Victory parade honoring UConn men’s basketball set for April 17

UConn men’s basketball superstar, junior guard Kemba Walker walks to the podium at a rally held at Gampel Pavilion, while toting the 2011 NCAA national championship trophy. Photo by Roxanne Pandolfi

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Wednesday that the Hartford Business Improvement District will host a victory parade and rally on Sunday, April 17, to celebrate the University of Connecticut Men’s Basketball Team for winning the National Championship Game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The victory parade will start at 3 p.m. on April 17.

It will begin and end at the State Capitol, and wind around Bushnell Park, Main Street and Capitol Avenue.

The parade will travel north on Trinity Street, take a right on Jewell Street, turn left on Gold Street, take a right on Main Street, and finally turn right onto Capitol Avenue before returning to the State Capitol.

A victory rally with the coaches and players will take place on the north steps of the Capitol building immediately following the parade.

Parade and rally organizers are relying on private funds to support both events.

“We’ve known for quite some time, but now the country knows, too – this is UConn Country,” Gov. Malloy said.

“On April 17, we will show our support by cheering on the team from the parade route, wearing our blue-and-white Huskies gear, and celebrating the 2011 men’s championship team with a victory celebration in Hartford,” he said.

He added, “I want to thank the Hartford Business Improvement District for again hosting this event, organizing its sponsors, and allowing Connecticut residents to once again celebrate another national championship team from our state.”

Posted April 7, 2011

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