Central Connecticut, Fairfield, Hartford, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Yale comprise field

State college basketball fans will converge on the city of Bridgeport on November 13 for the first Connecticut 6 Classic, a men's basketball tripleheader. The Connecticut 6 is set for the next three years with this year's tripleheader being played at Arena at Harbor Yard. The second and third years of the Connecticut 6 will take place at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.

The Classic will include Central Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, University of Hartford, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, and Yale University. The announcement was made by Fairfield University Director of Athletics Eugene P. Doris on behalf of the six participating schools during a news conference at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn.

"I am very happy to act as spokesperson for this event," Doris said. "The State of Connecticut's Sports Advisory Board created an opportunity for us to come together and raise interest for in-state sporting events. This was a collective effort by each of the six schools, an effort that will benefit college basketball fans across the state. This Classic will bring six quality programs with rich traditions into one venue and present an exciting start to the college basketball season."

The tripleheader will include three games with Sacred Heart playing Yale in the first game, followed by a match up between Fairfield and Central Connecticut in game two. The night concludes when Hartford and Quinnipiac take the court for the third contest. Game times are set for 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30 pm.

College basketball fans have become accustomed to seeing basketball's best at both venues over the years. Arena at Harbor Yard has hosted three NCAA Women's Basketball Championship tournaments over the last six years, while the Mohegan Sun Arena has hosted high school and college basketball tournaments, Boston Celtics preseason games and is home of the WNBA's Connecticut Sun.

"We are excited to host the inaugural Connecticut 6 Classic at Arena at Harbor Yard," said Lynn Carlotto, General Manager of Arena at Harbor Yard. "We've successfully hosted NCAA basketball and ice hockey events since opening in 2000. The Connecticut 6 Classic is unique because all the participating teams are from Connecticut, showcasing the depth of talent we have throughout the state."

"Mohegan Sun is proud to be the future site of Connecticut's annual One-Day Division 1 Basketball Tournament, highlighting six of the best teams the state has to offer," said Senior Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Paul Munick. "Our unique location and commanding size will give every hoops fan the chance for a perfect seat to see some of the best and brightest our state has to offer on the hardcourt. We are thrilled to add this outstanding tournament to the list of events which call Mohegan Sun home."

Ticket prices are set at $12 for adults and $5 for students. Fans can contact any of the six participating schools for ticket information.

Posted On: 05-27-2009 10:05 AM

Volume: $vol Number: $num