Watch parties held for UConn basketball games

(WFSB) - Basketball fans clamoring to be amongst like-minded individuals celebrated together at planned watch parties.

The UConn men’s basketball team took on Arkansas in Las Vegas at 7:15 p.m. Thursday night.

The UConn Alumni Foundation put out the call about parties planned across the state.

“It’s NCAA Tournament time! Come out to your local game watch bar and cheer on the Huskies with your fellow alumni and fans,” the foundation said. “Game watches will be held for each game as long as the Huskies advance in the tournament bracket.”

Kinsmen Brewing is one spot. It’s located at 409 Canal St. in Southington.

“It turns into almost like you’re at the stadium and you’re at home with a bunch of fans and the people that can’t make it out there. It’s nice because they have a spot close to come,” said Danny Taurinski, Kinsmen Brewing Shift Manager.

Parties were planned there for both Thursday night, and Saturday, if the Huskies advanced to the Elite 8.

Danny has been at Kinsmen’s since they signed the contract with the alumni foundation. He is a shift manager and says the money they make helps out the staff too.

“Ever since we signed it just keeps growing and growing,” Danny said.

“I think tonight will be our biggest turnout as we get further and further in the tournament,” said Kate Palinkos, Alumni Relations Coordinator. “We’ve had about 200 people come in just for UConn. For people who are further away from Connecticut and Storrs it reconnects them with people they’ve maybe lost touch with.”

But it’s not about the money for either group.

Alumni are happy to come and Kinsmen is happy to host, as long as UConn basketball keeps winning.

“It’s absolutely awesome. We love being able to make the relationship and meet a bunch of alumni. People we hear stories about, things we never would have heard. We hear about people going to the game and going to ref and telling people about us. We get to build so many relationships with so many people, it’s awesome,” Danny said.

Two Roads Brewing in Stratford also planned a watch party for the upcoming and potential upcoming games.

It is located on Stratford Avenue.

Channel 3 spoke with some fans about tonight’s game and the overall excitement of having the Huskies in March Madness.

“Our chances tonight I like them a lot, two top defenses together,” said Patrick Shea, UConn Senior. “Were all over it, Hurley’s got something to prove tonight for sure.”

“March is fun for any college basketball fan but we’re only 1 of 4 schools in the nation that has both teams in the sweet 16 and a shot at having both teams in the final four,” said Rachel Blustein, UConn Senior.

Ted’s Restaurant and Bar on campus was filled with husky pride to watch the UConn men’s basketball team advance in dominating fashion from tip off.

“Especially being a senior, and especially after everything that’s been going on with COVID, it’s nice to see campus environment back in full swing,” said Gabby Pattavina, UConn Senior.

“We’re actually playing well and everyone coming together as a school, it’s awesome to see I’m hyped I’m excited,” added Joe Granata, UConn Senior.

UConn alumni can register for the parties on the UConn Alumni Foundation website here.