CT Hoops Havens: Fairfield's New Arena Offers Fan-Friendly Perfection

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. This is the fourth of an occasional series.

Sunday, Feb. 4: Fairfield University

FAIRFIELD, CT — The first thought that popped into my head when my daughter and I strolled into the Leo D. Mahoney Arena at Fairfield University on Sunday, Feb. 4, was, "Wow, this place sure is red."

And by red, I mean everything. The seats. The basketball floor. The signage. The banners. The logos and insignias. Even the attire of the arena staff. All red.

But once the eyes adjusted and my color equilibrium established, a second thought erupted in my college basketball-loving brain: "Wow, this place is stunning."

Jaw-droppingly stunning.

After we comfortably settled into watching the Fairfield University Stags dismantle Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foe Manhattan College, 77-68, we reflected on what was, arguably, a perfect fan experience.

Our Connecticut college basketball challenge this winter is nearly complete and there is no doubt our time in Fairfield was among the most memorable in a series of truly fun visits.

The game itself was enjoyable and action-packed. Close for much of the contest, Fairfield pulled away with a late rally and won easily over the Jaspers.

Yet what was most noteworthy about our experience was how, literally, flawless it was.

You name the things fans want to see when they go out to a game and Fairfield has it: good parking; a clean facility; friendly staff; affordable, tasty, and plentiful food offerings; comfortable seats; and a generally enjoyable atmosphere for any family and folks of any age.

Connecticut's newest college "Hoops Haven" opened in November 2022, allowing Fairfield to return to campus after years of playing home games in nearby Bridgeport's large, multi-use facility.

Since I didn't fund any of the $51 million to build it, I can easily say it was money well spent. But, then again, those who did pay up can probably say that as well.

Ticket prices cost a bit more than the other Division I programs in Connecticut not named UConn, but our $17 cheap seats ($20 including service fees) still provided us with great site lines to a great game.

They also were not difficult to get, but that might change once word gets out about how majestic this place truly is.

The ride to Mahoney was longer than my other journeys, only because I live in north central Connecticut and we were traveling to Fairfield County.

A white-knuckle traffic experience on the Merritt Parkway has me recommending that, when you go, just take Interstate 91 to Interstate 95 in New Haven, then just follow your GPS.

From there, the campus was easy to find and there was plenty of free parking close to the arena.

When we went in, we noticed just how fan-friendly this place was.

It had museum-like exhibits displaying the university's athletics history, a bright, modern Stag merchandise store, and plenty of concessions offerings.

In all, the arena — which seats 3,500 — has two levels and three well-stocked and staffed food and beverage stands.

The food offerings were comprised of typical arena fare such as burgers, hot dogs, wraps, and the litany of snacks you see at similar sites.

But all items were of the highest quality and, incredibly, affordable compared to similar concessions at other venues. We enjoyed a filling and delicious lunch and dessert before and during the game.

For those who drink, there is a wide array of fancy beers and adult beverages with French-sounding names. I don't drink, so that's the best I can do to describe them.

On this day, the attendance was nearly a sellout, 3,226, but it never felt uncomfortably crowded. Arena comfort was high.

That is attributed to open concourses that give you plenty of room to stroll around and still watch the game.

Many friends and alumni mixed and mingled above the seating areas before and during the game, which was an event as much as an athletics contest.

When the game ended, there were plenty of doors for a comfortable exit and the post-game traffic situation was a breeze.

One shame in all of this is the MAAC's conference tourney is in Atlantic City, N.J., and, unlike other mid-major Division I conference tournaments, the top-seeded team left doesn't host the title game.

I can't imagine what Mahoney would be like hosting a championship game with a birth to the Big Dance on the line.

What I can imagine is going back to a game again.

Our trip to Faifield was perfect. This was, truly, the 1972 Dolphins of Connecticut Hoops Havens, a Nadia Comaneci special.

And if you call yourself a college basketball fan rooting for any team in the state, you need to get down here for a game.

To purchase tickets for Fairfield University men's and women's basketball games, click on this link.

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

From Jan. 17: 'CT Hoops Havens: CCSU Is Definitely Worth A Visit'