A New England University Ranked #1 For Sports Fans
We are two weeks into college football season, and already, it feels like fandom is at an all-time high. USA Today’s 10Best recently ranked the top 10 colleges for sports fans, and a school in New England ranked #1.
“For athletes and non-athletes alike, the college experience — with its mascots, marching bands, and longstanding traditions — often breeds lifelong loyalty in fans,” 10Best says.
Typically, colleges recognized in such a fashion are Division 1 schools with passionate sports draws. Their campus (or nearby) has its own massive stadium, and various sports programs bring in an extraordinary amount of revenue. Nowadays, with college athletes able to market themselves, star athletes are even more valuable to a college program.
Many schools that made 10Best’s ranking have key attributes in common. Their football programs draw fans from all over the country. In fact, it’s standard to see campers, RV’s, and tents out in their tailgating lots hours before the game starts. In addition, many of these schools have won a national championship within a major sporting program in the past ten years. Furthermore, they’ve sent countless athletes to the next level to play professionally.
In the states that do not have a professional team, major universities often get much attention and fandom. It’s a way of life.
UCONN Ranked #1
Coming off a thrilling 2023 NCAA Final Four championship in men’s basketball, the University of Connecticut is the New England school ranked #1 among colleges that are best for sports in America. In addition, the feature calls out the success of the women’s basketball program, saying, “The women’s basketball team at UConn has been one of the most successful teams in the nation, with 11 national championships.”
The UCONN football team takes on Georgia State this weekend. Their women’s soccer team will travel to New Haven to play Yale.
5 Of The Best Outlets For Surf Attire In New England
The waves are starting to cooperate here in New England, so now is the time to get outfitted in the raddest gear. Here, I will take you through five of the best outlets to get surf attire in Massachusetts.
Over the past ten years, the shores of Rhode Island and Massachusetts have become hotspots for catching some of the best waves on the Atlantic coast. In recognition of the region fully adopting surf culture, major retail brands have opened locations in the area over the past year. Pairing national chains with local small business household names has made the area an east coast surfing hotspot. Jack Johnson, a Hawaiian north shore native, and the heart and soul of modern acoustic surf music, headlined the 2022 Levitate Music and Arts Festival.
What Is Surf Attire?
The question is simple but the answer is complex. Obviously, the most crucial component to proper surf gear is a good surfboard. Many outlets allow you to rent, but once you are ready to take up the sport regularly, it’s imperative that you have the board that is right for you. The best friend of the surfboard is a wetsuit. Often these items can be purchased from the same location. Though you can order wetsuits on Amazon or other digital retail outlets, they all seem to fit differently. Trust me, a loose wetsuit where water gets in the neck is one of the more initiating feelings in the water. Other necessary surfboard accessories include wax and a leash.
Finally, no surfer is properly equipped without attire to show you are a surfer when you are out of the water. Some of the stores we will list sell clothing that is representative of surf culture. In fact, one particular outlet makes their clothing with the beach in mind. They use recycled garments and often lead philanthropic efforts to help make our oceans cleaner.
Whether you are looking for a new board to hang ten with during the summer of 2023, or for athletic wear to sport while surf training in the winters, these five outlets for surf attire in New England are open and ready for you to cruise right in.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.