HARTFORD, Conn. -- In honor of the University of Connecticut men's and women's basketball teams, Gov. Jodi Rell has declared April 3 to 5 UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend.

Both teams are slated to play that weekend in the men's and women's national semifinals of the Final Four. If the teams win, they will play for the 2009 NCAA National Basketball Championship.

"March Madness has turned into April Madness in Connecticut," Rell said. "Although most of us will not be in Detroit or St. Louis to cheer on the Huskies, we can certainly do our part in showing our unwavering support for them right here in Connecticut. In addition to winning a national championship, UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend will go a long way in proving that the state of Connecticut really is the college basketball capital of the world in 2009."

She said the men's and women's spots in the Final Four means more than just basketball to Connecticut. She said it's an opportunity to say thanks to the players and coaches for bringing another exciting basketball season and helping many people take a timeout from the financial pressures of the tough economy.

To celebrate UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend, Rell has offered some ideas for fans to show their Husky pride:

Wear your favorite UConn gear -- or anything that is blue and white.

Pin a blue and white ribbon on your lapel or display a large ribbon on your home's front door or mailbox.

Display a sign in the window or front yard.

Fly a UConn flag outside your home.

Go to your local florist to get a blue and white flower arrangement for your home.

Urge businesses -- when and where appropriate -- to allow their employees to wear blue and white.

The governor's has also asked area businesses to participate in UConn Huskies Blue & White Weekend. For example, Aetna's Cupola, at its Farmington Avenue headquarters, Hartford 21 and the Travelers Tower will all display blue and white lights this weekend. She said banners will also be displayed outside the Gold Building in Hartford and the State Office Building on Capitol Avenue.

"I want the Huskies to know we support them, and I want them to hear us cheering all the way in Detroit and St. Louis," Rell said. "The UConn men's and women's basketball teams serve as a great source of inspiration for Connecticut residents. Brace yourself, Husky fans, for the possibility of watching UConn basketball make history once again by repeating their dual national championships of 2004. It is going to be a great Final Four weekend in Connecticut."

Rell said she plans to extend Blue & White Weekend through Tuesday if either or both teams make it to the championship.

The UConn men, led by Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun, will play the Michigan State Spartans in Detroit on April 4 at 6:07 p.m. on CBS. If they win, they will play for their third NCAA National Championship title on Monday night.

The undefeated UConn women, led by Hall of Fame Coach Geno Auriemma, will play the Stanford Cardinal in St. Louis on April 5 at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN. If they win, they will play for their sixth NCAA National Championship title on Tuesday night.