The excitement surrounding March Madness has extended beyond the basketball courts and into the governors’ mansions, as Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker engage in a spirited, and delicious, wager over the Final Four matchup between the University of Connecticut Huskies and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. The friendly competition highlights the national attention focused on UConn, with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams vying for championships this weekend, and underscores the growing tradition of political bets tied to collegiate athletics.
Lamont is planning a whirlwind weekend to support both UConn teams. According to Rob Blanchard, the governor’s spokesperson, Lamont will first travel to Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday to attend the UConn women’s Final Four game against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. He then intends to return east Saturday night to Indianapolis, Indiana, in time for the UConn men’s game against the University of Illinois. “Fingers crossed where things go from there,” Blanchard said, noting that Lamont hopes to be present for both championship games should the teams advance. This ambitious travel schedule reflects the high stakes – and the pride – involved in supporting Connecticut’s basketball programs.
A Sweet Wager: Cheesecake vs. New Haven Pizza
The governor’s commitment extends to a playful social media exchange with Pritzker, initiated on Tuesday when the Illinois governor confidently predicted an Illini victory on X, formerly known as Twitter. Pritzker upped the ante, betting a slice of Eli’s Cheesecake, a Chicago institution, and smoked meat from 17th Street Barbecue, a western Illinois favorite, on the outcome.
Illinois is heading to the Final Four! 🏀
I’m betting @GovNedLamont a slice of Eli’s Cheesecake & some 17th Street BBQ on a win against UConn. Let’s go Illini! https://t.co/wJqJq9wJ9q— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) April 2, 2024
Lamont quickly responded, wagering a slice of classic New Haven-style pizza – a point of regional pride – on a UConn victory. He also cleverly added a nod to Connecticut’s manufacturing history, including PEZ candy in the bet, referencing the Austrian brand’s first American factory, established in Orange, Connecticut, in 1973. The exchange playfully avoided a direct comparison of Chicago deep-dish and New Haven’s apizza, but the culinary stakes are nonetheless high.
Lamont’s Bracket Bodes Well for Connecticut
Pritzker might be wise to take Lamont’s confidence seriously. The governor isn’t just a fan; he’s a remarkably accurate bracketologist. Lamont currently ranks in the top 0.1% of all entrants in ESPN’s Tournament Challenge, a popular bracket-prediction game. ESPN’s Tournament Challenge attracts millions of participants each year, making Lamont’s performance particularly impressive. He correctly predicted all four Final Four teams and accurately forecasted the entire Midwest region, where UConn triumphed.
Unsurprisingly, both Lamont’s men’s and women’s brackets predict national championships for the Huskies. Blanchard explained that the governor “had some great picks on his own and collaborated with staff on some tougher matchups,” demonstrating a thoughtful approach to his predictions.
UConn’s Dominance and Fan Travel
The success of both UConn basketball programs is driving significant travel as fans flock to support their teams. Legions of Connecticut residents are already en route to Indianapolis and Phoenix, creating a surge in demand for flights and accommodations. The UConn women’s team is seeking their 12th national championship, while the men’s team aims for their sixth. The women’s team, led by coach Geno Auriemma, faces a formidable opponent in South Carolina, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation. The men’s team, under coach Dan Hurley, will contend with Illinois and its star guard, Terrence Shannon Jr.
The economic impact of UConn’s success extends beyond travel. Local businesses in Connecticut are likely to spot increased activity as fans celebrate and prepare for the championship games. The national exposure also boosts the state’s profile and reinforces its reputation as a basketball powerhouse.
As the Final Four unfolds, the friendly rivalry between Lamont and Pritzker adds another layer of excitement to the already captivating tournament. The outcome will not only determine bragging rights between the two governors but also deliver a delicious reward to the winning state. The next step is clear: the games themselves, with the potential for championship appearances looming on the horizon.
Stay tuned to time.news for continuing coverage of the NCAA Final Four and the ongoing wager between Governors Lamont and Pritzker. Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.
