The building, if all went well, could be operational by January 2003. Although it is widely assumed that some UConn men's and women's basketball games would be played in the new building, the school's athletic officials insist no one has broached the subject with them. Of course, we'd be interested.
Football is the only sure bet if a building materializes.
UConn is preparing for the possibility. Because the Big East invitation lapsed Dec. 31, UConn must petition the conference presidents to join its football conference. Big East Commissioner Mike Tranghese has indicated UConn would probably be admitted if a decision can be made soon. What happens next, even UConn athletic officials don't know. There would have been five home games in 1998 and six after that.