from the financial pressures facing our family and friends to watch the Huskies – even if it is just for a couple of hours a day.”

            To celebrate UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend, the Governor offered some ideas for fans to show their Husky Pride:

• Wear your favorite UConn gear (or anything you have that is blue and white)
• Pin a blue and white ribbon on your lapel or display a large ribbon on your home’s front door or mailbox
• Display a sign in the window or front yard
• Fly a UConn flag outside your home
• Go to your local florist to get a blue and white flower arrangement for your home
• Urge businesses – when and where appropriate – to allow their employees to wear blue and white

            The Governor’s office also asked area business leaders to participate in UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend. The Aetna’s Cupola at their Farmington Avenue headquarters, Hartford 21 and the Travelers Tower will all display blue and white lights this weekend. In addition, banners will be displayed outside the Gold Building in Hartford and the State Office Building on Capitol Avenue.

            “I want the Huskies to know we support them and I want them to hear us cheering all the way in Detroit and St. Louis,” Governor Rell said. “The UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams serve as a great source of inspiration for Connecticut residents. Brace yourself, Husky fans, for the possibility of watching UConn basketball make history once again by repeating their dual national championships of 2004. It is going to be a great Final Four weekend in Connecticut.”

            Governor Rell will extend Blue & White Weekend through Tuesday if either or both teams make it to the Championship Game.

            The UConn men, led by Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun, play the Michigan State Spartans in Detroit on Saturday (6:07 p.m. on CBS) for the opportunity to play for their third NCAA National Championship title on Monday night. The undefeated UConn women, led by Hall of Fame Coach Geno Auriemma, play the Stanford Cardinal in St. Louis on Sunday (9:30 p.m. on ESPN) for a chance to play for their sixth NCAA National Championship title on Tuesday night.