UConn Renames Gampel Pavilion to M&T Bank Center

The university signed a 20-year, $32.5 million naming rights deal for the arena in Storrs.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball

UConn Renames Gampel Pavilion to M&T Bank Center

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The University of Connecticut board of trustees has officially renamed Gampel Pavilion to M&T Bank Center at Gampel Pavilion. This follows a new $32.5 million, 20-year corporate partnership agreement between the university and M&T Bank.

Why it matters

The commercial partnership is designed to enhance brand recognition for both the university and the banking institution. It also provides the university with significant funding following the recent approval of $99.4 million in state bond money for arena renovations.

The naming rights agreement provides $32.5 million over 20 years for the 37-year-old venue. This arrives alongside $99.4 million in state bond funding approved last year for facility upgrades.

The players

University of Connecticut

This is a public research university based in Storrs, Connecticut, that competes as the Huskies in collegiate athletics.

M&T Bank

Headquartered in Buffalo, New York, this financial institution serves as the official bank of the University of Connecticut.

Harry Gampel

He was the original donor who provided $1 million toward the construction of the pavilion that opened 37 years ago.

The details

M&T Bank, which became the official bank of the University of Connecticut after acquiring People's United bank in 2022, will now see its brand featured on the arena. The venue remains the home court for UConn basketball teams, with the women hosting Iowa and the men hosting Wagner in early November.

M&T Bank acquired People's United bank in 2022.
State bond funding for renovations was approved in 2025.
The arena naming rights deal was published on October 21, 2026.
The UConn women's team hosts Iowa at the venue on November 8, 2026.
The UConn men's team hosts Wagner at the venue on November 9, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This deal follows a broader industry trend where major universities are increasingly monetizing campus infrastructure to secure long-term athletic department funding. It aligns with recent state-backed investment to keep historic venues competitive in the modern NIL and recruiting era.

Fans will see the new branding applied to the arena ahead of the home openers for both the women's and men's basketball programs in November. The $32.5 million injection supports ongoing operations at the facility during the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The rebranding of Gampel Pavilion signals a shift toward increased reliance on long-term corporate partnerships for university facilities. Students and fans should expect to see the new M&T Bank branding prominently displayed during all upcoming home basketball games.