Air travel for the defending champion UConn Huskies is somewhat limited during the NCAA Tournament.
The majority of the team’s games are in nearby neighborhoods, so they likely traveled by bus rather than by plane. However, this year’s Final Four will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
And on Wednesday, the university encountered turbulence even before the team boarded the plane.
UW coach Dan Hurley told CBS Sports that a mechanical issue with the plane was at least partially responsible for the flight delay. As of Wednesday evening, the remaining three teams in the Final Four had arrived in Arizona.
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Workers install a logo on the exterior of State Farm Stadium in preparation for the Final Four, which will be held April 6-8, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. (Michael Chou-Arizona Republic)
The NCAA coordinates travel arrangements for teams competing in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. The incoming flight from Kansas City, Missouri, which was scheduled to bring the Huskies to Arizona, encountered multiple problems upon arrival and was unable to depart on time.
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CBS Sports also reported that logistical issues caused the delay, including concerns about whether the flight crew would exceed FAA time limits.
UW head coach Dan Hurley yells a call during the second half of a game against Providence on March 9, 2024 in Providence, Rhode Island. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
As of 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, the airline was unable to assign a replacement crew member to the UConn flight to Arizona.
The Huskies may end up on a small jet, but the plane in Cincinnati is not scheduled to depart until 12:45 a.m. ET Thursday. Due to the late departure and small size of the plane, the flight will arrive at 5 a.m., or 2 a.m. local time, university officials said.
Donovan Clingan of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates with teammates after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament at TD Garden in Boston on March 30, 2024. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
UW players are scheduled to address the media Thursday afternoon.
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North Carolina State is scheduled to play Purdue on April 6 in the first game of the men’s Final Four. UW and Alabama will play the second game of the night at 8:49 p.m. ET.
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