UConn basketball teams start countdown to 2022-23 season with First Night. Here’s what you need to know.

The annual introduction to the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams is back. The countdown to the 2022-23 season kicks off with First Night this Friday at Gampel Pavilion.

First Night will be a student-focused event for second straight year. A select number of tickets were available for season ticket holders. Other Husky fans can still catch the event live through an online stream and participate in a block party beforehand.

The women’s team opens the season against Northeastern on Nov. 10. This will be the public’s first look at the squad before a exhibition game against Kutztown on Nov. 6. The men are set to open their campaign with an exhibition against Stonehill College on Nov. 7.

Here’s what you need to know for First Night.

What to expect

Festivities for First Night kick off with a block party on Jim Calhoun Way outside of Gampel Pavilion. Open to both UConn students and the general public, there will be food trucks, carnival games, a photo booth, live DJ and more.

The official event inside Gampel will feature player introductions, a student half-court shot for $10,000, a three-point contest and a dunk contest with guest judges. There will be performances from cheer and drumline as well.

Student athletes will compete on teams led by Paige Bueckers (Blue team) and Andre Jackson Jr. (White team). The captains had a draft to pick their rosters earlier this week. Bueckers will be out this season with a torn ACL in her left knee and Jackson is also currently unavailable after undergoing surgery for a fractured pinky finger on his right hand, it was announced earlier this week.

Here’s a look at both teams:

Blue

Paige Bueckers

Inês Bettencourt

Joey Calcaterra

Amari DeBerry

Caroline Ducharme

Aubrey Griffin

Jordan Hawkins

Andrew Hurley

Andre Johnson Jr.

Tristen Newton

Ayanna Patterson

Apostolos Roumoglo

Adama Sanogo

Richie Springs

White

Andre Jackson Jr.

Nahiem Alleyne

Ice Brady

Donovan Clingan

Hassan Diarra

Aaliyah Edwards

Azzi Fudd

Yarin Hasson

Emmett Hendry

Samson Johnson

Dorka Juhász

Alex Karaban

Lou Lopez Sénéchal

Nika Mühl

How to watch

The event will stream live for free on Flo Sports. You can watch here.

Schedule of events

5 p.m.: Block party begins

6: Doors open

6:45: Entertainment begins

7: First Night officially starts