UConn-UMass Football Rivalry Getting Double Shot Of Barstool Sports

MANCHESTER/EAST HARTFORD, CT — Barstool Sports will be bringing its traveling road show to both Manchester and East Hartford as UConn and UMass square off in a Friday night college football game.

The game is on tap for Friday at 7 p.m. at Pratt & Whitney stadium at Rentschler Field.

The Barstool College Football Show will host a pregame tailgate event on Thursday at Elicit Brewing Co. in Manchester ahead of Friday’s game.

The event, dubbed "Thursday Night Live," will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the brewery, 165 Adams St.

Barstool personalities will discuss college football and distribute merchandise, drink tickets and other giveaways. Attendees also will have a chance to win backstage access to the Barstool College Football Show on Friday.

Admission is free. The event is restricted to those 21 and older with valid identification.

Beginning at 5:30 Friday, the Barstool College Football Show will be at the stadium — between Gates C and D — for a pre-game event.

Barstool founder Dave Portnoy said on social media that the rivalry is worth visiting.

"Growing up Northeast ... UMass-Uconn ... They do not like each other. The are bitter rivals," he said. "It is a heated fan rivalry environment."

He also called out the respective fan bases.

"Don't embarrass me, UMass and UConn fans, by not showing up because we picked this game. We have all major games but we picked this game. We picked UMass and UConn because I did think it will be a cool thing."