HARTFORD, Conn. -- The state of Connecticut and city of Hartford will host a downtown parade to honor the University of Connecticut's women's basketball team, fresh from its latest national championship.

The parade, slated for April 19 at 3 p.m., will be in the areas of Bushnell Park, Main Street and Capitol Avenue. It will start and end at the Capitol. A rally will be held on the Capitol's north steps after the parade, Gov. Jodi Rell's office announced.

Parade For UConn Women Slated For April 19

"Frankly, the people of Connecticut needed some good news and the undefeated women's team provided it," the governor said in a press release.

Additional information about the parade route, parking and parade participants and order will be announced soon.

But events like the parade mean money is needed for things like police overtime, crews to clean the streets and other necessities when thousands gather Downtown.

Officials said the last big parade in Hartford, held in 2004, cost about $100,000.

This year, the parade route has been shortened, officials said. The hope is to cut the cost at least in half, they said, with money being raised in donations from local businesses.

"We're looking for support from anybody, frankly -- companies, businesses, local, regional, statewide -- who is interested in helping us celebrate the national championship that was won by the UConn women's basketball team," said Michael Zaleski, of the Hartford Business Improvement District.

Those who donate will be recognized, organizers said, and those who give enough can even march.

The challenge now is to raise $50,000, in time to pay the bills.

"We've got a couple of days to raise a significant amount of money, but we're confident the support will be there," Zaleski said. "Frankly, it's been there in the past and, despite the economy and the challenges that both the city and the state have gone through, we're confident the business community will step up and help to support the parade."

One thing that officials said is set in stone is that the day will wrap up with the rally at the State Capitol.

For parade sponsorship opportunities, call Zaleski at 860-728-2274 or send him an e-mail.

The team capped its 39-0 season with its sixth NCAA title on April 7 with a victory over the Louisville Cardinals.