The UConn women’s basketball team will host the first edition of ESPN’s Women’s College Basketball Gameday at Gampel Pavilion on Jan. 16, when it plays host to Big East rival Notre Dame.
ESPN Gameday is a traveling studio show that broadcasts live from select game venues across the nation, incorporating local fans and the host campus into each show.
“We are honored that ESPN has chosen the University of Connecticut to host the first ever women’s basketball GameDay,” says Jeff Hathaway, director of athletics. “The selection of UConn is a testimony to Hall of Fame Coach Geno Auriemma and the many outstanding student-athletes who have worn the Husky uniform over the years. To be the first GameDay host for men’s basketball in 2005 and now women’s basketball is a tremendous statement for UConn. This will be another exciting and historic event for the University and for our loyal fans.”
Adds Auriemma, “It is exciting for the players, coaches, and fans of Connecticut and women’s basketball to have the first College Gameday in Storrs. The matchup of UConn and Notre Dame should provide quite the setting for this event and showcase the best of the Big East Conference.”
UConn also served as the first host of ESPN’s Men’s College Basketball Gameday when the Huskies faced Pittsburgh on Jan. 22, 2005.