Hey, UConn Nation, a global pandemic might have disrupted our plans for 2020-21, but you can still be a part of the action inside Gampel Pavilion as the UConn men's and women's basketball teams begin their inaugural season back home in the BIG EAST for a new beginning. Husky fans from around the world, the country and the state of Connecticut can still be a part of gameday this season.
Two primary initiatives as part of the Bleed Blue campaign presented by Lewis Real Estate Services will allow fans to be a part of this historic season --- fan cutouts and commemorative tickets to each of the BIG EAST home openers for men's and women's basketball. All proceeds of the campaign will go towards the Fight on Fund, established to support our student-athletes and coaches as they continue to navigate the uncertain road ahead.
There are several Bleed Blue options for fans to choose from, including a single fan cutout for $50 combination packages, as well as an option specifically for pets to be a part of Jonathan's Pack!
Orders submitted by November 23 are expected to be installed in time for men's basketball's BIG EAST opener against St. John's on December 11.
Fans who may not be interested in their own cutout but want to support the cause, can help "Send a Student to the Game", a student-based initiative to ensure that UConn students can still be involved this season. Fans can donate a fan cutout and BIG EAST commemorative tickets to a currently enrolled UConn student. UConn students can sign up at UConnHuskies.com, on a based-on availability (number of donations), first-come, first-served basis. For those students who prefer a guaranteed spot at the game, discounted student pricing is available for currently enrolled UConn students at UConnHuskies.com/students. Students must have their PeopleSoft ID to purchase.
2020-21 season ticket holders who converted 100% of their purchase (seat donation + tickets) will receive two (2) complimentary fan cutouts and BIG EAST commemorative tickets per account. Emails will be sent to those specific season ticket holders with instructions and a link to upload photos.
All fans who order a fan cutout with any package will receive a digital photo via email of their cutout in Gampel at the end of the season. Additionally, all fans can choose to either have their cutout shipped to them or pick it up in person with the dates, times and locations to be determined at a later date. The printed BIG EAST commemorative ticket for each of the men's and women's basketball home openers will be sent in the mail.
All fans who order a Bleed Blue package will also be entered to win a weekly drawing for prizes that include gift cards, apparel and other UConn Huskies items. Additionally, several contests and awards will be conducted throughout the season, such as "Fan Cutout of the Game", best-dressed, most spirited, or best pet.
There's no doubt that UConn Nation would have come out in full force this season, and we have little doubt that although different, Husky fans will still rise to the occasion and help provide one of the best homecourt advantages for our men's and women's basketball programs.
How to Participate in the Bleed Blue Campaign
Being a part of Bleed Blue is easy. Fans can use the visit the donation page for fan cutouts and BIG EAST commemorative tickets. Once you complete your transaction, you will receive an email confirming your donation to the Fight on Fund. Please note, current UConn students can only use the "UConn Students" link below to purchase.
Bleed Blue Campaign Options
Fan Cutout - $50
- Individual Fan Cutout (one person)
- Digital photo of cutout will be sent via email
Fan Cutout + BIG EAST Commemorative Ticket - $100
- Individual Fan Cutout (one person)
- Digital photo of cutout will be sent via email
- Physical commemorative ticket for each of the men's and women's basketball BIG EAST home openers sent via mail
Autographed Fan Cutout + BIG EAST Commemorative Ticket - $250
- Individual Fan Cutout (one person) that will be autographed by either Head Coach Dan Hurley or Head Coach Geno Auriemma and shipped at the end of the season
- Digital photo of cutout will be sent via email
- Physical commemorative ticket for each of the men's and women's basketball BIG EAST home openers sent via mail
Send a Student to the Game - $50
- Provide a fan cutout and commemorative ticket to a currently enrolled UConn student
- Digital photo of cutout will be sent via email to student
- Physical commemorative ticket for each of the men's and women's basketball BIG EAST home openers will be sent via mail to student
- Student will have the opportunity to pick up the cutout at the end of the season
Jonathan's Pack – Pet Cutout - $50
- Individual Pet Cutout (one pet)
- Digital photo of cutout will be sent via email
BIG EAST Commemorative Ticket - $25
- Physical commemorative ticket for each of the men's and women's basketball BIG EAST home openers sent via mail
Currently Enrolled UConn Student –
Fan Cutout + BIG EAST Commemorative Ticket - $15
How to Submit a Fan Cutout Photo
After you process your transaction, you will receive an email from UConn Athletics the next business day with instructions and a link to upload your photo. Have your photo handy when you click on the link and please be sure to use our guidelines and tips below to maximize your fan cutout!
Fan Cutout Photo Guidelines and Tips
Apparel:
- Wear UConn gear! UConn colors and jerseys are highly encouraged, but make sure you have a different color background than your shirt color otherwise they will blend together.
- No other NCAA team, professional team, or other team logos, marks or brands are allowed and will not be approved.
- Only one person (or pet) per photo, no group photos.
- If you wear a hat, make sure it's not too low or it will create a shadow on your face.
- If you wear glasses, tilt your head and avoid using a flash to avoid a glare.
Background:
- Choose a solid color background such as a wall, blanket or towel.
- Don't stand in front of a window or a door with windows.
Taking the Picture:
- We all love selfies but have someone else take your picture for your cutout, selfies will not work when cropped for the cutout.
- Smart phones will work, use the front camera to have someone else take it.
- Keep your arms low, anything wider than your shoulders will be cropped.
- Take the photo in vertical (portrait) format.
- Make sure the photo is not blurry or distorted, it will be printed the way it was submitted.
File:
- The photo should be 2MB or higher
Fan Cutout FAQ
- Can I choose my seat location for my cutout?
- No, fan cutouts will be placed randomly. Special requests to be placed next to someone not in your same order or in particular seat locations will not be accepted.
- Is my cutout for both men's and women's basketball?
- Yes, fan cutouts will be placed in Gampel Pavilion for both men's and women's basketball home games and will not be moved. There may be additional events in Gampel in which your cutout may remain, including UConn volleyball.
- Will my cutout be on TV?
- Seeing your cutout on any TV broadcast is not guaranteed, but we will place cutouts in high exposure areas based on volume and availability.
- Can I get my cutout at the end of the season?
- Yes, choose the "Ship at the end of the season" option for an additional $25 when purchasing your cutout, or fans will also have an opportunity to pick it up in person at the end of the season. Dates, times and locations will be determined at a later date.
- How do I submit my photo?
- After you complete your transaction on the donation website, a separate email will be sent to you within the next business day from marketing@uconn.edu. The email will include instructions and a link to submit your photo. Be sure to check your "Spam" or "Promotions" folders if you do not receive it in your Inbox.
- Will I receive a photo of my cutout?
- Yes, digital photos will be sent to the email address used in the transaction. Photos will be sent at the end of the season.
- Will you contact me after I submit my photo?
- We will only contact you if your photo is not approved.
- Can I change my mind on my photo if I already submitted it?
- No, the first approved photo submitted is final.
- Can I request a refund for my cutout?
- No, all fan cutouts are final including a delayed or canceled season, change in venue or damages to cutouts or lost cutouts.
- What is the deadline to order to be included in the BIG EAST home openers?
- To maximize the chance for your fan cutout to be installed by the first BIG EAST home opener on December 11, please submit your order by November 23 and submit your photo by November 24.
- If I miss the deadline, can I still order a fan cutout?
- Yes, fans can still order cutouts from any of the options. Prices are as listed. All orders will be placed inside Gampel 10 business days once ordered.
- What are the dimensions of the fan cutout?
- Approximately 32" (H) x 15" (W).
- What if the season gets delayed, canceled, or played elsewhere?
- All fan cutouts are final, and no refunds will be issued.
- What if I have a question?
- Please email marketing@uconn.edu
Fan Cutout Terms and Conditions:
- UConn Athletics reserves the right to reject any photo for any reason. If your photo is rejected, UConn Athletics will contact you for a new photo.
- No political statements, logos, slogans or other political content.
- No inappropriate or offensive photos including signs, symbols or otherwise.
- No commercial identification or advertising, including corporate or company logos, marks, names, and brands or any other commercial identifying affiliation of any kind, including on the apparel in the photo and in the background.
- No apparel, logos, marks, names or brands of any other NCAA, professional or other sports teams will be approved.
- No text including hashtags, social media handles or phone numbers.
- No names, images or likenesses of NCAA players.
- Only one person per photo.
