Locked On UConn - Daily Podcast on University of Connecticut Huskies Football and Basketball

How Husky Ticket Project has transformed Gamedays

Episode Summary

Husky Ticket Project's Charitable Impact: Over 15,000 Kids Sent to UConn Games! Since its inception in 2017, the Husky Ticket Project has made a significant difference by providing underprivileged kids with the opportunity to attend UConn sports events. This initiative has grown remarkably, enriching the lives of thousands and fostering a love for sports within the community. Tune in to learn more about this inspiring project and its ongoing mission to bring joy and opportunity to young fans.

Episode Notes

Husky Ticket Project's Charitable Impact: Over 15,000 Kids Sent to UConn Games! Since its inception in 2017, the Husky Ticket Project has made a significant difference by providing underprivileged kids with the opportunity to attend UConn sports events.

This initiative has grown remarkably, enriching the lives of thousands and fostering a love for sports within the community. Tune in to learn more about this inspiring project and its ongoing mission to bring joy and opportunity to young fans.

 

0:00 Intro  

0:01 Husky Ticket Project's Mission and Inspiration  

1:54 Husky Ticket Project's Impact on UConn Community  

4:30 Generous Donations to UConn Athletics  

6:38 Community Building Through Events  

8:45 Supporting UConn Athletics through NIL  

10:22 UConn Football's Resurgence  

12:54 Tailgating Tradition and Community Bonding  

14:14 Evolving NIL Strategies at UConn  

16:25 From UConn Athlete to Sports Marketing  

17:56 Father-Son Bonding Over UConn Basketball  

19:30 The Bagel Agreement  

20:43 The Great Pizza Debate  

22:15 Nostalgia for Yankees' Glory Days  

24:18 Andrea Hurley's Community Impact  

26:42 Memorable UConn Sports Moments  

28:05 Community Engagement and Generosity  

 

Segment 1: Introduction and Overview of the Husky Ticket Project

 

The episode begins with Speaker A introducing the podcast, "Locked on UConn," and encouraging listeners to subscribe and support the show. The focus of the episode is on the Husky Ticket Project, with Kevin Solomon as the special guest. Kevin shares the origins of the project, which started in 2017 when he and his friends, noticing empty stadiums during UConn games, decided to raise funds to send kids to these events. The project quickly grew from raising $6,000 in its first year to $150,000, allowing thousands of children to attend games. The initiative not only fills seats but also inspires young fans, many from underserved communities, to aspire to attend college.

 

Segment 2: Impact and Future Initiatives

 

Kevin discusses the broader impact of the Husky Ticket Project, highlighting stories of children who have been inspired by attending UConn games. The project collaborates with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters to provide these opportunities. Speaker A expresses admiration for the project and pledges to donate a portion of the podcast's revenue to support it. Kevin appreciates the support and shares plans for future events, including collaborations with other organizations and community events to further engage fans and support UConn athletics.

 

Segment 3: Personal Connections and UConn Traditions

 

The conversation shifts to personal stories and traditions. Kevin, a UConn alum and former baseball player, shares his deep connection to the university, influenced by his father's legacy as a UConn football player. He describes his family's game day traditions, including early morning tailgates, and reflects on the significance of UConn's recent football successes. The segment also touches on Kevin's role with Bleeding Blue for Good and the strategic use of NIL in college sports. The discussion concludes with lighter topics, such as regional pizza preferences and Kevin's favorite UConn sports memories, emphasizing the personal and communal bonds formed through sports.