UConn Coach Hurley Blasts Fans for Lacking Energy at Home Games

Hurley calls for a "madhouse" atmosphere at Gampel Pavilion after win over Georgetown

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley was highly critical of his team's fans following a 79-75 win over Georgetown on Saturday, saying the home crowd at Gampel Pavilion needs to create a much louder and more energetic atmosphere for the Huskies. Hurley expressed frustration that the fans treat games as "a social event" rather than bringing the intensity he expects from the "basketball capital of the world."

Why it matters

UConn has been one of the most successful college basketball programs in recent years, winning two national championships in the last three seasons. Hurley believes the team needs a true home-court advantage to continue that success, but has been disappointed by the lack of energy from the fan base at times this season.

The details

Hurley called out the fans after Saturday's win, saying "it needs to be a madhouse" at Gampel Pavilion and that the fans "don't come to watch a game" but rather treat it like "a social event." He noted that UConn often struggles on the road due to hostile environments, but can't get the same energy from their home fans. Hurley said he's "given up" on trying to pump up the crowd himself, and has instead asked the players to try to get the fans more engaged.

  • UConn defeated Georgetown 79-75 on Saturday, February 16, 2026.
  • UConn hosts Creighton on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, who has led the Huskies to two national championships in the last three seasons.

UConn Huskies

The men's basketball team at the University of Connecticut, one of the most successful college basketball programs in recent years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You know it, you don't come to watch a game. It's not a social event, right? Like this is the basketball capital world. We need our fans to come to the game and be loud as s–t from the start it needs to be a madhouse.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies (New York Post)

“I try. I try to get the crowd [going]. You can criticize me all you want. I got some f–king equity. You know, I've got two national championships here in the last three years. So yeah, I'm not doing that anymore. I asked the players to try and do it.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies (New York Post)

What’s next

UConn hosts Creighton on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, giving the Huskies' fans another chance to prove Hurley wrong and create the energetic atmosphere he is demanding.

The takeaway

Hurley's frustration with the UConn fan base highlights the importance of home-court advantage in college basketball, especially for a program with the success and tradition of the Huskies. If UConn wants to continue its championship-level play, Hurley believes the fans need to do their part in creating a hostile environment for opposing teams at Gampel Pavilion.