CT Hoops Havens: CCSU Is Definitely Worth A Visit

Editor's Note: Patch Field Editor Michael Lemanski, a 1992 University of Connecticut graduate, and his daughter Samantha Lemanski, 14, are both major UConn men's and women's basketball fans. But Connecticut's college hoops scene is more than just the Huskies, who are a state and national powerhouse. There are five other Division I programs in Connecticut: Central Connecticut State University; Quinnipiac University; Fairfield University; Sacred Heart University; and Yale University. This winter, the duo has set out to try and visit as many Connecticut Division I basketball facilities as possible to see what they have to offer hoops fans. Also worth visiting are the state's non-Division I programs, which feature men and women competing for the love of the game and higher education. This is the first of an occasional series.

Monday, Jan. 15: Central Connecticut State University

NEW BRITAIN, CT — Our winter adventure started with a Martin Luther King Day late-afternoon matchup at Central Connecticut State University, which took on Northeast Conference opponent Merrimack College, a small, private college located in North Andover, Mass.

The game was never really in doubt, even though the CCSU Blue Devils only defeated the Warriors of Merrimack, 75-70.

But what was interesting — and enjoyable — was the highly relaxed atmosphere and basketball purity in tiny Detrick Gymnasium on the New Britain campus.

The students were not yet back from winter break and Detrick's official attendance that night was just more than 1,000, far less than the 2,654-person capacity.

Still, the positive atmosphere was noticeable, even for a quiet game at a still-empty campus.

The pep band played at a good tempo, demonstrating great skill despite being small in numbers, according to my eighth-grade, trombone-playing daughter.

And there wasn't a single bad seat in the house, with both sides of the gym (calling it an arena is a bit inaccurate) featuring clear sight lines close to the action.

For us, a front-row ticket meant easy visual access to the teams, with the bouncing ball on the wooden floor even being felt in the bottoms of our feet during play.

Awash in blue and white, CCSU's basketball facility harkens back to simpler days when college basketball was played for the love of the game and a scholarship, not NIL deals and early exits to the pros.

The staff was polite and helpful and it was clear local basketball-loving families loved bringing their kids there.

Adding to the experience was the fact the price was perfect for a Division I program that has gone to the NCAA tournament before, doing so in 2000, 2002, and 2007.

Our courtside, first-row seats were $12 each, with $10 chairbacks and $8 general admission seats available as well.

This hardly broke the bank and it was further complemented by free parking nearby, which is always a benefit worth cherishing.

By comparison, a minor-league baseball game costs much more to attend than CCSU hoops.

If there was one drawback, it was concession and merchandise options were extremely limited, with a table of basic beverages and snacks available and CCSU merch relegated to a small, portable closet.

Still, the drawbacks added to the small-time charm of what a game at Detrick is really about ... basketball.

The music isn't loud and in your face, the behavior of fans and staff pleasant, and, most importantly, a game in New Britain doesn't require program donations and a second mortgage.

Plus the Blue Devil mascot was a hoot and, despite featuring a devilish face, this purveyor of CCSU pride was friendly, funny, and engaging to the children.

Yes, this was a great place to go and visit and if you're a local hoops fan looking for an inexpensive and enjoyable game to watch, CCSU is the place to go.

To purchase tickets for upcoming Central Connecticut State University men's basketball games, click on this link. CCSU women's games are free.

From Feb. 29: 'CT Hoops Havens: State College Basketball More Than Just UConn'

From Feb. 26: 'CT Hoops Havens: Best Yet To Come At Sacred Heart's Gym'

From Feb. 5: 'CT Hoops Havens: Yale's Gym A Hallowed Hall Of Basketball History'

From Feb. 6: 'CT Hoops Havens: Fairfield's New Arena Offers Fan-Friendly Perfection'

From Jan. 23: 'CT Hoops Havens: Quinnipiac's M&T Arena A Gem On The Hill'