Top Fall Sporting Events In Connecticut
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 249-6333
www.xlcenter.com
Date: Oct. 8, 2014
The state's two closest NBA teams head to Hartford's XL Center October 8 at 7:30 p.m. for one of their first preseason games. This year, Boston will be trying to add another title to its NBA-record 17, while New York, under new GM Phil Jackson, is hoping to win its first championship since Jackson was a player. Connecticut fans will get to watch all stars like the Celtics' Rajon Rondo and the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony as well as see how the rookies and new free agents mesh with the teams. Ticket prices range from $35 to $165.
Hartford Wolf Pack Home Opener
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 249-6333
www.xlcenter.com
Date: Oct. 18, 2014
The Hartford Wolf Pack, the American Hockey League affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Rangers, is ready for another exciting season. Last year the team finished third in the Northeast Division; this year it will attempt to top that and make the Calder Cup playoffs for the first time since 2012. Hockey is one of the best sports to watch live, so come on out to the XL Center on October 18 for the Wolf Pack's home opener and see the Rangers stars of the future.
UConn Football vs. Central Florida
Rentschler Field
615 Silver Lane
East Hartford, CT 06118
(860) 610-4700
www.rentschlerfield.com
Date: Nov. 1, 2014
The University of Connecticut football team returns to East Hartford's Rentschler Field for its fifteenth Division 1-A season this fall. First-year head coach Bob Diaco is hoping the team can improve on last year's 3-9 record (the wins were in the season's final three games). The team's biggest test will come during a home matchup with American Athletic Conference rival University of Central Florida on November 1. UCF returns a strong defense, so if UConn can prevail (and avenge a 62-17 blowout loss in Florida last year) it will be a victory to savor.
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UConn Hockey vs. Boston College
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 249-6333
www.xlcenter.com
Date: Nov. 5, 2014
When most people in the state think of UConn athletics, they understandably picture the men and women's basketball programs. But the school's hockey team has done well the past few seasons, finishing with a record of 18-14-4 in 2013-14. College hockey has gained an enthusiastic following, especially in the Northeast, and if you want to find out why, consider attending UConn's game against Boston College at the XL Center on November 5 at 7 p.m. You'll get to see one of the sport's top programs in BC, which frequently advances to the annual Frozen Four tournament, winning it in 2001, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Manchester Road Race
Main St.
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-5235
www.manchesterroadrace.com
Date: Nov. 27, 2014
A Thanksgiving Day tradition in Connecticut, the 78th annual Manchester Road Race will be held on November 27 at 10 a.m. The 4.75-mile race is now the third-largest in New England, and has attracted numerous elite marathon runners. However, anybody is free to register to run or walk in the event regardless of age, skill or experience, with a maximum of 15,000 participants allowed. As always, proceeds from the race will be distributed to local charities, and it will be broadcast live on Fox CT WVIT-TV.
Related: Top Indoor Sports Training Facilities In Connecticut
Joshua Palmes is a freelance writer covering all things Connecticut. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
